I just discovered the Breathwrk app and it really helps, especially since just five minutes can provide a reset. Also getting outdoors, even when it isn't sunny really helps. Finally, petting my dog—or anyone else's dog for that matter.
I need this thread today, Shannon! I woke up telling myself to repeat “the weight of the world does not need to be on my shoulders”. I will continue to take action but with every news alert of another clown, a local school board trustee who was just elected and is now openly stalking the FB pages of myself and others who have called her out on her association with Moms for Liberty and other things…I sit wondering how I can better protect my mental health while still making a difference. Reading about The Onion and Everytown gave me a smile I needed to remember that there is still good in the world. I’m flying all day and my plan is to read, write and give myself rest. I’d love to hear what others are doing because I certainly need ideas!
Boy is this a good topic! I know people talk about taking a hike, a change of scenery, making art, yoga classes… But I don’t think it has to be big. Sometimes just a screen-free dinner table conversation with the kids where we get silly, or putting on a funny movie to get out of our headspace and lose ourselves in another world for a couple hours — it does the trick.
Yes! Screen free time always will take off that first layer of stress/anxiety; I’m working on figuring out a way to balance not being on my phone while also sharing content and wanting to connect with others online (I find myself doomscrolling more though)
1. Turn off social notifications. You don't need them.
2. Turn off news alerts. You know what's up and if it's urgent someone will tell you.
3. Move your social apps to a second screen on your phone so you're not tempted to click on them. If you really struggle, take the apps off and login through a browser.
4. Set up specific times you check in -- like lunchtime, a half hour in the afternoon, before dinner. Unless you really make a living being on social all day, you will start to lose the FOMO pretty fast. :)
Putting my phone on 'do not disturb' is one of my favourite tricks. You don't have the anxiety and fear of not being connected, but you don't have the notifications - they are saved for later, whether you want to look at them or clear them when you get to it. You are fully in control of what you access.
All of these suggestions are excellent. I will add that fascism requires the citizenry to be exhausted, run down and apathetic for it to exist. There will be a daily incoming of craziness and threats. Once yourself. That’s an expression of love. It’s not ALL one person’s burden. Each of us can follow the path of where we desire to help and protect, resist and take action. When we thrive individually we share that collectively, and our community thrives. Democracy stands a chance when we care for each other. And isn’t that world we really ALL want?
I’m not going to lie, I wake up with a feeling of dread every morning. It reminds me of the first months after my stepson died unexpectedly. It’s just such an awful feeling. 💔
I’m trying to limit time on social media, but it’s people like you (and those you interview) who are giving me hope right now about what to do next. I love what Brene Brown said recently about “microdosing hope” - that resonates…
I’ve been keeping up with my daily meditation practice on Insight Timer and doing my best to exercise. I discovered a new workout that I really like (PVolve) and I appreciate that it is women only. The other day I had an imagine of Demi Moore in GI Jane and feel that we are all going to need to go into our “warrior mode” soon.
I still have a lot of rage to process so am thinking of healthy ways to do that. 🤬 One day at a time…
Some somatic stretching yoga usually helps me, but I have felt so tense inside my body that I can't seem to break out and do things that I need so badly. I am in Tennessee, and there is so much oppression of the vulnerable - we are living much of Project 2025 and it will only get worse soon.
As a White woman I am ready to stand up and fight, but I also feel scared, sad, and angry. I can't seem to shake it, and today is the first time I have been able to start processing due to work and family obligations. I'll probably get through the day with tears as I work from home, and listen to David Gray.
Shannon, you once called me during the pandemic when I was a leader in Moms Demand and worked full time in the ICU. That call encouraged me so much, and I just want to thank you for everything you do for us and the inspiration you give us.
I use a breathing technique and have practised it so often that I can now do it while the person is talking and not let anyone know. Eyes closed, feet flat on the floor, seated, back straight as comfortably as possible, there should be no discomfort in the body. Hands in a comfortable, not clasped, position on your thighs is good. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds and exhale out of your mouth for 4 seconds. Do this 4 times, focusing on counting the seconds. That should do it. It really centres you.
