As we move closer to the November election we mourn the death and loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the resulting vulnerability to a more balanced Supreme Court. Along with her loss and deep gratitude for her service, we are experiencing multiple national crises; health, economic, employment, climate, racial, foreign interference, and destructive leadership bringing threats and chaos to this election process.
Given the magnitude of the disheartening news, how do we handle all that is going on right now? How do we process what is occurring and how do we deal with the feelings of discouragement and sadness and not be overwhelmed with grief or act out our anger in destructive ways?
It is a trap to fall into the dark hole of victim. This serves no one. Victor Frankl, Psychiatrist and concentration camp survivor, reminds us that we may not choose our circumstances but we do choose how we deal with them.
Here are some positive choices:
- Honor your feelings. Don’t swallow. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings and express them through such examples as journaling and exercise. Seek help and share with others who will allow you a safe expression of your feelings.
- Don’t isolate. Talk about it, cry about it, express your hurt and anger, and take care to not be destructive to self or others.
- Spend as much time as possible in nature.
- Avoid or limit alcohol or other addictive substances and destructive behaviors.
- Limit your exposure to upsetting news.
- Without swallowing, practice the art of allowing. Let go and allow what is. It is what it is. In allowing and working through our feelings and emotions we can transform the energy into positive action and service.
- If you continue to feel overwhelmed seek professional help. As necessary, consider medication to help with anxiety and depression.
- Practice gratitude and acts of kindness.
“When we look into the heart of a flower
We see clouds, sunshine, minerals, time, the earth and
Everything else in the cosmos in it. Without clouds
There would be no rain, and there would be no flower.“
-Thich Nhat Hanh
May kindness, right action, and strength of spirit be your guide.
David Ross, LCSW