Meditation and spiritual work are great, but are they enough to see us through these difficult times?
Although, we are spiritual beings having a human adventure, we are also human beings with minds and bodies that react to the social, economic and political changes going on in the world.
Unless we shut out all information -- news, social media, and conversations, we will be impacted.
Recently, I made the decision to cut back on political content on social media. I find it addictive. I start with humorous commentary, but before I know it, I’m spiraling into outrage, despair, and horror. Social media platforms are designed to capture our attention—no matter the emotional cost.
The problem is that when I’m flooded with stories of injustice and crisis, I end up feeling both powerless and hopeless. And that combination is toxic. Sometimes it takes me all morning just to shake the dark cloud that settles in.
I do not recommend, however, shutting out all news and trying to wait out this current chaos. Even when we do that, our bodies will "feel" the distress of others in the world. That is because we are energetically connected. We are, indeed, all one.
It’s important to stay informed—but being a passive consumer of bad news has consequences. It can paralyze us.
What helps is action. I believe we are meant to be part of the solution. Even something small—like leaving a message for a representative or showing up at a rally—can shift that energy. I’ve started doing both. Taking a stand reminds me that I’m not powerless. I’m participating. I’m showing up. And that feels good. Who knows where it may lead?
So I ask myself: What can I do to feel empowered? What helps me reconnect with joy and purpose as well as spirit?
Here’s what’s been working for me:
- Engage in uplifting activities: I recently joined a Hands Off rally in Berkeley.
- Speak my truth: I gave a 12-minute Toastmasters speech on finding true love by releasing the fear of judgment and rejection. Writing it was cathartic—filled with humor, honesty, and self-compassion.
- Meditate: It calms my body, quiets my mind, and connects me to the bigger picture. When we do this in a group, we magnify the energy of transformation. We send healing to those hurt by the rampageous decisions of the powerful, and also send healing to the rampageous actors themselves.
- Appreciate beauty: Spring is bursting in San Francisco. Each flower reminds me that renewal is always possible. Adnan often sent us into the garden or the woods to receive the benefit of connecting with nature.
- Balance work with play: I tend to equate productivity with worth—but I’m learning that joy and positive energy are just as vital to my worth. I’m practicing finding the play in my work and using my intuition to guide me.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed too, know you’re not alone. Small shifts can make a big difference. Action, connection, and beauty are powerful antidotes to despair. Let’s take care of ourselves—and each other—as we move through this wild human adventure.
Join me on Sunday, April 13th, at 8 am PDT and Tuesday, April 15th, at 10:30 am PDT to receive and sending healing to the world.
If you do not have the new Zoom link, please send me an email.
With joy,
Dr. Michelle
Life Transformation Coach
Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life After Loss
Secrets of Life and Death
PS: I have been on several podcasts recently, speaking about complex grief and healing. Click here to listen.
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