The outrage and upset all over social media reflect the complete frustration many feel about the current state of the nation and the absolute loony-tunes who is “running” our country. Feeling otherwise powerless, many are calling, writing, emailing, signing, all in the hope of helping minimize the damage that awful man is doing to our country and its people. There is no shelter from the storm, it seems, as it rages around us.
In the middle of all this, I’m trying to launch a business and must remain single-minded about it until it’s off and running in another six to eight weeks. Because I know that life still goes on and people still need healing, and will still need it in the future–maybe even more so given current events. But I’m not going to lie: it’s hard to maintain my equilibrium and not express or even feel my complete outrage at what’s going on. But I have to focus on the long view.
Work on mid-term elections
One of the most important and strategic things we can do is affect mid-term elections in swing states and areas. That’s going to be my long-term focus and I’m willing to travel to do that. But in the meantime, it’s really important that we all not burn out with all of this activity that needs to happen. The protests. The letting-our-views-be-known to elected officials. The noise we have to make to let this bozo know that we will not let his actions stand. This stuff has to be done, but it can’t steal our lives, our souls, our centers.
Ways to seek shelter from the storm
I’ve heard from more than one friend that they’re having a hard time staying calm. So let me give you my techniques for seeking shelter from the storm.
I don’t consume much news right now. We take the New York Times on the weekend and I’ll read it. My husband knows to alert me if there is something i need to know. And I trust my friend Robin, a former New York Times reporter, and my Facebook friend, Mikal, to alert me via their posts about particularly egregious actions I should know about. And that’s pretty much it. No TV news and also for my sanity I try to avoid the more hysterical Facebook posters to whom everything is a crisis.
I find my calm center, whether through meditation or reading. Fortunately, I’m still in school and my classmates and I have formed a loving and supportive tribe of like-minded women. My focus on the work we are doing, our studies in past-life regression and our knowledge that we are spiritual beings having a human experience (and not the reverse) remind me that there is something bigger going on in the world. A larger meaning, even if we do not understand it. And with their help, I am able to find that haven of calm amidst the storm. Free apps like Om and Headspace help remind me to meditate daily. Try them!
I look toward the future and mid-term elections, and know that just as soon as my business is up and running, I’ll start finding ways to contribute to strategic efforts to change the majority so that it’s harder for that awful man to do his damage. In the meantime, I honor my sisters and brothers who are fighting day in and day out to hold that man and all elected officials accountable and do what I can to assist.
I encourage everyone to find their calm center and to go there as much as possible for shelter from the storm, even as we all do the work that must be done to keep true American values alive.
I’ve been trying to search for a calm center for myself. It used to be our guest room, but now we’ve turned it into storage since we’re getting ready to move. Hopefully there’s space in our new home for one.
Yes supporting our state representatives and holding them accountable to our needs is a good recommendation to thwart the day to day barrage of political confusion.
Not reading or watching news…I know if something big or HUUGGE happens my daughter will inform me…and spending lots and lots of time with good friends and family…lunches and exploring fun things..
Taking a break from the news is an excellent strategy. It’s a relentless onslaught otherwise. And keeping our eyes on the midterm elections–it helps keep me sane and hopeful. Thanks for the encouragement!
Here is when panic begins to eclipse reason: I sometimes find myself refreshing the home page on the Times and the Post as if I can will the appearance of a gigantic headline:
TRUMP RESIGNS. BLAMES JOB FOR BEING TOO HARD ON PURPOSE.
My shelter is in my writing loft with my cat and spa music where I try to see the humor in everything if at all possible.
Thank you for inviting us to vent a little in your blog space.
Such wonderful advice, Carol. We can depend on like-minded individuals for the support we need, but need to find our own spiritual centre for the calm. Thank you!
Glad you’ve found productive ways to deal with your stress. I disagree with the sentiment behind it, but I’m happy to be the kind of person who can do that respectfully while still wishing you the best.
Sorry, I only see a storm brewing from one side and I have no fears that our president is doing what is best for the country as he sees it through conservative eyes. I’m not going to fan the flames that divide this country on political ideologies. Both parties get to make policy when they have the support of congress so being able to adjust to the ebbs and flows that come out of DC is what being an American citizen is all about.
I gave up network news almost a year ago but these days I’m reading too much news and feeling the affects on my work, my sanity and my relationships! I make vows to stop reading but it’s like a train wreck (every 20 minutes!) and I can’t seem to stop! Finding sanctuary for me has meant more book reading, painting and walking away from the computer.
With health issues on every level, i am no longer interested in politics, but your ideas to remain calm will help with my life right now. I am fine one day, and then like today after a doctor’s appointment back on the roof with hysteria chasing me up the ladder.I can adapt your ideas and those who commented. Peace is the one emotion that cannot be counterfeited, and searching for peace can be elusive…I intend to find it. I just want to be happy…and I know that is the one thing we all have in common. My love to you and your continuous concern for us….xxoo
These are great ideas. I don’t watch the news often either. It just tends to upset me. I try to focus on the positive, because if I stay upset, it takes a lot of energy and I simply don’t have time for it.
