Here is a useful activity that may help you get through these difficult times….
Think of something you are hating or disliking right now, or think of something that hurts you or others, or think of something negative that keeps tossing around in your brain.
Now think of the opposite thing. Something that you love.
You can be as specific as you would like…
I will show you what to do with this after a couple of example.
For example…
Banned books………….I love reading, books, literature, poetry etc.
The farmers are not getting their subsidies………I love it when people in the community flourish.
Inaccurate or manipulation of science…….I love facts and figures and exploring science.
My [……..] friends are having their rights stripped………..I love all my friends. They are amazing people, and I care about them.
Abusive, aggressive rhetoric………….I love calm, well considered, well researched or inspiring speeches that come from a place of hope for the future.
Your job is to now take all the energy you have been using in hate and dislike, in growling and complaining, in worry, in agonizing, in endless discussions that get nowhere….all these things that sap the energy out of you.
Instead, concentrate that energy on the side that you love…
This does not mean turning away from what is happening. It does not mean that you stop being informed, listening, reading or discussing. It does not mean that you stop making plans to be sure you are safe. But, being an ostrich with your head in the sand 24/7 will not help you either (Important: Unless you are so tender at the moment and need to withdraw, of course, do that. That is a different matter and a self-preserving personal choice).
What it does mean, is that you direct your energy with purpose, conviction and love, onto what you care about most. Instead of draining you, this can feed your joy, your hope and a positive attitude. And it helps you keep going.
You are not setting aside the things you value and sacrificing them, because you are too tired after the affront of what is happening on your doorstep or in the world.
You are rewiring your brain to see what is happening and then moving into love and aligned action on what you value most.
You are rewiring your brain to not get fixated or overwhelmed and collapse into neutral and stagnation and acceptance, because it cannot cope with the enormity of what is happening.
You are rewiring you brain to concentrate on what you care about and not get distracted or become hijacked by the bluster.
You are putting your energy into the things that matter to you and that will always give you more energy and joy than expending energy on the things you hate.
Using the examples above…here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing…
You could put your attention and energy into reading, sharing books, writing poetry or informative/helpful posts, or support your local library.
You could shop at farmers markets, buy local or get together and buy fresh produce in bulk.
You can do great research when you are interested in something, go to the source for statistics, read scientific papers or interview reputable scientists.
Spend time with your friends and let them know they are safe with you. Send notes. Come out in support. Ask them what they need and how you can help.
Make comments or share or like posts you want to see trend. Send notes of support to your favorite commentators who represent your desire for well researched considered speeches/information, speak out yourself in the way you find so positive, encourage others.
The ways to bring your attention onto the things you love and care about are many, get creative, have fun with it, enjoy the process, choose wisely and see what happens.
Life is a grand experiment after all.
It is better for you, for your loved ones, for your community and for the world for you to stand back, take a deep breath.
Be informed.
And then put your energy, actions, writing, working, sharing etc. into what you love..
Onward.
Love Philippa
One Response
OMG Philippa this is beautiful and I think exactly what I need. I am going to put this into action straight away. I have been so long in a negative space and being mesmerised by the negative in this world. I think that one of the things I struggle so much with is the inhumanity of people. Thank you I will let you know how I go. Love Maree