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Hello friends, strangers, lovers, and relatives! Welcome back to Practice Practice.
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We hope this letter finds you safe and warm. Here at Practice Practice, we have been crying a lot (there are just so many things to cry about!). Crying is creative! When you cry, you create space to experience your joy and heartbreak. Crying with others creates space to hold and support each other. Let us cry together!
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When you feel overwhelmed by things you can't change, turn your attention to what (or who) is right next to you. Look to your own community. In times of cascading crises, everything comes down to your connection with the people beside you. Whether you know them or not.
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"We All Live Together" (work in progress) by Dylan Cale Jones.
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From 2015-2021 we lived in Humboldt Park, Chicago--a busy, diverse neighborhood with many people, many opinions, and regular conflicts.
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Our neighborhood could be dangerous, so knowing our neighbors, even casually, created safety. When we walked to work, or to the bodega, we would say hello to everyone who crossed our path. Most people responded in-kind! This lead to friendly, respectful relationships with people we could count on during emergencies.
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Community Care:
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Here are a few small ways to build and maintain your community:
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- Reach out to 2 friends this week. Check on them and show them some love.
- Say hello and start a casual conversation with someone you don't really know.
- When someone asks how you're doing, answer honestly. Even if you don't know them well.
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Detail from "We All Live Together" (w.i.p)
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Community resources:
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Support undocumented community members:
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We love you, and we will be back in two weeks.
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Until then, keep practicing!
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Isa holds up a drawing of our friend, Ben.
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