In these challenging times, self-compassion must take precedence. Raising oneself to God or a higher power, if you will, is not as easy as it may appear. As I have heard it spoken by those in the religious community, the voices behind a united and reverent congregation in a church can be the voice of God. That is why Trump is so evil--he has turned evangelicals into cult members.
In my experience, many of us have a negative mindset. Moreover, due to upbringing or environment, we are more likely to think that things will not turn out for the best. I have to remind myself to do my best to counteract any negative aspects of daily life. Through Trump's bombing of lies and half-truths-- or flooding the zone, I am constantly reminded to distance myself from his B.S. Staying informed is one thing, but staying away from toxic news is entirely another. There is one website I occasionally turn to: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ - I find it helpful—best of luck.
Yuval Harari was interviewed yesterday afternoon on Ari Melber (MSNBC) regarding Trump's "mid-evil politics." I appreciated his perspective on how division and fear lead to power and control tactics ... he stated that the purpose of leadership is to build safety - from a position of safety, humans have the capacity to share, to explore, create - love and joy. We've elected leaders, we sit in churches (other religious buildings) where leaders fill us with fear - choose leadership that inspires safety, teaches compassion, celebrates joy. Be that leadership when possible for others!!
I believe that those who truly care about the welfare of others and the survival of democracy aren’t in a religious bubble of self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Love for humanity brings angst when you witness evil people at work and a sleepy society with no angst. We are all concerned here, but those with true angst will not find courage to fight.
It does take courage to fight, Diane. One brave small step at a time brings confidence and builds courage for the next perhaps bolder step. I believe that we soak up courage from others when they take bold steps, and that allows the #resistance to grow. Thanks for weighing in.
"After reading the meditation in the link further below I went looking for citations of joy in the Bible.
The citations associated joy with group sharing, meals, feasts… not with hoarding or winning. Safety was a function of sharing in community, and the process AND outcome was joy."
We need self-compassion and we also need to reach out to others to share their pain. We live in a society who is too self-preoccupied. Too individualistic. I reached out to some people the other day and I was told that the only people that mattered to them was their spouse , children and grandchildren. That leaves out a lot of people. We need to expand our circle to include others. We need connection and community. We can't do it alone. Thank you Manuel!
Thank you, Yvonne. I think that part of the strategy of the powers of this time is to divide us by creating apprehension and fear in the other. If we stand alone we will be easy prey. United we stand, divided we fall, as the tune goes.
We are all always stronger when we work together rather than as individuals. Joy comes from successful endeavors with friends and other people, even folks we don't know.
In these challenging times, self-compassion must take precedence. Raising oneself to God or a higher power, if you will, is not as easy as it may appear. As I have heard it spoken by those in the religious community, the voices behind a united and reverent congregation in a church can be the voice of God. That is why Trump is so evil--he has turned evangelicals into cult members.
Compassion is the key.
Thanks for weighing in, John. What are your thoughts on "self-compassion"?
In my experience, many of us have a negative mindset. Moreover, due to upbringing or environment, we are more likely to think that things will not turn out for the best. I have to remind myself to do my best to counteract any negative aspects of daily life. Through Trump's bombing of lies and half-truths-- or flooding the zone, I am constantly reminded to distance myself from his B.S. Staying informed is one thing, but staying away from toxic news is entirely another. There is one website I occasionally turn to: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ - I find it helpful—best of luck.
Yuval Harari was interviewed yesterday afternoon on Ari Melber (MSNBC) regarding Trump's "mid-evil politics." I appreciated his perspective on how division and fear lead to power and control tactics ... he stated that the purpose of leadership is to build safety - from a position of safety, humans have the capacity to share, to explore, create - love and joy. We've elected leaders, we sit in churches (other religious buildings) where leaders fill us with fear - choose leadership that inspires safety, teaches compassion, celebrates joy. Be that leadership when possible for others!!
Thank you, Karen. I agree with you.
I believe that those who truly care about the welfare of others and the survival of democracy aren’t in a religious bubble of self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Love for humanity brings angst when you witness evil people at work and a sleepy society with no angst. We are all concerned here, but those with true angst will not find courage to fight.
It does take courage to fight, Diane. One brave small step at a time brings confidence and builds courage for the next perhaps bolder step. I believe that we soak up courage from others when they take bold steps, and that allows the #resistance to grow. Thanks for weighing in.
I agree, Manuel. There are some inspiring writers on Substack!
"After reading the meditation in the link further below I went looking for citations of joy in the Bible.
The citations associated joy with group sharing, meals, feasts… not with hoarding or winning. Safety was a function of sharing in community, and the process AND outcome was joy."
We need self-compassion and we also need to reach out to others to share their pain. We live in a society who is too self-preoccupied. Too individualistic. I reached out to some people the other day and I was told that the only people that mattered to them was their spouse , children and grandchildren. That leaves out a lot of people. We need to expand our circle to include others. We need connection and community. We can't do it alone. Thank you Manuel!
Thank you, Yvonne. I think that part of the strategy of the powers of this time is to divide us by creating apprehension and fear in the other. If we stand alone we will be easy prey. United we stand, divided we fall, as the tune goes.
Good question and thought piece. I don't know the answer either.
We are all always stronger when we work together rather than as individuals. Joy comes from successful endeavors with friends and other people, even folks we don't know.