Thank you so much for this, Liz. As have we all, I've been pondering how to navigate this time in such a way as to not just do what I can to mitigate harm, but also to deepen a feeling of connectedness to humanity and to what matters most. Thank you for helping us along that path, and reminding us that job one is to avoid overwhelm. That firehose only defines the *output* part of this exchange. There's nothing requiring we *input* at the same volume. Even if an obedient/cynical media that profits handsomely off the fearful spectacle has every reason to promote the sense we must take in every ludicrous drop. I like that you and other commenters have this same instinct: narrow news to a highly curated, non-sensational straw's worth of intake.
I'm thinking of this administration as a kind of a prolonged solar eclipse event, during which the best thing I can do for my retinas is not look directly at the sun. At least for week 1, I've not watched a lick of TV news and have maintained my years-long arm's length from all for-profit social media. The "indirect viewing method" used for an eclipse–sun at your back, hole poked in an index card, eyes on the eclipse-shaped shadow cast through that pinhole–has been working for me (at least so far!). I read of each new atrocity at one and the same time I learn what vigorous response is meeting it. And damn the response–people's deep love of justice, and of decency–has been swift and vigorous.
During a press conference I was at in Sacramento on Tuesday, Dierdre Schifeling, the ACLU's Chief Political & Advocacy Officer outlined the work ahead *and* already underway (tons). And she reminded us of something you underscored: his despot wish list is "easy to say; much harder to do." OK one last metaphor, back to the firehose: firefighters are trained to walk, not run into a burning building. Because studies show calmly walking forward is what works; it's too easy to stumble and fall if you run. Thank you again for all the calming reminders, and the inspiring resources.
All good stuff! I sort of wrote about this. I will over serve myself on the negative crap and feel, well, hungover with sadness. Definitely keep the TV "news" off because real journalism and honest opinion cant be found there. Finding your tribe of like minded people. Doing the thing you've always wanted to do. Like cooking a meatloaf. HAHA! Comfort food is good for the heart and soul. And get some exercise in whatever form you want...just move! ✌️💙💙💙
“Hungover with sadness” is a terrific expression. Love that. I confess I’m not a meatloaf fan, but I have definitely been devouring more pasta than usual.
Thanks for this Liz when I was looking for topics to talk about on our podcast I was reminded of this piece. While there may be a lot that feels futile we can still get on with our lives and focus on the good in our lives and the things we can do.
I sympathize with everyone who has been feeling overwhelmed by the torrent of garbage spewing from the POTUS. Turning off the news is excellent advice. For me, studying stoicism over the past five years has been enormously helpful. Also, meditation with the help of the Headspace and Calm apps. Also, the Serenity Prayer. I can honestly say that Trump's vile behavior does not upset me,
I am a big fan of the calm app but I can’t say I’m not upset! For me, retaining emotions is a factor of empathy, and I don’t want to lose feelings, like sadness, disappointment, and even frustration. I just want to avoid the overwhelm so that it doesn’t paralyze me.
I’m glad you are finding something that’s really working for you. I’d be interested in hearing more about it.
My goal is not to lose emotions, but, rather, to experience important feelings like sadness, disappointment, frustration, etc., but only for a few minutes. Or, sometimes, only a few moments. Then I ask myself, "Is there anything I can do about this?" If so, I do. If not, I let go of the bad feelings. For me there is a difference between cognitive empathy, which is recognizing others' thoughts and feelings, and emotional empathy, which is a kind of contagious taking on their feelings. Again, I do allow myself emotional empathy for a short period because this is drawing my attention to something important. But I then try to move on how I can deal with the problem in a calmer state of mind, which I find works better for me.
I’ve been keeping my phone on Do Not Disturb since Inauguration Day. It’s pretty great only finding out news and information when I want to, not when other people (even like-minded family members) or organizations share it. I also switched around my am/pm routines, so I’m checking my email and reading substack newsletters in the morning and listening to audiobooks at night. And I’ve been listening to the Suffs soundtrack on constant repeat. It reminds me that this is a relay race, that I’m part of a long line of fighters and activists, none of whom got to choose what time in history they lived. #boundaries #selfcare
Thank you so much for this, Liz. As have we all, I've been pondering how to navigate this time in such a way as to not just do what I can to mitigate harm, but also to deepen a feeling of connectedness to humanity and to what matters most. Thank you for helping us along that path, and reminding us that job one is to avoid overwhelm. That firehose only defines the *output* part of this exchange. There's nothing requiring we *input* at the same volume. Even if an obedient/cynical media that profits handsomely off the fearful spectacle has every reason to promote the sense we must take in every ludicrous drop. I like that you and other commenters have this same instinct: narrow news to a highly curated, non-sensational straw's worth of intake.