Love this so much. It's hard to shine bright when others are working so hard to blow out our flame. I have been journaling, hiking, cooking, playing guitar, writing, singing, and listening to records. It's so important to reach out to friends and check in on others in the community right now. We need to come together more than ever in these tough times and resist the urge to isolate. Sending love to everyone out there!
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) offers hundreds of really practical skills that I've found transformative. Life-changing, really. One of them is creating intentional "cues for joy," especially when life feels dark and wintry. For me, these "cues" include walking along the river with my camera, slowing down long enough to pay attention to the exquisite beauty all around me; lighting a candle and practicing relationship mindfulness (googling Tara Brach can help out here); flowers in a vase beside my bed; calling a friend; buying a person on the street warm coffee; cuddling with the dog; listening to my favorite music; making a list of people I'm grateful for. The cues are mostly small things. Paying attention to them makes all the difference in the world, and helps me see the "bigger picture," beyond the fear and grief.
Currently I fluctuate between numbness and what next. Numbness because ballots for my race for IL House Rep are still being counted. Numbness because during the last 2 weeks of the cycle, I kept seeing more Trump signs pop up in areas that were starting to turn blue. Numbness because it was too late for my campaign to edit the message.
What's next for me? Depends...If I win then I know my next steps. But if I lose, where do I begin? Do I focus on the Latino community (I am a first generation Latina born in 1962 - a lot different than the 1st generation Latinos born in the 80's & 90's)? Do I focus on the environment? Ugh! I feel like I did when Trump won in 2016.
So for now, what am I doing to ease my numbness and anxiety? Meditate with my CORE app. Do Pilates 3 days/week. Hang out with my dogs - just got a new puppy on Tuesday :) Pysching myself up to be my husband's super helper after his bi-lateral hip replacement on November 19th. Actually, the 19th is the day - it's a win day for my husband, and hopefully for me too.
One thing I keep in the back of my mind is that the Universe always knows more than me, and "my guides" will open other doors for me.
No news (other than emails/podcasts like yours) removed social media apps from my phone. I had lunch on Monday with a like-minded friend and have another one planned for tomorrow. Practicing piano, doing some painting and giving myself permission to check out for a bit. It's helping me feel less panicked and better able to focus on work and family and the people who are important to me.
For me it’s getting back to the basics of life; for a week just focusing on getting into by by 10pm waking up on time, showering daily, making sure I’m doing my mom duties (dinner, carpool, etc), going out with friends, reading democracy in retrograde, walking on a treadmill or outside for 20-30 minutes - there are SO many things to do / we can do, it feels hard to regulate.
Believing that when I am doing my day to day job and making space in my brain and life to reflect on what worked what didn’t and where I should spend my time and then actively reducing the intake of info
I wonder if we could all actively commit to 1-2 consistent political actions we will take and then trust others do their part; less on national and more on local where I can actually make a tangible impact!
Thank you so much for talking about this, it’s exactly what I need help with. All the love and peace, keep going 🦋💪🏼
Yoga - I started regular practice after divorce, college, and law school around 2000. It has saved my life on many a bd day. Now that I am 74, it gives me hope and the ability to focus while being open to new paths forward
We are finding our way in the darkness and believe in self care community wellness…we refuse to let hate rob us of our health and wellbeing! Our mission-
I just discovered the Breathwrk app and it really helps, especially since just five minutes can provide a reset. Also getting outdoors, even when it isn't sunny really helps. Finally, petting my dog—or anyone else's dog for that matter.
Any and all dogs!
If you have a dog? I'm petting it.
