Encouraging Connection

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If your family is like mine, because we are young and overall healthy, our concern about becoming infected with the actual disease is much less than our concern about neighbors and our beloved 89-year-old Grandma Cella who hold a much higher danger. Our family has talked openly about the changes we need to make so that we can help protect those more likely to be ill. 

And, from the mouths of babes, our kids’ questions revealed other important concerns. One of our children asked if their dad would still be paid while not working for the next three weeks. We are so fortunate that he will – and we were able to explain that this is not true for all families. 

One big concern for many adults centers on the economy. As a local small business owner, I feel this. Hard. I’m asking you to thoughtfully, prayerfully, mindfully consider how you can become an ally to neighbors, friends and your community at large while navigating these challenges. Here’s a few suggestions and I’d love to hear back if you have more. 

  1. Consider purchases as investments in a business’ future existence. I’m asking you for generosity: by continuing your memberships, this ship can stay afloat. I will of course honor any request for changes, but I am asking that you give it consideration. 
     
  2. Spend your money locally where you can. If you’re doing a project over break, buy your lumber from Rall’s or Pfiefer’s. Get your groceries from A&A instead of Walmart. These smaller businesses rely heavily on cash flow to pay their employees – they just don’t have the safety net that the big corporate structures have. Everyone will take a loss for the next few months, but can we agree that Walmart can afford to do so a little more? 
     
  3. If you’re fearful of things like eating out at the moment, support local food service by purchasing gift cards and then enjoy it later. Don Tomasso’s is offering no-touch delivery, Shotzy’s has carry out, and you can get a Los Arco’s taco to go (but unfortunately, not a margarita.) 
     
  4. I’m seeing an outpouring of offers to help assist local families with food and childcare in this time. If you know of any local organizations “directing traffic” in this regard, please let me know – I’d love to give the Woven Yoga voice as a megaphone.  

The practice of yoga is about finding a sense of steadiness and ease. Strength and flexibility. Making space for joy and hardship to co-exist. Now is our chance to practice in our life what we’ve found on our mat. Together.