Mandi L., 47. Musician, Dancer, Artist + owner of pilatesmandi: Integrative Fitness
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY
Mandi L., sheltering in place in Brooklyn, NY
Aside from your creative work do you have any additional source of income:
Fortunately, I’ve been able to reinvent my fitness + healing offerings, virtually via zoom. I’ve been teaching private sessions and leading group fitness classes in Pilates, personal training and chakra-balancing meditations. I’ve also been incorporating Distance Reiki into the classes for added support. The quarantine accelerated my exploration of virtual platforms for business expansion.
Who do you live with and how do you feel about that:
I live with my husband, Jason and cattle dog, Wildfire. Being all together is what we prefer.
How are you spending your time:
In the Quarantine it’s been a combination of taking care of business, helping each other out and creating space for chillin’, exercise, creativity, tacos and cocktail hour. Some memorable moments so far: I’ve been writing a new song called, She’s an Oracle. I’ve also been trying to make my own memes which are pretty absurd. One evening I dressed up like Keith Richards-we were trying to recreate this photo we saw of him and thought it would be funny and then Jason made a life-size painting of a cat and is using it to fuck with dog. And this is the magic because I’m usually way more serious than this most of the time.
How is the pandemic impacting you:
I know of a few people who are sick and recovering. Overall, the sadness, anxiety and anger comes in waves. As an empath I think about others often and have to be careful in protecting my energy. Working out, reiki, meditation, creative time and the shenanigans I mentioned above, help me stay balanced.
What do you want to accomplish personally and/or professionally during this time?
I’m doing my part by taking things very seriously, being responsible and taking care of myself. I am also trying to help others in the way that I do. Other than that I am trying to stay present and grateful.
What kind of world do you want to see on the other side of this?
A kinder, safer one with more personal responsibility and respect for nature and one another.
How can people find you and support you and your work?
Thanks for asking! My band, Champale Gold released an EP at the start of the quarantine called, Hell’s Hauntings and Heaven’s Hopes that you can hear on Spotify, Apple Music and on our bandcamp page!
www.champalegold.bandcamp.com
And for Fitness + healing check out pilatesmandi: Integrative Fitness
www.pilatesmandi.com