Political Upheaval
January 8, 2021
Q: What should I keep in mind about current politics?
A: The scary situation surrounding unknown deciders and fragmented voices raised in anger and even violence against one another is one voice—that of a single soul finding itself as it goes along. Fighting within, different parts wanting different things, different agendas, different priorities—but the importance of letting it give voice to its parts, divided though they may seem, is paramount. Think of a troubled teen having an existential crisis. It’s not that the fractals within him aren’t valid—each thing he says is true in a way. The healing comes with holding him, accepting all of his questions and anger and the talk of the unfairness of it all, and hold space for that along with his hopes and dreams. Nothing you can say can make things better in that moment, but your presence, your willingness to look at and acknowledge the ugliness and confusion of life begets trust and a safety net. Next time he won’t find as big a need for control for things to make sense for he knows that life is a little crazy—it’s a bit of everything (everything is true in a fashion and in a time), but he knows he is not alone. In the same way, acknowledge your fears and uncertainties and anger over the injustice and unfairness of it all—hold space for that while still acknowledging life is beautiful, people are beautiful, nothing is certain except love—and you will strangely enough find comfort and certainty enough in knowing that you are always held, always loved and supported no matter what conflicts wage within, no matter what floods of emotions sweep over you. You’ll find you’re still in center—okay. You’re okay. I’m okay. We’re okay. We’ll get through this although some battle-weary troops need refreshment and reprieve. Grant that as well—permission to rest from the battles you fight for justice—not giving up nor quitting but pausing for breath to rest and remember that everything is as it should be and you're part of that—you and your efforts.