In my continuing quest for calm and equanimity in the face of our political situation in the US, I have some ideas. You’re welcome to try them out and let me know how it works for you. If you have any additional ideas, please add them in the comments section. I think we need to support each other in the coming years. At least I need support to stay balanced. Share this blog with others who are also struggling for calm.
Watch for signs of fight/flight/freeze, common signs of panic. Being aware when these feelings arise helps me. Then I can acknowledge how difficult it is to live in this divisive environment and that I’m not alone. I can take some time to examine those feelings and the sources of them. Am I sure that my worst fears are going to come true?
I can surround myself with people who choose kindness, and find joy in spite of difficult times.
I can set limits on people who are rude or say provocative things. This includes sources of news. I’m finding sources that are reporting much less that the ‘sky is falling’. People who are giving me accurate information. I want to stay up on the news, but I have to set limits on how much time I invest in doing that. It’s easy to think that the more I know, the better prepared I’ll be. It’s too easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged for our future.
Instead, invest in your meditation. Join groups to meditate together, not to talk about politics but to strengthen your meditation practice.
Don’t forget your usual ways of taking care of yourself—eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and noticing those things for which we can be grateful.
Thank you Erica and Merry Christmas. I whole-heartedly agree with the news fast…it has brought me great moments of peace and calm. Daily gratitude lists will always be a great gift I give myself each day of the year. Learning to see true Beauty and feel authentic Love is a most wholesome endeavor and I don’t have to “escape” to someday isles to find it. May you and your beloveds be especially blessed during this abundant time of year.
One of the hardest things in life is to understand that other people do not think like me. It’s part of the illusion of being the center of the universe. At the same time, we are not not the center of the universe. We are all at the center. So let’s try to refrain from despair and see any messages coming our way and be at peace.
Erica, I really enjoyed this piece. I was happy to read what you have found to support equanimty and calm in the midst of the storm. From a Reflective Meditation viewpoint, I so appreciate that you practice “what you preach” and are open to suggestions from others. Thank you for sharing from the wisdom of your experience.