“No matter how bleak or menacing a situation may appear, it does not entirely own us. It can’t take away our freedom to respond, our power to take action.”― Ryder Carroll
Recent political developments* have raised significant concerns regarding civil rights and civil liberties especially for LGBTQ+, BIPOC and Jewish communities. Together, we are facing diminishing access to healthcare, mass deportation of samaritans, federal workforce reductions, the suspension of international USAID and domestic DEI programs, the erosion of women's rights - to name a few.
Given these historically unprecedented times, I thought it might be helpful to highlight a few spiritual principles and accompanying practices to help us navigate adversity with grace and evolve despite and in spite of all that is happening.
Acceptance & Surrender – Trust Source
Pretty much anytime I read the news today, I find my body clenching. A deep well of what I believe to be right and good calls out in righteous indignation as my body attempts to physically contract against the pain of what’s unfolding. I’ve been on the planet long enough to have witnessed numerous atrocities in America and abroad, and I continually remind myself what is within my purview and what is not. I’ve spent many years dedicated to learning where the Big Picture begins and where I end, and vice versa. And still. This is intense.
Some of what helps me through particularly challenging times is practicing radical acceptance and trusting that challenges have a purpose. With hindsight, I'm often amazed that positive outcomes emerge from advents of great adversity: the wisdom to do better; novel revelations and inventions, community resilience and subversive acts of support and reparations, to name a few. It's important to mention that, in my world, "acceptance" does not mean condoning and "surrender" does not mean giving up. Acceptance and surrender simply mean acknowledging what is, and granting reality it's truth rather than trying to argue or brace against it. It's the only way I know how to move forward empowered and with clarity.
A simple exercise to gain perspective: A daily meditation or journal entry on the mantra: “All of Life is unfolding for the highest good.” This isn’t meant to dismiss or Pollyanna the real hardship, setbacks, and pain being caused. It’s meant to help us remember to draw from a Source bigger than politics.
Presence & Mindfulness – Power lives in the Here & Now
Hardship often causes physiological discomfort and nervous system dysregulation. As a result, our mind can easily spiral into regrets and upset about the past (things we cannot change). Thoughts can also buffer with fear and we can future trip into a world of doom and gloom. These patterns are fairly habitual and unfortunately, do nothing to change reality and can actually cause us harm.
If you find yourself in a space of stress, worry or upset, put your proverbial oxygen mask on first. And then, when you feel stable enough, intentionally shift into present moment awareness - get mindful of what is happening inside and around you. Mindfulness practices anchor us in the present moment, which is The Most Potent space where resilience and possibilities live.
A simple Mindfulness Practice: Engage a breathing technique that calms the nervous system and quiets the mind. See the 4-4-6 technique below and for more regulation exercises, check out this earlier post. Vagal toning is also incredibly helpful in harmonizing the nervous system.
The tool of Gratitude is also a great way to get present and return to wholeness. If FEAR is an acronym for "Forgetting Every Available Resource," or "False Evidence Appearing Real," gratitude reminds us of what's on the other side: LOVE ("Listen Observe Validate Empathize" and "Let Others Voluntarily Evolve"). Take a moment to recall three things that you appreciate even in the midst of the difficulty. Now take a moment to feel the expansion, joy and/or ease this brings.
*4-4-6 breathing technique:
If you're sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground, about hip-width apart.
If you are seated, support the back and sit up tall.
Take a gentle breath into the low belly, keeping your mind on your breath.
Inhale through the nose and exhale out the mouth.
Relax any tension or bracing in the body.
Now begin counting your breaths in a cycle of 4-4-6: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 4 seconds, and exhale for 6 seconds. Continue this breathing pattern for 1-3 minutes until you notice a shift - perhaps a sigh, yawn or sense of relaxation.
Choose Faith – Hardship leads to Growth
A mentor often reminds me not to get lost in the problem, but to grow into Solution.
While it's invaluable to express what's on our hearts, it's important not to dwell there or let underlying upset obscure our ability to see available resources and connections.
Challenges can also carry hidden lessons. When we shift our mindset from “Why is this happening?” to “What can I learn here?” or “How can I respond for the greatest good?,” we transform suffering into spiritual expansion.
A simple Practice: Take time to write about: “How might this challenge evolve me and my community?” or “How can I use this experience to serve or inspire others?”
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.”
― Mary Anne Radmacher
Connect & Give – Divine Guidance is Always Here
Spiritual growth thrives in community and through divine connection. Whether through prayer, mentorship, or sacred texts, opening to a Wisdom beyond ourselves aligns us with the ineffable and provides a guidance much more magnanimous than we can fathom alone.
What also helps lift us up and out is being of service. Being of service fosters a deep sense of connection, purpose, and fulfillment, reminding us that we are part of something greater. Emotionally and psychologically, acts of service cultivate gratitude, reduce stress, and promote resilience by shifting the focus from personal struggle to collective empowerment.
A simple Practice: Connect with like-minded folks and find ways to show your care through action. Offer a kind gesture; sign up to be a penpal; actively listen when people are talking to you - especially when they are struggling; volunteer locally; offer your knowledge and skills to an individual or group, a community center, or school; start a group dedicated to a cause you believe in; the list goes on.
“On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.”
― Gregory S. Williams
Lean into Solution – Create opportunities to serve
A few practical ways to help those in need, get involved and grow connections:
Stay Informed
Donate or volunteer to support affected communities and organizations
Raise Awareness through social media and community events
Engage with Representatives
Support Whistleblower Initiatives
Advocate for Privacy Protections
Participate in Public Discourse
Support Advocacy Groups
Engage in Community Organizing
Thank you for reading this. Thank you so much for advocating for what is good in this world. Thank you for getting out of bed or staying in bed if you need to. Thank you for being you and contributing in all the many ways that you do. Every. Single. Day. Thank you for taking breaks and retreating or busting out as needed. Thank you for caring for yourself and for others - when you have the bandwidth. A special shoutout to all the inspiring folks who are organizing and protesting and protecting or changing policy in ways that will actually make this country great. And by great, I mean an equitable and robust quality of life for all, economic prosperity for all, progressive education, healthcare, human rights, fair legal process for all, care for our planet and positive global relations. Thank you.
As always, I'm not a doctor, nor a political pundit. If you find yourself struggling or if you know someone who is, please don't hesitate to reach out or pass this along. I'm t/here for you. Please call or text 917.519.2432 and email britta@intuitivehealthhealing.com
*a la Google: “A development is considered negative when it significantly harms the environment, displaces communities, lacks proper planning, results in poor quality housing, generates excessive negative impacts on local infrastructure, or fails to address the needs of the community it's intended to serve, often prioritizing profit over social and environmental well-being."
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