I'm thinking of this administration as a kind of a prolonged solar eclipse event, during which the best thing I can do for my retinas is not look directly at the sun. At least for week 1, I've not watched a lick of TV news and have maintained my years-long arm's length from all for-profit social media. The "indirect viewing method" used for an eclipse–sun at your back, hole poked in an index card, eyes on the eclipse-shaped shadow cast through that pinhole–has been working for me (at least so far!). I read of each new atrocity at one and the same time I learn what vigorous response is meeting it. And damn the response–people's deep love of justice, and of decency–has been swift and vigorous.
During a press conference I was at in Sacramento on Tuesday, Dierdre Schifeling, the ACLU's Chief Political & Advocacy Officer outlined the work ahead *and* already underway (tons). And she reminded us of something you underscored: his despot wish list is "easy to say; much harder to do." OK one last metaphor, back to the firehose: firefighters are trained to walk, not run into a burning building. Because studies show calmly walking forward is what works; it's too easy to stumble and fall if you run. Thank you again for all the calming reminders, and the inspiring resources.
All good stuff! I sort of wrote about this. I will over serve myself on the negative crap and feel, well, hungover with sadness. Definitely keep the TV "news" off because real journalism and honest opinion cant be found there. Finding your tribe of like minded people. Doing the thing you've always wanted to do. Like cooking a meatloaf. HAHA! Comfort food is good for the heart and soul. And get some exercise in whatever form you want...just move! ✌️💙💙💙
“Hungover with sadness” is a terrific expression. Love that. I confess I’m not a meatloaf fan, but I have definitely been devouring more pasta than usual.
Thanks for this Liz when I was looking for topics to talk about on our podcast I was reminded of this piece. While there may be a lot that feels futile we can still get on with our lives and focus on the good in our lives and the things we can do.
Well said. There’s always something we can do for someone.
Good advice!
Thank you! Great advice! I am so grateful I follow you 😊
Thank you Gayle!
I sympathize with everyone who has been feeling overwhelmed by the torrent of garbage spewing from the POTUS. Turning off the news is excellent advice. For me, studying stoicism over the past five years has been enormously helpful. Also, meditation with the help of the Headspace and Calm apps. Also, the Serenity Prayer. I can honestly say that Trump's vile behavior does not upset me,
I am a big fan of the calm app but I can’t say I’m not upset! For me, retaining emotions is a factor of empathy, and I don’t want to lose feelings, like sadness, disappointment, and even frustration. I just want to avoid the overwhelm so that it doesn’t paralyze me.
I’m glad you are finding something that’s really working for you. I’d be interested in hearing more about it.
My goal is not to lose emotions, but, rather, to experience important feelings like sadness, disappointment, frustration, etc., but only for a few minutes. Or, sometimes, only a few moments. Then I ask myself, "Is there anything I can do about this?" If so, I do. If not, I let go of the bad feelings. For me there is a difference between cognitive empathy, which is recognizing others' thoughts and feelings, and emotional empathy, which is a kind of contagious taking on their feelings. Again, I do allow myself emotional empathy for a short period because this is drawing my attention to something important. But I then try to move on how I can deal with the problem in a calmer state of mind, which I find works better for me.
I am fascinated. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Again, thank you, beloved.
I’m so glad it helps
This is a balm!
I’m so happy. We have to look out for each other!
This is the advice we all need right now. Thanks.
Thank you, my friend! Miss you ❤️
I’ve been keeping my phone on Do Not Disturb since Inauguration Day. It’s pretty great only finding out news and information when I want to, not when other people (even like-minded family members) or organizations share it. I also switched around my am/pm routines, so I’m checking my email and reading substack newsletters in the morning and listening to audiobooks at night. And I’ve been listening to the Suffs soundtrack on constant repeat. It reminds me that this is a relay race, that I’m part of a long line of fighters and activists, none of whom got to choose what time in history they lived. #boundaries #selfcare