During these uncertain times a 540Monthly Membership ensures that 540WMain is able to create multi-media content, virtual classes, and educational programming rooted in and taught from a social justice and anti-racism perspective. If you love 540WMain consider becoming a 540Monthly member for a little as $3/month.
Dear Community,
It’s been awhile since I’ve written a Wednesday Word post and needless to say the world looks drastically different today than it did the last time I wrote to you. We are all living amidst an unprecedented global pandemic, many of us practicing “physical” distancing, working from home, and subscribing to completely new and different ways of being. All of of us are vacillating every day (sometime multiple times per day) between a dichotomy of emotions that include waves of sadness, hope, anger, grief, frustration, hopelessness, confusion and so much more. Many of us are tired, overwhelmed, uncertain, and have limited or no income coming in. Added to all this, the inequity that is being highlighted during this pandemic is at times too much to bear.
Prior to this time, I performed about eighty percent of my secular work online. For me this meant that the initial transition to a 100% virtual work life was for the most part seamless. 540WMain’s physical doors closed overnight like many other non-essential businesses but the work that we carry out is busier than ever. I’ve been teaching online classes, coordinating virtual instruction with our community educators, face-timing, Zooming, meeting via Google and virtually connecting in so many more ways that I ever thought possible. However these connections now transcend secular work and now are part of my social, spiritual and personal routines. Like you- virtual connections are a lifeline for my sanity right now but the increase in screen-time is also immensely draining. This constant wave of digital media practically overnight has been challenging to manage and like so many of you I’ve struggled with finding balance.
I wish I had all the answers but like you so I am trying to figure out most of this in real time. I will admit it has been messy and my emotions have ebbed and flowed despite my best attempts to be positive 24/7. My biggest lesson learned during this last few weeks is to extend grace to myself. It is ok to be sad. It is ok to feel tired. It is ok to take more breaks than I would like. All of it is ok for me and it is ok for you too. So extend grace to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself first and the rest will follow.
Sending you love, light, and healing
Calvin
About Calvin Eaton
(he/his/him) Calvin Eaton is a community educator, content creator, and social entrepreneur, whose area of expertise includes antiracism education, instructional design, and program development. In 2016 Mr. Eaton founded 540WMain a non-profit online and community-based organization for accessible education and events that promote justice for all.
Throughout the month of June, 540WMain will celebrate 4 years of community enrichment. In just four years the organization has become a pillar in the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood and a convener and curator of important and vital community conversations, classes, and programs. Your financial support helps us scale up this work in 2020 and beyond with a year long fundraising goal of $40,000
540WMain, Inc. 
And the same back to you, Calvin. Be well.
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