Monday 30th March – Day Seven
Good morning everyone, how was your weekend?
I know this lockdown is awful for everyone (not sure if it is day 10 or day 13), but is there anything GOOD or POSITIVE that you can take from it, so far? For me there have been some advantages.
I have lost weight! I have done a 30 minute workout for the last six days, and I do feel physically better! I have not drunk any alcohol for ten days (I am a social drinker, and have liked drinking at home or on my own). My kitchen cupboards are spotless, and I have an empty laundry basket. I have also finished two of my Open University assignments!
These days, we must be grateful for the little things. What positive aspects can you take from this period of self-isolation? The friend that you reconnected with? The hobby that you have restarted? The book you have read (or want to write). Please let me know, I would love to hear from you.
What can I share with you today?
HEALTH – Marcos, our yoga tutor, has scheduled a zoom meeting for tomorrow at 11am, for anyone who wants to follow his meditation session. If you would like to join in, here is the link:
Please note that the room will be closed to join from 11:05. Marcos will mute every participant till the end of the meeting, they will be able to hear him with the instructions, but questions only by the ‘chat’. At the end of the meditation, not much longer than 15 minutes, Marco will then unmute people, so we can share experiences and ask questions. Please join us, it would be great to have as many of you as possible.
Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus, can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times. Here are some tips we hope will help you, your friends and your family to look after your mental health at a time when there is much discussion of potential threats to our physical health. Here is the link from the mental health foundation:
A reminder that that ‘Silverfit at home’ has now gone online. Their plan is to release new videos at 10am every day to follow along. All content will remain on the channel for you to do in your own time. About Silverfit Charity: They are a charity led by older people for older people; promoting happier, healthier ageing through physical activity, having fun & making friends along the way! Here is the link to their channel:
FOOD / SHOPPING – From Dominic: The usual range of shops were open yesterday other than Gelateronia ……. two more noted – an off-license (more a wine store) at the top end of Drury Lane, for delivery only, and a takeaway/delivery Korean restaurant.
From Phil: The Coop on the Strand opposite Charing Cross has now closed down
From Chris: A 10-Day Meal Plan for Every Pantry! From today, Epicurious is launching “Cooking Through it”, a set of 10 recipes that can be riffed on to fit whatever you have in the house. Cooking Through It is a guide to cooking with what you have, and inspiration for people who don’t know what to cook next (and don’t want another bowl of beans). But it’s also a community you can cook with. Here is the link for more information:
Please remember that there is support from energy companies during the Coronavirus outbreak. The UK’s energy suppliers are offering extra support during the outbreak of COVID-19 – find out how your supplier can help you if you’re affected.
ARTS & CULTURE – Thank you to Steve, who shared the following link; Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty: a beginner’s guide in pictures. Discover Tchaikovsky’s famous ‘Sleeping Beauty‘ with the Classic FM guide to the world of this magical ballet.
Thank you to Enrica, who shared the stunning performance of AGAO’s Opera Choir “Premier Ensemble” in Café Iruña of Pamplona, Spain. Celebration of the “European Opera Days 2010”. It really is rousing!
Lastly I would like to share another heart-warming recital by Janet, as she shares with us Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18: Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Please find her recording here.
OK, that’s it from me, I will be back this evening. If you need someone to talk too, Amber is on duty until 3:30pm her number is 044 7715 580216. Dragon Hall’s Blog is now up and running, please visit for more information
Thank you so much for everyone who has ‘checked in’ with me. Currently 150 members have done so, if you have not responded yet, please email me and reply ‘received’
Stay safe
John