Where do we want and need to place our attention and energy? Choice is always available if we pay attention and pause when anxiety and negative views and feelings arise.
I like your concept of being open to invitations. If only we can gather other fellow Americans along the way. Ruth's use of the word tsunami is a good visual. Autocrat-personalities dislike too many problems -- thereby seeking a strongman-savior. I ponder how can help our fellow Americans mitigate their anxiety, while we present the truth? Their personality-structure seems the barrier.... blessings to you too, Randolph! From sea-to-shining sea.
Thanks for your important work. I honestly don't know how you and others do it every day, thinking and writing about the Donald and the other extremists, but we're grateful for your efforts.
Thank you so much for this timely and encouraging message. As a Floridian, I often get overwhelmed with the DeSantis maneuvers. Your message helps me stay focused on doing the right thing regardless of the outcome.
Thank you for this piece Ruth. It’s not often talked about, but I do believe that many people carry on their lives with this dark-cloud overhead. There’s a particular facet of mental anguish that we didn’t have to endure for many years. But now, the very thought of Trump being re-elected as he ramps up his retaliatory banter and vicious, venomous remarks is downright frightening. How can you NOT think about that possibility since it occurred once already. I relied on late-night TV, Maher, Kimmel, Myers, Colbert, Fallon to help “soften the blow” of the evening news and talk-shows. (Can’t wait until this writer’s strike is over). My “medicine” each and every night before I go to sleep is to watch a Seinfeld episode. There’s nothing better than going to sleep with a smile on your face, - instead of the negativity that so often permeates the news-cycles these days. “Serenity now”!
Agree, humor is such a valuable tool to refresh from and to use. Humor is so memorable too. I love Seth Myers and any SNL skit will do me fine :) I never see autocrats do a 'belly laugh' -- I think their minds get so cluttered, they lose spontaneity and can no longer enjoy life. (other than accumulation of $$). idk
Thank you so much for this and your important work. Keep shining a light on what is happening to democracies here and around the world. You have helped me tremendously over the years and that continues. ❤️
We really need to question what constitutes self care. Sometimes I feel as though “keeping up” with the latest outrage keeps me prepared for the onslaught, and in a strange way, that feels like self care. I understand that it’s not, but some lizard brain part of me is always trying to figure out how to cope with the horror. I teach yoga on the side. An hour or two of checking in with my body (and helping others to do the same) is a good alternative. Even better, if it isn’t too hot, it to take a walk in nature. Or pet the dog. Play a game of tug. Good luck with whatever works for you.
Great piece. I have been stressed out for a long time by the seemingly steady decay of our democracy, the rise of automation, AI, relentless climate change, and environmental degradation at all levels (oceans, air, food, rivers, lakes, forests, soil, etc.) Autocrats and kleptocrats make money and increase their power off destruction and chaos. And Trump and has crew have learned from their mistakes.
The next 16-18 months are going to be even more sressfull as we watch the MAGA leaders pull every trick they can, and hope the Democrats will stand tall and hold the fort. Self-care is more important now than ever.
I think it's help too if we can flood-the-zone with a celebration of ethnic / racial diversity with food, art, music & such. As we relax, if we can incorporate those elements into our days -- in a natural way, we may be achieving two goals @ the same time ? idk
Support all around! Empathy and compassion towards all of good intent.
Agree and thanks Randolph for the reminder of the goodness that comes from re-reading, becomes a fountain of refreshment.
I bake and dance (while I bake) to favorite music.
Where do we want and need to place our attention and energy? Choice is always available if we pay attention and pause when anxiety and negative views and feelings arise.
I like your concept of being open to invitations. If only we can gather other fellow Americans along the way. Ruth's use of the word tsunami is a good visual. Autocrat-personalities dislike too many problems -- thereby seeking a strongman-savior. I ponder how can help our fellow Americans mitigate their anxiety, while we present the truth? Their personality-structure seems the barrier.... blessings to you too, Randolph! From sea-to-shining sea.
It's so darn simple we forget about it. I have a post-it taped to my door as I leave !
Thank you. And I’m glad to see you are taking care of yourself.
Thanks for your important work. I honestly don't know how you and others do it every day, thinking and writing about the Donald and the other extremists, but we're grateful for your efforts.
Thank you so much for this timely and encouraging message. As a Floridian, I often get overwhelmed with the DeSantis maneuvers. Your message helps me stay focused on doing the right thing regardless of the outcome.
Thank you for this piece Ruth. It’s not often talked about, but I do believe that many people carry on their lives with this dark-cloud overhead. There’s a particular facet of mental anguish that we didn’t have to endure for many years. But now, the very thought of Trump being re-elected as he ramps up his retaliatory banter and vicious, venomous remarks is downright frightening. How can you NOT think about that possibility since it occurred once already. I relied on late-night TV, Maher, Kimmel, Myers, Colbert, Fallon to help “soften the blow” of the evening news and talk-shows. (Can’t wait until this writer’s strike is over). My “medicine” each and every night before I go to sleep is to watch a Seinfeld episode. There’s nothing better than going to sleep with a smile on your face, - instead of the negativity that so often permeates the news-cycles these days. “Serenity now”!
Agree, humor is such a valuable tool to refresh from and to use. Humor is so memorable too. I love Seth Myers and any SNL skit will do me fine :) I never see autocrats do a 'belly laugh' -- I think their minds get so cluttered, they lose spontaneity and can no longer enjoy life. (other than accumulation of $$). idk
So true Jan, excellent points!!!
A life without humor -- is a terrible price to pay! imho
Thank you so much for this and your important work. Keep shining a light on what is happening to democracies here and around the world. You have helped me tremendously over the years and that continues. ❤️
Really appreciated.
We really need to question what constitutes self care. Sometimes I feel as though “keeping up” with the latest outrage keeps me prepared for the onslaught, and in a strange way, that feels like self care. I understand that it’s not, but some lizard brain part of me is always trying to figure out how to cope with the horror. I teach yoga on the side. An hour or two of checking in with my body (and helping others to do the same) is a good alternative. Even better, if it isn’t too hot, it to take a walk in nature. Or pet the dog. Play a game of tug. Good luck with whatever works for you.
I take comfort in reading history too. And the leaders and every day people that were prevalent -- how did they prevail and succeed?
Agree, I try flip on music as soon as my eyes open in the morning!
Great piece. I have been stressed out for a long time by the seemingly steady decay of our democracy, the rise of automation, AI, relentless climate change, and environmental degradation at all levels (oceans, air, food, rivers, lakes, forests, soil, etc.) Autocrats and kleptocrats make money and increase their power off destruction and chaos. And Trump and has crew have learned from their mistakes.
The next 16-18 months are going to be even more sressfull as we watch the MAGA leaders pull every trick they can, and hope the Democrats will stand tall and hold the fort. Self-care is more important now than ever.
Keyword: Trick
Your self care suggestions are appreciated! Very helpful! Thank you!
👏👏👏👏💕
While the Authoritarians "flood the zone," we need to flood our minds with pleasant, reassuring thoughts.
I think it's help too if we can flood-the-zone with a celebration of ethnic / racial diversity with food, art, music & such. As we relax, if we can incorporate those elements into our days -- in a natural way, we may be achieving two goals @ the same time ? idk