This post was originally shared in our email newsletter on November 8th, 2024.
Have you ever wanted to see our studio? Submitting a photo message of appreciation might just send you on a trip to the Hudson Valley!
As long as it follows the rules of the game, all valid entries receive a $10 store credit. For one community-picked appreciator, we have an absolutely epic prize, developed in partnership with Walden Mutual. Scroll down for a mouth-watering overview. We also have candle prizes for many finalists!
🖊️🤗 Submit an appreciation here 🤗🖊️
Deadline: November 10
On a more serious note, I want to share with you a message that I sent internally to my team on Wednesday:
What Nonviolent Communication and my childhood hero Nelson Mandela have taught me is that I have a choice in how I channel those feelings.
I can turn those emotions into fear, let them turn into animus for 'others', and let people or institutions that seek power hold me in their psychological grip. With social media it's never been easier to fall deeper and deeper into this kind of doom loop.
Or I can channel those emotions towards doing something that moves things slightly toward the direction I wish them to go. It could just be doing what I am already doing, or doing it with renewed vigor; or it could be doing something new that these feelings call me to take on.
Taking up action reactively or immediately is not the point. Rather it's about remembering that I have control over my actions and how I navigate the world and information around me.
In order to exert that kind of self-control, we also need to feel good in our minds and bodies. As a wise person once said, "It’s hard to fight the system when you’re not feeling well."
If you are carrying heavy feelings, I encourage you this week to take an extra step to take care of yourself in the ways you know benefit you, whether that's an extra exercise routine, a healthy meal, a longer sleep. If I can assist in any way let me know.
Jon Stewart last night described how the media, every cycle, amplifies, exaggerates and distorts information in the immediate aftermath of elections to amp up our feelings of outrage and fear (because they keep our eyes on the screen, and advertiser dollars in their pockets). He advised against following media analysis for at least a week.
He shared words of wisdom that I appreciated: " This is not the end. "
At Keap, we'll carry on making candles, and seeking more ways to foster our purpose of connection—to the natural world, our loved ones and our own spirits.
Numerous studies have found that expressing gratitude to others can have positive effects on our emotional health as well as on interpersonal and romantic relationships. When we are feeling down, it can be the hardest time to share appreciation—but it’s also when appreciation’s healing power is greatest.
I invite you to join us and take this opportunity to reflect on someone who did something meaningful for you, and in the process experience a moment of mutual affection with your nominee. Since appreciation begets appreciation, your spontaneous decision to appreciate someone will resonate further than you think.
Once again, appreciations can be submitted until Sunday 11.59pm EST here. Feel free to share this call for appreciations with your friends!
With gratitude,
— Harry from Keap, Steward-Owner
If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy our not-quite-weekly free newsletter where we share our lessons on our journey toward our regenerative vision, product launches, and behind-the-scenes happenings.
We left social media in 2021 because we found its current mechanics didn’t align with our purpose to facilitate connection to the natural world, our loved ones, and our own spirits. Since then, our newsletter has become a vibrant place for healthy conversation around topics ranging from alternative business ownership models to happy hour cocktail recipes.
*****
What our readers say about it:
“It’s very thoughtful and not sales-y like all other marketing newsletters.”
“I like reading how a business is trying to be as progressive as possible in a capitalist system.”
“I normally delete emails from businesses but with the Keap newsletter I was actually interested in reading through! Made me feel that you guys really care about us and the work you do."
