We’ve begun the fifth week filled with chaos, confusion, and fear, and I’m at a loss for words. Until now my primary coping strategy has been to try to understand the “why” behind what’s happening and then explain it in a rational way. But these days that’s not working.
So, I’ve had to create a new daily rhythm and routine. To help me stay grounded I find that I need to include these basic practices every day:
Paying Attention
After a few months of just wanting to curl up in a ball and hide, I’m once again keeping up with the news – but on a limited basis. No doomscrolling, no clicking every hour to see what’s been updated. Just checking in enough to be aware of the what’s happening.
And because so much is so disturbing, I’m paying closer attention to my inner dialog, and the emotional reactions that have prompted it. I’m following Rumi’s advice (from his poem “The Guest House”) and welcoming every emotion that comes – the fear, the grief, the moments of joy – all of it. Then, as he suggests I try to “treat each as a guide from beyond.” For example, sadness might be a signal to get outside and appreciate the beauty around me. Anger might be a prompt to find a way to engage in the democratic process.
Engaging
The app “Five Calls” has been helpful as I sort out exactly what issues I believe matter most and how I can address them. It supplies not only a list of current issues but also contact information for elected leaders and even scripts to help articulate my concerns. Directly expressing my views to those whose job it is to act on their constituents’ behalf, I can direct my time and attention to supporting organizations that I care about.
Staying connected
A month or so ago I watched the Netflix documentary “Join or Die,” based largely on the research of Robert Putnam (of “Bowling Alone” fame). Over the years he has discovered the emotional and mental health benefits of being part of a group – whether family, friends, community. The film helped reinforce my conviction that being connected to others is a basic human need. In these divisive times, I find myself not only seeking out like-minded people but trying to find common ground with people with whom I have disagreements.
Exercising
I’m beyond grateful for the group I walk with several days each week, and for the opportunity to join others in the gentle practice of Qigong, led by a wise and skilled teacher. Even on days I would rather sit at home – perhaps especially on those days – I find that once I get out and move I feel happier, healthier, far more energetic and alert.
Maintaining spiritual disciplines
For some years now I’ve started my day with morning prayer liturgy from my denomination’s “Book of Common Worship.” And since Covid I’ve ended the day with centering prayer/meditation with a tiny group of people who meet on Zoom. I find that these 40-minutes in the mornings and evenings sustain me more than I might have imagined. There was a time that I had to make a concerted effort to bookend my days this way. But now these practices have become vital to my well-being.
These are simple things. But I’m learning to do them day in and day out, no matter the level of turbulence around me. They feed, refresh, and give me the strength to do the things I think I can’t – or just don’t want – to do. And they are helping me find my voice and my words once again.