I agree, Carol. We have a madman at the helm. Its incredibly frightening. All we can do is pray Congress will finally decide Pence (even with his heinous policies) is better than having an incompetent lunatic in charge.
I’ve been finding it hard to focus. Every day something ridiculous happens. I watch the news but only at night and usually only CBS or NBC. I want to know what’s going on. Ready to march and fight when necessary.
Social media can be a very toxic place especially these days. There will really be posts that will enrage you and that’s why I try to stay out of it as much as I can. The news won’t do you good either so I try to watch as little as possible as well.
It is a tumultuous time in our country. I have to say that I am disappointed in America at this point. It is tough to stay silent in the midst of this storm.
I am watching from afar in Australia and it really does seem like it’s been constant turmoil since you-know-who got in. It is still worrying for me because some of the decisions he makes affect not just your country.. I just hope he doesn’t do anything too stupid.. But your methods on weathering the storm help in normal everyday life circumstances as well. I feel like I am constantly weathering a storm with 2 kids under 3.. I need to find my centre more as I feel like I am constantly out of balance.
I am an activists and I used to be very active on social media until I realized I had a troll. He used to piss me off something fierce and I finally called him out and said I knew how he felt and was tired of him waiting for me to post something and reply with the most outlandish bs that made no sense and usually was an opinion he was reposting from some right wing blog as fact.The fact that the people don;t know the difference from fact and opinion and that because they FEEL something it must be true makes me lose it. I cannot wait to move back to the US to become more involved. But in the meantime, I am centered. I can sleep at night, we are financially secure and our fate, unless he blows up the country, is not tied to the lunatic at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
We feel you! Philippine politics is just as crazy right now to the point that I have unfollowed some of my Facebook friends because of well, differences.
I tried to minimize watching news on TV. Staying away from unnecessary turmoil helps me to be calm. My calm center is to just rest and think of happy thoughts.
I don’t like in the US so it doesn’t have the same impact on me but I have been avoiding reading the news online as it’s all so negative and I don’t want to be surrounded by that all the time.
It’s always good to have tips for calming oneself down. I watch the news but only because I want to know… and even then you have to wonder what’s true or omitted, or exaggerated. It’s hard to know what is true and what isn’t. *sigh*
I am still struggling to find my calm center. I feel like I don’t have a balanced life. There are issues in here but I also don’t watch news often because mainstream media is so manipulative.
I think as someone who live in the UK and is in a way protected by the queen (not that she know who the hell I am – but we are a monarchy country and parliament is governed – via versa by the queen.) I feel so sad for what is happening in the US and want to wish all my US friends good vibe and will. Keep calm in the storm and it will be ok. xx
We still cannot believe you guyts ove rthe pond eleted the trump, but then again stranger things have happened over the years on this planet. Keep centering anf singing your vortex Carol. And if I can help in any way please od reach out. Having strated my business from scratch as a home business. keep smiling…!
We still cannot believe you guys over the pond eleted the Trump, Then again stranger things have happened over the years on this planet. Keep centering and finding your vortex Carol. And if I can help in any way please do reach out. Having strated my home business from scratch. keep smiling…! 🙂
Hi Carol,
You want to know my thoughts?
I think you just won the Inspire Me Monday Linky Party with this post. I make a point not to blend blogging and politics but this time is an exception. Your post is that good. I hope you like the write up I give it on my blog tomorrow.
Janice
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
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The outrage and upset all over social media reflect the complete frustration many feel about the current state of the nation and the absolute loony-tunes who is “running” our country. Feeling otherwise powerless, many are calling, writing, emailing, signing, all in the hope of helping minimize the damage that awful man is doing to our country and its people. There is no shelter from the storm, it seems, as it rages around us.
Great suggestions for a tumultuous time, Carol. It is hard to find our center, sometimes.
I’ve been trying to search for a calm center for myself. It used to be our guest room, but now we’ve turned it into storage since we’re getting ready to move. Hopefully there’s space in our new home for one.
Yes supporting our state representatives and holding them accountable to our needs is a good recommendation to thwart the day to day barrage of political confusion.
Not reading or watching news…I know if something big or HUUGGE happens my daughter will inform me…and spending lots and lots of time with good friends and family…lunches and exploring fun things..
Taking a break from the news is an excellent strategy. It’s a relentless onslaught otherwise. And keeping our eyes on the midterm elections–it helps keep me sane and hopeful. Thanks for the encouragement!
Here is when panic begins to eclipse reason: I sometimes find myself refreshing the home page on the Times and the Post as if I can will the appearance of a gigantic headline:
TRUMP RESIGNS. BLAMES JOB FOR BEING TOO HARD ON PURPOSE.
My shelter is in my writing loft with my cat and spa music where I try to see the humor in everything if at all possible.
Thank you for inviting us to vent a little in your blog space.
My calm = hugging my husband.
Such wonderful advice, Carol. We can depend on like-minded individuals for the support we need, but need to find our own spiritual centre for the calm. Thank you!
Glad you’ve found productive ways to deal with your stress. I disagree with the sentiment behind it, but I’m happy to be the kind of person who can do that respectfully while still wishing you the best.
