I knew I would need a break last week. I needed distance from the onslaught of news and opinions. Distance from seeing our rights slip away. Protecting my energy is a necessity.
I needed to protect my energy.
What started as a week away from our overlord, META, quickly slipped into two weeks of recalibration, insights and grounding.
Of course, I still read the executive orders, saw the news, and read others’ opinions, but it was on my terms.
I wept when this happened in 2016. This time, I knew it was coming, and it would be more calculated. So many sounded the alarm, tried to speak over the noise, and reasoned with the unreasonable.
It was no use. It was a little naive or optimistic to think this disease spread after being infected in 2016. No. For nearly a decade, the US revealed the rot that has always existed. Some already knew, but few listened.
So what happens next?
I read a fantastic piece by Robert Evans. In it, he compares the state of the US to roadkill. The injured meat rots, starting from the bone and working its way outward. It’s not enough to cut off the meat; you have to amputate. At this moment, we are all struggling with the knife, not willing to give it to someone else or make a move.
So what happens next?
Individually, we must balance protecting our energy, fueling ourselves with joy, time in nature, and people that uplift us. But we also need aligned action. We need organization. In-person aligned action. We need collective shifts. We need to educate ourselves.
Our screen time has to be intentional. We must stay current with events while avoiding the freeze of inaction. We should also call, email or write letters to our political representatives to make our opinions and concerns heard. Signing petitions from reputable organizations like the ACLU and Sierra Club are great places to start. Of all of these options, the one that seems to have the biggest impact is calling. Personally, I use the app 5 Calls. It helps me track who I’ve talked to and provides sample scripts to the issues that I find important.
Of course, this needs to be done in balance. To have the energy to take aligned action, we have to fill our soul cups, too. Spend quality time in nature, with loved ones, and doing the things that bring you joy. I don’t know who said it first, but joy is revolutionary; it is activism. [Stellar booklist for mental health in the current moment] Embrace joy along with your righteous rage.
We also have to come to terms with the fact that the old ways of protest won’t work here. I want to embrace the words of Kendrick Lamar, “the revolution will be televised.” But the words of Robert Evans also ring true no one will hear it or see it over the noise. To be heard, we have to be revolutionary. Think outside the box. In a world that silences science and facts in favor of fragile emotional cries, we have to get creative.
Collective Power in Unity
Our collective power is fully realized in the masses. We must organize in person and be intentional with our time, energy and actions.
We need to keep having difficult conversations and calling out the hateful behavior. Take note of the people close to you, how they treat others, and whether their kindness is rooted in love. Or is it unkind, from a place of fear and suspicion?
Our power rises in unity; however, there is a balance here. Have the conversations, but also recognize when you’re wasting your precious energy.
We need to protect and elevate the disenfranchised.
Looking down never got us anywhere; blaming the houseless while not recognizing the system that put them there only reflects your own chosen ignorance and lack of compassion.
Take a peak sideways; there is no aisle separating us.
If you don’t recognize the people on either side of you, it’s time to read a book (probably the ones currently being banned).
When we see our shared humanity, we can look up and see the thumbs holding us down, with their bad hair, stacks of cash made on our broken backs, and fascist salutes.
