Even as Indiana and other states are reopening, I’m still mostly staying at home. Maybe for a good while yet. It’s so hard to say when it will feel comfortable to be out and about. In talking with clients and friends, I have heard a lot of the same. Extended work from home. Canceled or postponed events and trips. Keeping circles small.
Like many, I can’t help but think about all the things I miss about being with others. Coworking in coffee shops. In-person creative sessions with clients. Seeing live music. Community events. Volunteering. The common thread: I miss being creative with other people.
While live music and coffee shop hangouts may not make sense for some time, I realized I can still do some of those things, like volunteering and showing up for community, and finding creative outlets while I’m at it. It just looks a little bit different now than it might have a few months ago.
Showing up for community from the comfort of home:
Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been finding my digital interactions to be much more meaningful. The technology isn’t any different, but my approach has changed. I’m putting more intention into it, and further, I need it more to fill the void of all of those things I miss.
Some of the ways I’m finding community right now:
I have attended several Creative Mornings Virtual Field Trips, mini-lessons delivered via Zoom on everything from breathwork for runners to using doodling as a form of therapy. I’m learning new things while in the midst of creative people from all over the world. A CM Zoom is really one of the few times I’d say definitely DO read the comments in the chat.
This Friday, I’m signed up for a local CM Indy panel talk about Nature, and this makes me happy too—to know I will recognize some of the names and faces while soaking up insights on one of my favorite topics. Bonus: these Creative Mornings lessons and talks are free for all.
As a knitter, I’ve found a couple of ways to indulge in a favorite hobby while being part of something bigger than myself. I’ll soon be casting on to contribute to Harrison Center’s Flower Power: A Knit Graffiti Project (check out the package they sent here) and I’ve already finished a hat for the 2021 All-Star Game initiative, Nothing but Knit:
Knitting is a fun form of skills-based volunteering, but you don’t need to be a crafter to get in on that action. One good option is zooniverse.org, where you can help transcribe anti-slavery documents for the Boston Public Library or engage in a whole slew of projects for citizen scientists. Or, there are places like Taproot Foundation for pro bono work related to your core skills.
One final thought. Pretty much every nonprofit I’m connected with is navigating new challenges and funding shortfalls, so it’s actually a pretty good time to lend a hand. Pick an organization you’d like to support, drop them a note, and you never know what kind of opportunities might turn up.