Trying to Stay Grounded and Centered during the Pandemic

In response to how many of us have been thrust into isolation in face of COVID-19, I am sharing my experience of working mostly from home in hopes that this resource may help stabilize this challenging time so that you can continue to do your amazing work of uplifting broader communities, while still taking good care of yourselves in the process. We are as strong as the weakest link in our ecosystem. This applies to our larger communities as well as each individual’s physical, mental and emotional health. If we can maintain a collective calm in this difficult time, we will be better equipped to support our communities while reverberating with inner strength and resilience.

These pages focus mostly on organizing time and space as I hear many people struggling with finding a comfortable flow these days. Our routines and sense of normalcy have been disrupted (and will be forever changed), which has led to reduced capacity to make sound decisions as anxiety, worry, fear and real life-threatening illnesses cloud our spheres. While some are experiencing income loss, others have become Zoom Zombies with no break from an increased workload (ie. transitioning to online teaching, conferences, etc) and nonstop screen time. Many have increased labor as caretakers with dwindling personal time. Others have thrown themselves into relief efforts and are quietly exhausting themselves. 

Putting out fires amidst these changing times has made our sense of time become abstract as we are caught within a 24-hour loop in the same domestic environment. The shape of time is no longer recognizable. While I don’t have all the answers (I am not a parent nor am I caring for an elder), I hope these pages will help steer you towards recovering a sense of groundedness and feeling centered. I also acknowledge that I am writing from the privileged perspective of someone working remotely in the company of a supportive and caring partner. Please take what is useful for your unique situation!

In solidarity and with compassion,

Beatrice Glow

April 6, 2020

Queens, New York 

If you are in the position to give and found Dear Artists #WFH helpful, please consider donating to support my work during these difficult times. Like many freelancers and artists, I am dealing with canceled/postponed gigs and income loss. Any support is appreciated!

• $5.50 Pays for our family of 2 to take that 1st subway ride once quarantine ends

• $10.00 Helps pay for our internet, electricity and phone bills so we can stay connected

• $20.00 Feeds two working artists juggling creative practice with 4 combined part-time jobs

• $50.00 Supports our rent bill that hasn't been canceled