The New York City Ballet, like many performance-based companies, had to cancel their spring performances. But they had already shot some footage for promotional purposes, and as they watched it back, this piece resonated with them deeply.

It resonates with me too.

Please enjoy this rendition of This Bitter Earth, and thank you to Dr. Alexis Halpern for sending it.

Mary Oliver has reminded me many times that life goes on. I have re-read and re-re-read so much of her work over the last few weeks. Here is one I think that everyone will like.

Captain Robert A. Newson, a retired Navy Seal, who served almost 30 years with exemplary service at many levels, spoke with the front line healthcare workers in the ED to provide insight and inspiration. His words about bravery and holding one another up made me think of this passage from Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.

One of my telemedicine patients said she "just wanted somebody to know I'm alive and in my apartment."

Sound dramatic?

Maybe a few weeks ago. Now, I think she is just voicing a sense of isolation that many people are also feeling. So... enjoy this serenade by Ben Platt, singing You Will Be Found.

My favorite line: "you are not alone."

Thanks to Dr. Shari Platt for sending this!

This father daughter duo is perfect for Doctor’s Day. They wish all of the best to healthcare workers, singing Celine Dion’s lyrics: “Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way, guide us with your grace, to a place where we’ll be safe.” We all wish safety for one another, and our friends and families.

Thank you to Drs. Renu Mital and Lucy Willis for sending this beautiful video, that also highlights a parent and child sharing a special bond during these times of social isolation.

The Rotterdam Philharmonic hasn't been able to meet in person, so they performed Beethoven's 9th from their own homes. There is something so amazing about seeing their living spaces, and watching their facial expressions as each person plays his or her part.

On a historical note, the premiere of this symphony in 1824 involved the largest orchestra ever assembled by Beethoven, requiring musicians from a local orchestra, a local music society, and multiple local amateurs. The sheer volume of people and sheet music involved probably posed enormous challenges, however, the symphony was received with five rounds of standing ovations and hats in the air-- a story that is richly metaphoric for the efforts we are all making today.

Thanks to Dr. Lucy Willis for sending this along!

CoVid affects our ability to taste, smell, and touch. It is an anti-sensory disease. So... welcome to Sensory Saturdays! Each Saturday, I'll send pieces that are packed with sensory and (appropriately) sensual images.

Tonight's piece, "From Blossoms," is by Chinese American poet Li-Young Lee. Lee, whose parents came to the USA as political refugees, has been the distinguished recipient of the Whiting Award, the William Carlos Williams Award, and a Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. I want to elevate his voice first because his poetry is beautiful in its own right, and also to echo the admonishment against the current rise in hate speech.

No further ado.

Take a look at the attached clip of Lin Manuel Miranda performing "Dear Theodosia" from his living room in Washington Heights. It's 2.5 minutes of total greatness.

Many of us have been worried about our parents or other loved ones.  This poem is an ode to the poet's father, but you can also relate it to your spouse, your patient, or anyone you are hoping will stay safe and healthy tonight.

Every day, we move further off the beaten path. Algorithms are written, adapted, and updated in days; roles and shifts and entire hospital units are fluid. We make the road as we go. The Spanish poet Antonio Machado put this so beautifully when he wrote the poem "Traveler, There is No Road."

These high school students will take your breath away with their tenacity. They were scheduled to sing at a choral festival May 18th, but the festival was cancelled. So they each recorded their own part from home. It took 36 hours to splice the 19 voices together, but the result is gorgeous. Once again, prepare for goosebumps.

Today didn't feel like springtime-- not even close! But one of my favorite poets wrote a gorgeous piece about spring, and the sheer sensory pleasures that can make a person feel hopeful. Enjoy this poem by American poet Ross Gay. I promise it will give you goosebumps.

When was the last time you laughed a big, belly laugh?? Dark humor doesn't count. Think about something that was truly hilarious. Betty A. Stanley highly recommends it. Please enjoy this meditation of his, sent to us by Dr Renu Mital.

Is anybody going stir crazy? Alvin Ailey has cancelled their U.S. tour, and the dancers are feeling the need to move around! Here they are performing an excerpt from "Revelations," each dancer from his or her own home. Brief and completely lovely.

Today's piece was sent to us by Dr. Alexis Halpern.  It's Yo-Yo Ma, serenading healthcare workers from what looks like his living room!