LIFE
SELF-CARE, SOCIAL MEDIA & MEDITATION EMBRACING STAYING AT HOME WORDS BY KELSEY COCHRAN & M.K. KOSZYCKI By now, we know the precautions to slow the spread of Covid-19 have taken a toll on social lives, work habits, daily routines and mental health – and the virus remains an unsolved threat. As the world adjusts to its current state of affairs, the phrase “new normal” is getting thrown around quite a bit. But what is the “new normal” and how do you adapt to it? That depends, largely, on who you ask. For some, the new normal includes more time spent talking to family and friends, while others are throwing themselves into art projects or meditating and connecting with themselves on a deeper level. We spoke with four Washingtonians on a group Zoom call: Sense Salon and Gallery’s owner Erin Derosa, chiropractor and integrative life coach Dr. Darrien Jamar, event and wedding planner Andrew Roby, and photographer Farrah Skeiky, also the 42 | MAY 2020
creative/culture director of The LINE Hotel. It was clear to these District Fray writers post-interview that to get through and thrive in our new normal, our lives will have to involve a lot of self-care and (virtual) human connection. Seeking Self-Care. Long before social distancing became a way of life, the idea of cultivating self-care practices was tossed around friend groups, social media and even in places of employment. But what does that really mean? Vague platitudes often conjure images of expensive retreats, products and carefully curated Instagram feeds showing followers just how balanced one actually is. But now that some of those things are out as options, and we’re all spending much more time with ourselves, self-care looks different to everyone. Dr. Darrien Jamar and Talyah Amoona. Photo by Lucas Goss.
