In this tumultuous time, I am reminded of this poem in a book called Earth Prayers:
We who have lost our sense and our senses - our touch, our smell, our vision of who we are; we who frantically force and press all things, without rest for body or spirit, hurting our earth and injuring ourselves: we call a halt.
We want to rest. We need to rest to allow the earth to rest. We need to reflect and to rediscover the mystery that lives in us, that is the ground of every unique expression of life, the source of the fascination that calls all things to communion.
We declare a Sabbath, a space of quiet: for simply being and letting be; for recovering the great, forgotten truths; for learning how to live again.
~ U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program
As events are cancelled, schools closed, travel discouraged, and work stopped short, perhaps we can use this moment as a time for rest. A time to be quiet, slow down. There will be real pain for anyone stricken by illness or dependent on that next uncertain paycheck to make the rent. May we use this moment of pause to reflect on how we can all become more resilient in the face of disruption, how we can come together as a country to ensure everyone has secure housing, food, and health care.
My generation of Americans has lived through a time of unprecedented calm and prosperity. No world war or civil war, no draft or internment, no bubonic plague or Spanish flu, no huge crisis to test our fortitude. After 9/11, we were told to go shopping. COVID-19 is asking us to halt, a directive antithetical to our American values. But perhaps there is a useful lesson for us here, an antidote to our "busy" lives.
For now, WORK is open - disinfecting surfaces, replacing handshakes with Vulcan greetings, and activating the UV C light on our HEPA air filters. But we will be taking a break from our standard Friday class schedule. Study Hall and Coffee Social will continue, but our Crash Courses and Climate Chats will be on hold for a bit. Instead, we can use that time to reflect on all that we already know and discover those elusive revelations that only appear when there is space.
Live long and prosper,
Natasha
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Petaluma's Climate Action Commission Meeting TONIGHT!
Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 PM
at City Hall - 11 English Street, Petaluma
First up, after public comment, will be a special presentation on Sea Level Rise by Commissioner Kendall Webster. You won't want to miss this information. The water is rising and the "river" is really a tidal slough, so we will be affected.
See the full agenda here.
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Fri 3/13/20 - STUDY HALL (2nd & 4th Fridays)
1:30-2:15 PM - Make a Plan
2:15-5:00 PM - Get it Done
This drop-in accountability club will give you the clarity and motivation you need to move forward in 2020. It's simple, it's informal, and it works! Natasha will listen to your goals and help keep the momentum going
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Join Natasha at the REFER LOCAL Lunchtime Gathering
Friday, March 13th from 12-1:30pm
Mary's Pizza Shack at 359 E. Washington St, Petaluma
Build relationships over lunch and conversation. No cost to attend - just buy your own lunch.
Since we don't have a class at WORK this Friday, join Natasha at this event instead! All businesses have a chance to introduce themselves and network. There will also be an update from GO LOCAL, and a featured member spotlight. Come as Natasha's guest and see how GO LOCAL works to create a strong local economy and vibrant community in Sonoma County!
Please RSVP to info@golocal.coop so they can best plan seating.
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WORK Resources
- coWORKer Directory: Looking for local professionals or just curious who goes to WORK? Check out our ever-growing Members Directory.
- Coffee Social: Want to meet a variety of professionals and engage in a fascinating conversation? Join us for Coffee Social Tuesdays at 10 AM.
- Social Media: For links to recommendations that come up during Coffee Social and other insider tidbits, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
- Special thanks to coWORKer Linda Jay, who edits my newsletters and blogs. As she likes to say, "There is no excuse for sloppy copy!" Want some help with your writing? Check out Linda's profile.
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We look forward to seeing you at WORK!
Natasha, Matt, Julia, Kendra, & Jackie
Do you have friends or colleagues who would benefit from a fabulous place to work or meet? As always, please send 'em our way or pass them a link to our website!
707-721-6540
frontdesk@workpetaluma.com or admin@workpetaluma.com
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