Here are some thoughts on how we can take care of ourselves during this time of crisis.
Connect to earth and spirit. Pray, meditate, go for a walk in nature. If that doesn’t work for, find what does. Maybe that’s community or faith. But we should build a foundation from what sustains us. Staying centered in what nurtures our soul will remind us what’s important and keep us going when things are rough. (1)(6)(7)
We need to stay informed, but it’s ok to keep consumption to a manageable level and ignore some of the news. It’s ok to take breaks from the chaos and miss some things. The shock and awe is by design, but we shouldn’t let ourselves be overwhelmed. This is a marathon, not a sprint. If needed, we might limit how often we check the news or maybe just skim headlines and limit the number of articles we go deeper on. (2)
There are a lot of really smart people out there. If we’re not an expert in politics or activism or whatever else, we shouldn’t feel like we have to be. When we come across good advice from others, we can share it by reposting articles on bsky.app or substack.com or wherever our community is. (2)
We need to figure out what our niche is and worry about that. I’m definitely not an expert in politics or activism and yet I want to do my part to resist. My problem is I want to save the whole world all at once, but I don’t have the influence or the expertise to do it. No one does. However, there are some things I know like religion and spirituality. And I have skills with writing and computers. Those are areas I can do something with. We each need to figure out what we are called to do with our unique talents, skills and interests. What’s your niche? Of course, there is also stuff we can all do such as write and call our congressional representatives. (2)
Part of the reason we’ve gotten to where we are is that the President and his supporters have been very effective at gaslighting the nation. Don’t fall victim, like so many have, to lies and conspiracy theories whether they come from the President or other politicians, suspect news media, random people on the internet, or friends and family. They very much people want people so confused that they can’t tell truth from fiction. Keep focused on facts and using reliable sources of news. (2)
Unfortunately, people are going to suffer and even die as a result of the new administration’s policies. That’s sad and outrageous, but this might get really bad before it gets better. Everyone’s different, but for me, I think I am better prepared acknowledging that very real possibility. (2)
With all the evil there is to face it makes the beauty stand out even more. I see something wonderful in people rallying together and trying to figure out how to support each other and resist the new fascism. Not only the people in the news like Bishop Budde, but in friends, in people I know online, and people in the church. There are so many beautiful, wonderful souls to fight for and with. (2)
Resist but don’t be consumed. We should only do what we have the capacity to do and stay healthy. Get enough rest. Keep up hobbies, hanging with friends, and having fun. (2)(7)
Build a support system for mutual support so we can help sustain and nurture each other. Maybe this is a group of friends, or fellow advocates, or a faith group, or maybe some other kind of club. Civic engagement is critical for the health of our nation. Check out the documentary “Join or Die” with Harvard professor Robert Putnam. (4)(5)(7)
Helpful Articles:
- (1) On the need to stay centered: “Staying Healthy in Extended Crisis, Part 1” by Ken Arthur
- (2) “Staying Healthy in Extended Crisis, Part 2” by Ken Arthur
- (3) “Here’s How I’m Preparing for the Next Four Years” by Ryan Holiday
- (4) “Monday Memo” by Diana Butler Bass
- (5) “How Are You Preparing?” by Race Bannon
- (6) “Thoughts and Prayers” by Ken Arthur
- (7) “Who Do We Choose To Be In The Age of Collapse?” (PDF) from Convergence