As an introvert, it’s very easy for me to self isolate during COVID-19 since I’m somewhat of a feral cat. And for me, social distancing is vital because I have an autoimmune disease which makes me vulnerable to severe health complications. That being said, now is not the time to skimp on self-care. Circumstances around the coronavirus can make self-care difficult. The city is on lockdown, so my weekly acupuncture-and-reflexology sessions are canceled and stores are out of many essentials.
While the idea of self-care has been consistently debated by the media, as to whether or not that self-care is indulgent, too capitalist or, in actuality, necessary for survival, especially in times of emergency. So, now is the time to get creative with your self-care, because quality of life is ESSENTIAL for survival. For example, I got creative and made my own curl cream from shea butter and coconut oil to keep my “Jew-fro” curly and indulged in some Spanish wine.
Although DC is in a state of emergency, Rumi (a 13th-century Sufi mystic) once said, “The human shape is a ghost made of distraction and pain. Sometimes pure light, sometimes cruel, trying wildly to open, this image tightly kept within itself.”
Here are some feel-good songs to dance around to while you’re stuck at home to make sure that light shines bright and you are taking care of yourself!
Cover art for “The Secret of Mana” album
“I buy you champagne, but you love some Henny
From the block like you Jenny
I know you special, girl, ’cause I know too many”
“If only you knew you had the power in your heart, so if you want it let’s get it”
“But it’s like cranes in the sky
Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds
Yeah it’s like cranes in the sky
Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds”
“Don’t settle for less – even a genius asks-es questions. Be grateful for blessings. Don’t ever change, keep your essence”
“Dreams are hopeless aspirations / In hopes of coming true, believe in yourself / The rest is up to me and you. ”
“He touch the kinks and sinks into the sounds
She frequents the fattest joints caught underground
Our funk zooms like you hit the Mary Jane
They flock to booms man boogie had to change”
“Maybe together we can get somewhere
Anyplace is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we’ll make something
But me myself I got nothing to prove”
“I’m living my best life. It’s my birthday, at least that’s what I’m dressed like”
“Searching for the light because you’re living in the dark
You must realize that Jah was with you from the start”
“I’m so fly, I don’t even try
I get so high, I can touch the sky
Dress for myself, I don’t dress for hype
I dress for myself, you dress for the likes”
About the Author: Michele Amira is a nice Jewish girl, DC based journalist, spoken word artist, and vegan. When not writing, she might be found Israeli dancing, listening to hip-hop, and enjoying a l’chaim (toast) with her favorite drink – margaritas on the rocks.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog and on this website are solely those of the original authors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the organization GatherDC, the GatherDC staff, the GatherDC board, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