I need this thread today, Shannon! I woke up telling myself to repeat “the weight of the world does not need to be on my shoulders”. I will continue to take action but with every news alert of another clown, a local school board trustee who was just elected and is now openly stalking the FB pages of myself and others who have called her out on her association with Moms for Liberty and other things…I sit wondering how I can better protect my mental health while still making a difference. Reading about The Onion and Everytown gave me a smile I needed to remember that there is still good in the world. I’m flying all day and my plan is to read, write and give myself rest. I’d love to hear what others are doing because I certainly need ideas!
That's a great mantra to repeat to yourself.
Boy is this a good topic! I know people talk about taking a hike, a change of scenery, making art, yoga classes… But I don’t think it has to be big. Sometimes just a screen-free dinner table conversation with the kids where we get silly, or putting on a funny movie to get out of our headspace and lose ourselves in another world for a couple hours — it does the trick.
Yes! Screen free time always will take off that first layer of stress/anxiety; I’m working on figuring out a way to balance not being on my phone while also sharing content and wanting to connect with others online (I find myself doomscrolling more though)
The balance is definitely hard, especially now.
My tips:
1. Turn off social notifications. You don't need them.
2. Turn off news alerts. You know what's up and if it's urgent someone will tell you.
3. Move your social apps to a second screen on your phone so you're not tempted to click on them. If you really struggle, take the apps off and login through a browser.
4. Set up specific times you check in -- like lunchtime, a half hour in the afternoon, before dinner. Unless you really make a living being on social all day, you will start to lose the FOMO pretty fast. :)
Putting my phone on 'do not disturb' is one of my favourite tricks. You don't have the anxiety and fear of not being connected, but you don't have the notifications - they are saved for later, whether you want to look at them or clear them when you get to it. You are fully in control of what you access.
Yes, love this example!
All of these suggestions are excellent. I will add that fascism requires the citizenry to be exhausted, run down and apathetic for it to exist. There will be a daily incoming of craziness and threats. Once yourself. That’s an expression of love. It’s not ALL one person’s burden. Each of us can follow the path of where we desire to help and protect, resist and take action. When we thrive individually we share that collectively, and our community thrives. Democracy stands a chance when we care for each other. And isn’t that world we really ALL want?
"When we thrive individually we share that collectively, and our community thrives." Love this.
I’m not going to lie, I wake up with a feeling of dread every morning. It reminds me of the first months after my stepson died unexpectedly. It’s just such an awful feeling. 💔
I’m trying to limit time on social media, but it’s people like you (and those you interview) who are giving me hope right now about what to do next. I love what Brene Brown said recently about “microdosing hope” - that resonates…
I’ve been keeping up with my daily meditation practice on Insight Timer and doing my best to exercise. I discovered a new workout that I really like (PVolve) and I appreciate that it is women only. The other day I had an imagine of Demi Moore in GI Jane and feel that we are all going to need to go into our “warrior mode” soon.
I still have a lot of rage to process so am thinking of healthy ways to do that. 🤬 One day at a time…
I'm so sorry about your stepson.
So very sorry for your loss.
I go for a walk, sometimes with a friend, other times with a true crime podcast. The physical activity takes me out of my thoughts.
Yes, I love this.
Some somatic stretching yoga usually helps me, but I have felt so tense inside my body that I can't seem to break out and do things that I need so badly. I am in Tennessee, and there is so much oppression of the vulnerable - we are living much of Project 2025 and it will only get worse soon.
As a White woman I am ready to stand up and fight, but I also feel scared, sad, and angry. I can't seem to shake it, and today is the first time I have been able to start processing due to work and family obligations. I'll probably get through the day with tears as I work from home, and listen to David Gray.
Shannon, you once called me during the pandemic when I was a leader in Moms Demand and worked full time in the ICU. That call encouraged me so much, and I just want to thank you for everything you do for us and the inspiration you give us.
This is so nice, Jody. And you are not alone in your feelings. Hang in there.
