I know I haven’t written anything here in some time. My only excuse is that I’ve been struggling with the onslaught of news about our political situation and the suffering in the world. To help myself, I’ve used everything I talked about in my two previous blogs and what others shared as well as what new things I’ve learned. They do help—but only for a short time. However, the barrage of terrible news is overwhelming, and it’s affecting me physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
A few weeks ago, I decided not to read any news from my emails. But the title of the email and the little bit I could read underneath was enough to set me on edge even if I just glanced at it. I was so tense I had to do something drastic. So, a week ago, I purged all my emails related to news of any kind. (I had accumulated a lot of emails.) Some I had read, but others were sitting there calling me to read. So, I unsubscribed from all except the two for which I had a paid subscription. I’m not even reading those. I deleted the rest. When I was done, I had over 400 fewer emails. I also asked people around me not to talk about the news with me.
I’ve always felt that I was a ‘world citizen’ and I should keep up with what was happening. But I realized it was hurting me. It was too much. So, I quit.
A few days ago, I did the same thing on Facebook and Next Door. All ads got deleted, any upsetting news got blocked.
It’s been about two weeks and occasionally I want to know what’s happening but for the most part I’m glad I took this respite.
Our practice encourages us to be with our experience but I couldn’t. It was too much. Our practice also urges us to know our limits and take care of ourselves, offering compassion to ourselves, as well as others in difficult situations.
A friend suggested I find ways to comfort myself so that’s what I’ve been doing. It helps that we’ve had warmer weather this week. I’m antsy to get back into my gardens. I‘m walking outside more. It was wonderful to feel the warmth of the wind instead of the biting cold we’ve been having. I even enjoyed just walking, feeling my body move through the motions of walking. Periodically, I stopped so I could tune into the sound of the wind, the rustling of the trees, to notice how the bare branches were moving in the wind. And of course, the birds. I have an app so I can record their sounds and it will tell me what bird I’m hearing. Warms my heart. This is part of what I’m doing to heal.
Taking action helps with feeling helpless, so I call my legislators almost weekly via Call5 and let them know how much I appreciate their work and what my views are on a particular issue. If I could find out in advance when the next Tesla protest will be at the local dealership, I’d attend. I write letters. I still support organizations and people who represent my values.
I also realize I’m not alone. Many people can identify with my experience. I’ve been thinking how we can support each other, create a stronger community, have fun together, invest in family, friends and neighbors. I’ve invited people in my sangha to join a card playing group. Small things like that can nurture us which we desperately need during this time.
I know I’ll return to the news sometime in the future, but not now. I’m trusting that others will stay informed. There are people and organizations who are well placed by virtue of knowledge and ability to address what’s going on more directly. I will continue to support them.
So, the big question is how do we keep our hearts open without being overwhelmed by the suffering in our own country, much less the world?
I would appreciate hearing from you. How are you doing? What is helpful for you? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I just received this from a friend. I hope it helps.
Instructions on Living in a Broken World
lean into community
seek out love
applaud the good you see
keep paying attention
talk to your neighbors
dance to the music and embrace art
look for love and small joys
take breaks and relish in nourishing your body
donate what you can
linger at the dinner table with friends
check in with your people
let yourself grieve
love one another as deeply as you can
the storm is upon us and we must hold on
don’t give up, we’re here together.
“Many of the churches and religious spaces are festooned with candles.” by Globalism Pictures is licensed under CC BY 2.0 
.
Thanks Erica, Hope this finds you feeling better.
I understand. These are difficult times for so many people. May people around the world awaken to our true humanity. There is only God.
So difficult to see that and to feel that at this time. Blessings to all the young people especially, as they are faced with an uncertain future. Though the truth is in this conditional realm there is always only change. Breath, feel, and turn to that which brings joy.
Love,
Suzan
PS: I have moved from Fos Run in Novi, to a quieter place. So that is helpful.
Thank you for your comments. Knowing that others feel similar to me helps me keep perspective. I’m not alone in how I feel, nor am I alone in how to address this skillfully.
Hi Erica,
It was wonderful reading your heartfelt thoughts & concerns.
Even though I live in Canada, I feel the same way! We are worried here, fearful and angry. People aren’t travelling to the US. We buy products that are made anywhere but in the US. The enormous tariffs will hit us on Apr. 2 They will hurt us and Americans too.
But my heart is with you there. It’s a challenging time. I don’t sleep well, because my monkey mind races with so many thoughts & feelings. Our American friends are important to us, yet many here say they don’t like Americans! Folks I know were in FLA, & were told in a restaurant they weren’t welcome – they were Canadians. It hurts so much. I too look for ways to lift the gloom, meet friends, never talk politics ( we are in the midst of an election here !) I think of you often.
Keep up your caring soul, your beautiful spirit, & try to hold on to hope. Meditate! Listen to lovely music! Pray! Laugh with loved ones ! Yes, don’t turn on the news.
Sending love & light! Your travelling friend, Dianne
I’m so sorry your friends have encountered such rude people. To deny people food is heartless. I hope they know that many people here want Canadians to continue to be friends.
I understand and share your feelings. I’m angry, scared, frustrated, you name it.
It’s been about a month since I cut off news from my internet feed, and I’ve learned a lot, and surprisingly, I get enough news from the one site I read daily, and I guess I absorb it from the air.
Instead of reading the news, I now spend the time in meditation, reading about meditation, and taking classes/webinars on Buddhism, meditation, and gardening. Much better.
Take care, my friend.
P.S. I love that you’re my traveling friend. Maybe sometime we’ll do some traveling together again.