How are we doing? Really? Let’s take a deep breath together. . .Inhale for the count of 6 and exhale for the count of 6. Let’s do a quick body scan before we begin. What feels good in our body? What feels tense in our body? What are we doing to process our feelings?
I am sharing my virtual survival toolkit today to help us navigate our new normal. Below you will find - digital therapy resources, virtual museum tours, personal learning tools, and how I harness creativity during times like this. There are financial relief funds for artists and creatives along with trusted sites on how to continue to navigate social distancing and the corona virus. We are all in this together and I am sending love and health to you. Xx
Personal Growth
To Be Magnetic
Dive into the concept of manifestation through workshops, a podcast, and insights from founder Lacy Phillips to get clarity and, ultimately, get out of your own way. TBM is even offering a free resource kit designed specifically for these strange times.
Digital Therapy Resources
If you are wanting to dive deeper into traditional outlets for mental health while we are social distancing, you can still connect with a professional virtually. If you have health insurance, start there, as it may have a portal to connect you to in-network options. Alternatively, you can go straight to the source with platforms like Betterhelp and Talkspace. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association is a great place to start, with information on seeking out online therapy and dealing with the mental and emotional side effects of social distancing.
Cultural Growth
If you need to get out of the house. . .without actually leaving your abode, cultural institutions have harnessed digital tools to make their art, talents, and natural wonders available to all. Stoke your curiosity and ignite some inspiration with these:
The Met Opera is sharing performances available for streaming nightly at 7:30 p.m EST. Check the full schedule here to see some of the art form’s greatest performers and performances from the last decade.
Google Arts and Culture partnered with some of the top museums around the world to bring famous galleries to your living room. Get inspired with a quick virtual trip to The Met, or travel across the globe to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
Google Arts and Culture didn’t stop there. If you need to get outside (beyond your cul-de-sac), they’ve made some of the nation’s most beloved national parks into a virtually explorable experience. Explore one of the darkest night skies in America or one of the South’s own tropical treasures.
Creative Growth
Let’s talk about harnessing creativity during hard times. This is more important than ever; creativity connects us (even when we can’t in-person!) and dials up the light in the world, something we could use more of right now. (And it’s what The New Southern community is all about!)
The good news - we are all creative – it’s in our blueprint, it’s our birthright, and can be unlocked at any time. We have to learn however, to connect to our own creativity. To do so, we first have to show up every day, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Showing up for creativity is as easy as going for a walk, listening to music, or hopping in the shower or tub – anything that gets you outside of your own head and allows for a stream-of-consciousness to flow. Here are a few strategies:
Get into your most relaxed state.
When we are calm, we don't feel pressure, stress, or anxiety. This is when we are most receptive to our creativity and innovation. Whether I’m editing, writing, ideating, or whatever it is, I find it’s simply about getting out of my own way. So, if I’m stressed, I may need to go for a walk, play with the dog, fold the clothes, read a chapter in a book, or just get outside. There are so many tricks for us to get out of our own head or our own way. Maybe it takes the form of meditation, yoga, gardening, listening to music by inspiring women (i.e., Lady Gaga!!), cooking, or painting. You don’t even have to be good at those things–it’s simply about showing up and slowing down.
Be in receiving mode.
Learn to welcome the little ideas that land on your shoulder and say, “Hey, you many want to pay attention to me!” Start a journal of dreams and ideas–including the worst, most boring and mundane ideas. Get in the practice of documenting everything, and you may start to see the light shine through the cracks.
Learn something new.
Maybe it’s learning how to edit videos, immersing yourself in a new language, diving into philosophy, queueing up a new Masterclass (see below!), or simply picking up a fresh book. Whatever learning looks like to you, embrace it. It doesn’t have to be related to the medium or outlet your creativity typically takes–it just needs to get you engaged.
Inspirational Growth
Masterclass
Whether you want to learn more about photography or poker strategy, business leadership or basketball, space exploration or story telling, this is the place. It’s an upfront investment, but a robust resource for growth. You can even learn about conservation from Jane Goodall herself.
TED and TEDx
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and the slogan explains it all: “Ideas worth spreading”. Much like The New Southern, TED is all about connecting over creative ideas and forward progress. TEDx in particular hits home with my passion for community building, as it’s a grassroots effort to bring communities together through the sharing of ideas and experience. Explore TEDx talks from around the world here.
Conscious Growth
Lalah Delia
The author of “Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power”, Lalah Delia teaches others her hard-won lessons on rising above your circumstances, living intentionally, self-actualization and ultimately, how to “journey back home to their empowered, higher-potential, and whole selves.” Start with a podcast interview, a blog post, or read the book!
Panache Desai
Spiritual leader and author Panache Desai has created a package of tools specifically for this crisis to help readers cope, including a free, daily guided meditation. His mission, aside from bringing peace in challenging times, is to help others find and then live their purpose. Get a taste via his blog here, or dive in with his book, You Are Enough.
The Goop Lab
Not one to shy away from curiosity, Gwyneth and her team volunteer as guinea pigs in this six-part Netflix series exploring the world of alternative healing. The show explores everything from medicinal mushrooms to mediumship, giving viewers an insider look at mystical topics and if anything, modeling the power of a curious spirit.
SELECT RESOURCES
FINANCIAL AID – For freelancers and creatives
FREELANCE CO-OP
Freelance Co-Op exists to connect freelancers with tools and resources for success. During uncertain and unprecedented times like these, that means an emergency relief fund that individuals can both contribute to and request temporary assistance from. Learn more here.
ALLIANCE OF ARTIST COMMUNITIES
The Alliance is offering support for artists by connecting them with their network of residency programs around the country. They have also aggregated a collection of other programs artists can turn to for emergency relief and grants. See it here.
CREATIVE CAPITAL
Creative Capital has created a list of resources for emergency relief funding and assistance for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals. You can also add to it here.
THE HAVEN FOUNDATION
Founded by Stephen King, this foundation offers financial assistance to U.S.-based freelancers in times of crisis. Learn more here.
ARTIST RELIEF TREE
This Facebook Group by artists for artists is collecting donations from individuals with the means to help. Funds collected are used to support artists, particularly freelance artists, as “the arts help make life worth living, and help us lead more thoughtful, compassionate, enjoyable lives.” Donate, learn more, and request aid here.
