What Now?
This is a blog I did not fully expect to write today. I only realized that now in the shadow of the heartbreaking election news many of us are now facing in the U.S.
On some level, obviously yes, I saw the polls, I live in a deep red state. I knew it was possible. But it seems stubborn hope kept me from seeing it as probable.
And so, as I awoke this morning, I wanted to reach out, connect, and offer a few thoughts on what comes next?
What now?
Care for yourself
First, always, is to care for ourselves and those closest to us.
Heartbreak hurts, and if you live in the United States, the buildup to the election has been long and intense. I know this sounds obvious, but you won’t do any good to yourself or anyone else you love if you’re not meeting your own basic need for regulation.
For me, today, this looks like staying away from the media more and resting. It also means allowing the grief and sadness to be present, without trying to chase them away through distraction, outrage, or intellectual analysis.
For you, it may look different. You may want to be with friends or write in your journal. You may need to sleep more.
Whatever it is, give that to yourself.
Keep centered
Next, I increase my practices to keep grounded. I can see the mind already wants to jump ahead, thinking of all the things that will likely come. All this does is keep me out of the present moment, away from my own knowing and from my own power.
So, for me, this looks like noticing what’s happening in my mind and staying in the body, moving out to my energy field. It also involves more time in meditation.
For you, it could be the same, or perhaps different. It might be spending time outside. Or in a movement practice. Or with your pets.
Anything to help you stay here and grounded.
Recommit to your work
And finally, I recommit to my own work in the world.
I recommit to helping others express themselves. I recommit to love, to connection, to social change.
Our work in the world—my work and your work— is just as important now as it was yesterday and the day before that.
This outcome does nothing change that. Our words, our stories, and all the changes we hope to see in this world are still very much needed.
Hope
This poem found its way to me a few days ago.
I’m hoping that like me, you can find something beautiful in these words.
Hope Waits Inside*
The day dawned as it always does,
milky light nuzzling the drapes
then leaking through the cracks like love
in a time of grief. I want to meet
this moment with arms swung wide open,
a gate that welcomes everything—
but dread rusts the hinges, and fear keeps
the latch from popping free. As usual,
I’m called to see hope where it seems
there is none, just as I must trust that
inside rain-slick, stripped-bare branches
wait the buds of new leaves, ready to
burst forth, like a happiness that doesn’t
depend on what happens.
May you be well and with kindness and connection.
*Crews, James. “Brother David Steindl-Rast has said “Joy is the…” Facebook, 05 Nov. 2024 https://tinyurl.com/3fjyz7wf