That is a beautiful post.
One strategy that helps me when my feelings are churning is to focus my attention on my body and how those feelings are there. And just to name and allow the feeling and to be with it. This helps me pull out of the narrative the feelings spin within my mind--and believing that narrative just escalates everything and makes me more likely to do and say things I regret (especially when my child's behavior is the emotional trigger).
I love the notion of hope as action, and that's exactly what I'm doing with my upset. Stacey Abrams started an organization to work toward fair elections: https://fairfight.com/fair-fight-2020/ . Other places to invest energy for those inclined would be your regional democratic organization, groups like the league of women voters, etc. Any energy you can put toward the goal of defeating the orange goblin & his cronies is worthwhile, and encourage others to do whatever little thing they can. I believe wholeheartedly that the current admin is working against the will of the American people and if we stand up, we can move things in the direction we want.
As someone who survived and escaped mental,emotional and physical abuse some days you need to narrow your focus to just what task is in front of you and as you focus on that..daydream then visualize how you want it to be... to hang in there..moment to moment..step by step..taking what steps you can each day...so that when the moment arrives... you are ready to act. You can acknowledge the pain but don't let it be the only thing you see...breathe through it ..keep stepping...be ready. Take time to note the blessings of the little things to feed your Hope and give you strength. I take the time to see the things happening...I focus on the things I can do..and I prepare to act in accordance with my choices when the opportunity presents itself. I see the small things and take Joy in them. Seeing someone in need of help and giving it when I am able. Voting every chance I get.Encouraging everyone I know to do the same. I come here to share my hope and give and get support in my visions for us. Deuteronomy 31:6-8 "Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.." Big hugs and much love to each soul here ..let us take comfort from and support each other and draw strength from each other. See where we want to be and envision all "Voting Blue no matter who" and seeing the Blue Wave sweep across the nation.
You express a process I can and will fully embrace right here, right now..step by step, day by day as we move forward toward a new creation.
Some days the energy feels dark and dense. The negativity can feel overwhelming. Yet, my heart recognizes that I am loved and calls me to love all of creation. And so I move to that place, that sacred space where the veil is so thin I find myself extending my hand outward giving a gentle little push. I smile, my heart is at peace..it’s right there, just one gentle, loving push away.
Thank you for your post. My heart will carry it into the Forrest on my walk this morning.
I wasn't sure where to post this. @jeanne-mayell, please feel free to move this to a more appropriate thread.
To those in our community who live in red, T* country: I want to express how much I admire your strength, faith, hope and resilience. I live in a blue, somewhat progressive area of Virginia, right outside of DC. Even though I am keenly aware of the 40% who will always support T, I don’t have to deal with his supporters on a daily basis. I am retired, so perhaps if I were still working I might hear more opposing views – I really couldn’t say. Except for the guy up our street, it’s rare to see a T* yard sign around here. In fact, it’s so rare that when I visited my local pharmacy and saw they were selling the red T**** hats and mugs, it really shocked, offended and rankled me.
I’ve become increasingly aware of how, in some respects, I’ve been living in this blue bubble. It’s easy for someone like me to offer the “all will be well, just have faith” reassurances. But if I were living in the heart of T country and continually tested, would I still feel so peaceful? So confident that all will be well? I’ve had the luxury of not having to listen to the ugly, nonsensical T talking points, or seeing the T bumper stickers and signs. If I did, I might very well be coming to this site more often, asking for your assistance in talking me down off that ledge.
I do still believe that all will be well. I believe that in the core of my being. Perhaps living where I live offers me a certain detachment and some breathing room. And with that detachment I can feel the deeper rumblings of positive change coming our way. It’s hard for me to say.
But for those lightworkers who live in T country – you are a special breed of human spirits. In the midst of the darkness, your glimmers of light are steadfast. You are spirits of light who courageously do whatever you can to penetrate those lies, that darkness around you. Sometimes it’s activism, or acts of kindness and compassion, or just remaining grounded and speaking your truth. However you navigate living your life in T country, thank you for the noble and holy work that you do.
I appreciate your post Deetoo. Currently Arizona is considered a purple state and in play for the election which is fantastic. I live in an area that is surrounded by many die hard" trumpeters". I am hopeful that McSally will be voted out as I really dislike her. Debbie Lesko is my current Rep ( she reminds me of the character of Rosanne Connor but with political power and corrupt to the core). I have lived for 25 years in Arizona with only representation for my area of extremist republican reps in Congress which has been disheartening.
The state at least is purple right now so I have some hope for the future of the state. We do need to change the legislature though and in a big way. They are the Swampiest of swamp creatures who create a putrid stench with the caldron of toxic slime bills and laws they keep creating.
I a rooting for Mark Kelly to become our next senator.
I read this Op Ed piece in NYT today from Tom Friedman and I have to say that my husband and I dreamed this up together while watching the debate last night and over the past few weeks. I agree with this approach. Now someone has to organize the dems into one room together and propose this to them:
Dems, You Can Defeat Trump in a Landslide
You can promise voters something our narrow-minded president won’t.
I'm not saying this is entirely perfect, but the gist of it resonates with me. On the point of losing those senators in states we need, I would say the ones who come from liberal states they could still run as Senators and let the governor fill the spot if/when they take a cabinet position.
@triciact, I totally agree with Friedman. I've been concerned by the Dem race for weeks now, and couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me. As I watched yesterday's debate, I thought to myself, these candidates need to unify together and speak directly, almost like one entity, to beating T. I understand that right now they're competing and want to distinguish themselves from one another. And I also understand that to even think you're qualified to run for president means you have a very healthy, and in some cases, overinflated ego. But this is not a normal election, and sometimes they're acting like it is. Except for some remarks by Amy, I haven't hear any of them during the debates speak much about the critical danger of T being reelected. If they each had been taking more time onstage to address the specifics of that danger, that sense of unity could have begun by now.
And about yesterday's debate: I am very perplexed by Warren's continued attack on Bloomberg. She may be 100% right about the female employee who said Bloomberg told her to have an abortion, and that is despicable. But I think Elizabeth wasted precious time going after someone who doesn't have any delegates and most likely will not win. She is always such an intelligent, measured, thoughtful, and brilliant speaker and debater, that it saddened me to see her persist in this way. I think Warren allowed her personal experiences as a working mother and her deep contempt for Bloomberg to control her thinking and judgment.
I think Warren just wanted to make sure she drove the last stake through that particular vampire's heart, AND put the last nail in the coffin, too.
And he is a vampire - a moderate Republican billionaire posing as a viable alternative. Pretty vampirish.
@lovendures, I've heard Lesko speak a few times -- what a piece of work (to put it kindly). Isn't she also the only female member of the Freedom Tuchus? (That's what my husband calls them.) Eight years ago my sister-in-law and her husband moved from Maryland to Prescott. They love living there and have made some good friends, but have been discouraged by the legislation and political climate.
I love Mark Kelly.