Sorry, I only see a storm brewing from one side and I have no fears that our president is doing what is best for the country as he sees it through conservative eyes. I’m not going to fan the flames that divide this country on political ideologies. Both parties get to make policy when they have the support of congress so being able to adjust to the ebbs and flows that come out of DC is what being an American citizen is all about.
I gave up network news almost a year ago but these days I’m reading too much news and feeling the affects on my work, my sanity and my relationships! I make vows to stop reading but it’s like a train wreck (every 20 minutes!) and I can’t seem to stop! Finding sanctuary for me has meant more book reading, painting and walking away from the computer.
With health issues on every level, i am no longer interested in politics, but your ideas to remain calm will help with my life right now. I am fine one day, and then like today after a doctor’s appointment back on the roof with hysteria chasing me up the ladder.I can adapt your ideas and those who commented. Peace is the one emotion that cannot be counterfeited, and searching for peace can be elusive…I intend to find it. I just want to be happy…and I know that is the one thing we all have in common. My love to you and your continuous concern for us….xxoo
These are great ideas. I don’t watch the news often either. It just tends to upset me. I try to focus on the positive, because if I stay upset, it takes a lot of energy and I simply don’t have time for it.
I agree, Carol. We have a madman at the helm. Its incredibly frightening. All we can do is pray Congress will finally decide Pence (even with his heinous policies) is better than having an incompetent lunatic in charge.
Network news can definitely make you feel worse so I agree that finding news from trusted sources is a much better policy. Well said x
I agree it is so important to find a place of calmness. I tend to stay away from the news as well, too much negativity going around.
I’ve been finding it hard to focus. Every day something ridiculous happens. I watch the news but only at night and usually only CBS or NBC. I want to know what’s going on. Ready to march and fight when necessary.
Social media can be a very toxic place especially these days. There will really be posts that will enrage you and that’s why I try to stay out of it as much as I can. The news won’t do you good either so I try to watch as little as possible as well.
It is a tumultuous time in our country. I have to say that I am disappointed in America at this point. It is tough to stay silent in the midst of this storm.
I am watching from afar in Australia and it really does seem like it’s been constant turmoil since you-know-who got in. It is still worrying for me because some of the decisions he makes affect not just your country.. I just hope he doesn’t do anything too stupid.. But your methods on weathering the storm help in normal everyday life circumstances as well. I feel like I am constantly weathering a storm with 2 kids under 3.. I need to find my centre more as I feel like I am constantly out of balance.
I am an activists and I used to be very active on social media until I realized I had a troll. He used to piss me off something fierce and I finally called him out and said I knew how he felt and was tired of him waiting for me to post something and reply with the most outlandish bs that made no sense and usually was an opinion he was reposting from some right wing blog as fact.The fact that the people don;t know the difference from fact and opinion and that because they FEEL something it must be true makes me lose it. I cannot wait to move back to the US to become more involved. But in the meantime, I am centered. I can sleep at night, we are financially secure and our fate, unless he blows up the country, is not tied to the lunatic at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
These are all great. We try to laugh as much as possible too. Despite problems there is so much joy in the world too.
We feel you! Philippine politics is just as crazy right now to the point that I have unfollowed some of my Facebook friends because of well, differences.
My calm center is mediating while I bath in my tub. Very peaceful I’ve done it for years
I tried to minimize watching news on TV. Staying away from unnecessary turmoil helps me to be calm. My calm center is to just rest and think of happy thoughts.
Finding your centre is probably the hardest thing that everyone has to face. I struggle to find my centre or my balance in life.
I don’t like in the US so it doesn’t have the same impact on me but I have been avoiding reading the news online as it’s all so negative and I don’t want to be surrounded by that all the time.
It’s always good to have tips for calming oneself down. I watch the news but only because I want to know… and even then you have to wonder what’s true or omitted, or exaggerated. It’s hard to know what is true and what isn’t. *sigh*
I am still struggling to find my calm center. I feel like I don’t have a balanced life. There are issues in here but I also don’t watch news often because mainstream media is so manipulative.
I think as someone who live in the UK and is in a way protected by the queen (not that she know who the hell I am – but we are a monarchy country and parliament is governed – via versa by the queen.) I feel so sad for what is happening in the US and want to wish all my US friends good vibe and will. Keep calm in the storm and it will be ok. xx
We still cannot believe you guyts ove rthe pond eleted the trump, but then again stranger things have happened over the years on this planet. Keep centering anf singing your vortex Carol. And if I can help in any way please od reach out. Having strated my business from scratch as a home business. keep smiling…!
I can’t believe it either, Julie, and I live here.
Janice
We still cannot believe you guys over the pond eleted the Trump, Then again stranger things have happened over the years on this planet. Keep centering and finding your vortex Carol. And if I can help in any way please do reach out. Having strated my home business from scratch. keep smiling…! 🙂
Hi Carol,
You want to know my thoughts?
I think you just won the Inspire Me Monday Linky Party with this post. I make a point not to blend blogging and politics but this time is an exception. Your post is that good. I hope you like the write up I give it on my blog tomorrow.
Janice