Human Care = Self-Care

If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s how interconnected we are. When you care for yourself, you are more available to help others (and there sure are plenty of opportunities for that right now). It is our intention to support a full circle of care. 

Recently the Marshall Fire tore through our backyard in Colorado, destroying 1,084 homes and causing half a billion dollars in residential damage. We’re donating products from Pangea and our sibling brand, Alpine Provisions, to Metro Caring to help support those who have lost everything. This Denver-based non-profit meets people's immediate food and personal care needs in Denver and surrounding areas, such as Superior and Louisville, which were highly impacted by the fire. 

If you want to participate in efforts to support those most affected by the Marshall Fire, here are some additional resources you might consider:

• This article offers resources for both those affected and those wanting to help, including needs lists, places to donate, and where those who require it can get housing, food, and mental health support. 
• Donate to American Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999, or call
  1-800-HELP-NOW. You can also visit their donation page. 
• Coloradans who can offer shelter to displaced residents can sign up online to host through the Airbnb Open Homes Program, according to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management.
• Donate to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley Emergency Safety Net Fund here.

 Supporting our own health and nervous systems through challenging times (even if we’re not directly impacted) is important for feeling resourced enough to help others. Here are some of the things we’re keeping in mind through this crisis:

• Allow time to feel — It’s tempting to become so busy and distracted that we avoid feeling the grief, anger, and sadness that come with a traumatic event. Getting good mental health support when you need it is as important as exercise and proper nutrition. If you don’t know where to start, ask a trusted friend or doctor for a referral. Your local hospice will likely also have referrals for trusted grief support. If therapy isn’t your thing, you could begin with the book The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise by Martin Prechtel.
• Food, rest, and good company — Unless your basic needs are met, any other form of self-care will be ineffective. The acronym HALT reminds us that if we are feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, we’re likely to make poor choices when it comes to our own well-being and self- care. Don’t forget to spend time with people you love, get plenty of sleep, and eat well (and regularly).
• Let yourself enjoy life — Even amidst difficulty, there are things to celebrate. Simple pleasures are everywhere if we are willing to recognize them. Delightful scents, beautiful sunsets, the smile of a stranger, and the comfort of getting into a freshly-made bed can turn it all around in an instant and remind us of the inherent goodness of life.

Cheers to your health and happiness in all ways. For more than 20 years, we have been committed to supporting Human Care though our products. We begin by sourcing the best ingredients from the most ethical farmers around the globe. The places and people who make our products possible are invaluable to us, and so are you! 

image credit: Elaine Casap