Barry Boyce, founder of Mindful, reflects on the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and his gratitude for those who remember, especially in trying circumstances, what matters most.
Something I’ve always loved about Thanksgiving is that we mostly give thanks for people (and some good food) and not for “things.” Even with all the commercialism present that marks the official start of the holiday season, this short break focuses on what matters most.
Apparently this four-day weekend for the growing crowd involves some retail hysteria these days, but for many families I talk to, there are still days that focus on the most basic fundamentals of values. My favorite Thanksgiving was two years ago when I found myself alone with my mother in my nursing home. In the traditional sense, maybe none of us are thankful for them. His circumstances declined, the food could hardly be described as palatable, and other family members were in distant places with their Thanksgivings.
And yet, we were Grateful. Thanks for the company, and just for breathing air together. We took a long ride through the countryside and my mother opened up and talked about her mortality in a way she hadn’t before. That too was a grateful moment. We can be thankful for the times when we can open up with someone else about fears and thoughts that we should not traditionally express. Shortly after the following Thanksgiving, my mother died. I am ever grateful for the frankness of the conversation with him this past Thanksgiving
This year, I’m particularly inspired by the example of clothing designer Eileen Fisher and her company’s response to Hurricane Sandy’s predictions. Fisher, who started his business in Tribeca in 1984, made a quality move in 1992 to life in Irvington’s beautiful, untouched bedroom community. Known for being a values-conscious retailer and employer (and a mindful meditator), he treated his people well by all accounts, and that made his focus on environmental values very clear. Its sprawling riverfront headquarters includes a second-floor space for yoga and whatnot and a ground-floor space where a meditation group has been gathering during off-hours for a few years.
Sandy Hut, Fisher’s headquarters, was filled with water in some places as high as two file cabinet drawers on Monday morning, its facilities manager said. The New York Times. The large plate-glass window of its nearby retail store and community gathering space was shattered by the storm. A stunningly beautiful red sofa floated freely and transported itself to another part of the store. Mud was everywhere in the headquarters and store alike. The company’s New Jersey warehouse was closed, as was the Manhattan Design Center, electricity was out, gas shortages hampered transportation, and shipments were frozen.
Twelve dumpster loads and eight mobile storage units were damaged due to $1.5 million worth of equipment. And yet Ms. Fisher told Times“It was just stuff.”
His composure and equanimity are impressive, from his staff, who are mobilizing on all fronts, not to mention ensuring that not only can the cleanup begin and the engine of commerce get moving again, but also that employees can be paid and that interest-free loans or advances can be offered if cash is needed during the crisis. In order to have some desks, they occupied a meeting space where they carpooled to save on gas. Even though everything is away from work weeks after weeks of storms, Eileen Fisher is back in business.
As written by Stephanie Clifford Times“There was an almost out-of-body indifference on the part of the executives for the sentiment of shirts in the sewers and stained rolls of fabric for the reward of reopening a devastated business.” This is a great description of flexibility. We may say it’s just a business, but businesses put food on the table and make life for communities. And when a business has a human face, even in a crisis, it’s worth being grateful for.