I use a breathing technique and have practised it so often that I can now do it while the person is talking and not let anyone know. Eyes closed, feet flat on the floor, seated, back straight as comfortably as possible, there should be no discomfort in the body. Hands in a comfortable, not clasped, position on your thighs is good. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds and exhale out of your mouth for 4 seconds. Do this 4 times, focusing on counting the seconds. That should do it. It really centres you.
Love this example!
Thanks so much for all you do!
Love this so much. It's hard to shine bright when others are working so hard to blow out our flame. I have been journaling, hiking, cooking, playing guitar, writing, singing, and listening to records. It's so important to reach out to friends and check in on others in the community right now. We need to come together more than ever in these tough times and resist the urge to isolate. Sending love to everyone out there!
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) offers hundreds of really practical skills that I've found transformative. Life-changing, really. One of them is creating intentional "cues for joy," especially when life feels dark and wintry. For me, these "cues" include walking along the river with my camera, slowing down long enough to pay attention to the exquisite beauty all around me; lighting a candle and practicing relationship mindfulness (googling Tara Brach can help out here); flowers in a vase beside my bed; calling a friend; buying a person on the street warm coffee; cuddling with the dog; listening to my favorite music; making a list of people I'm grateful for. The cues are mostly small things. Paying attention to them makes all the difference in the world, and helps me see the "bigger picture," beyond the fear and grief.
I love this idea of cues for joy.
Currently I fluctuate between numbness and what next. Numbness because ballots for my race for IL House Rep are still being counted. Numbness because during the last 2 weeks of the cycle, I kept seeing more Trump signs pop up in areas that were starting to turn blue. Numbness because it was too late for my campaign to edit the message.
What's next for me? Depends...If I win then I know my next steps. But if I lose, where do I begin? Do I focus on the Latino community (I am a first generation Latina born in 1962 - a lot different than the 1st generation Latinos born in the 80's & 90's)? Do I focus on the environment? Ugh! I feel like I did when Trump won in 2016.
So for now, what am I doing to ease my numbness and anxiety? Meditate with my CORE app. Do Pilates 3 days/week. Hang out with my dogs - just got a new puppy on Tuesday :) Pysching myself up to be my husband's super helper after his bi-lateral hip replacement on November 19th. Actually, the 19th is the day - it's a win day for my husband, and hopefully for me too.
One thing I keep in the back of my mind is that the Universe always knows more than me, and "my guides" will open other doors for me.
I love your last sentence especially.
No news (other than emails/podcasts like yours) removed social media apps from my phone. I had lunch on Monday with a like-minded friend and have another one planned for tomorrow. Practicing piano, doing some painting and giving myself permission to check out for a bit. It's helping me feel less panicked and better able to focus on work and family and the people who are important to me.
Getting together with community is so important right now.
I'm a prairie steward. The time I spend there makes me not think of this shitshow.
This is great!
For me it’s getting back to the basics of life; for a week just focusing on getting into by by 10pm waking up on time, showering daily, making sure I’m doing my mom duties (dinner, carpool, etc), going out with friends, reading democracy in retrograde, walking on a treadmill or outside for 20-30 minutes - there are SO many things to do / we can do, it feels hard to regulate.
Believing that when I am doing my day to day job and making space in my brain and life to reflect on what worked what didn’t and where I should spend my time and then actively reducing the intake of info
I wonder if we could all actively commit to 1-2 consistent political actions we will take and then trust others do their part; less on national and more on local where I can actually make a tangible impact!
Thank you so much for talking about this, it’s exactly what I need help with. All the love and peace, keep going 🦋💪🏼
The basics are oftentimes the most important part.
Yoga - I started regular practice after divorce, college, and law school around 2000. It has saved my life on many a bd day. Now that I am 74, it gives me hope and the ability to focus while being open to new paths forward
We are finding our way in the darkness and believe in self care community wellness…we refuse to let hate rob us of our health and wellbeing! Our mission-
https://www.4cornersyogawellness.com/
Self care community wellness - yes!