So it’s been about six or so (insanely long) weeks since the “transition of power” in the White House. Does it seem like longer to you? Me, too. If you’re not actively participating in the Resistance, then I’m sure you know from reading that #Resist has become a Very Big topic of conversation, both here and in real life and this is as it should be, in my opinion.
Many, if not most of us grew up believing we should be active participants in our country’s democracy. You’ve heard or read the words of the Framers. This one has several different attributions but in any case, the words are empowering. The simple truth of this statement is one that resonates deeply with most of us.
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
The importance of eternal vigilance is in my thoughts every day now. As each day goes by that ends in Y, the illegitimate president has said, done or Tweeted yet another outrageous and #Unpresidented statement or action. Let’s explore some ways to cope with the Cheetos Prophet and his gloom and doom after a word from our sponsors.
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Y’all don’t need me to tell you that we’re living in a chaotic and unpredictable world, and at times, it’s alarming, if only for the simple fact that we didn’t feel the need for vigilance six months ago, a year ago, even five years ago. The daily, overwhelming weight of eternal vigilance is real, not just a precaution from the Framers. The very ground we stand on feels tenuous and insubstantial sometimes. it’s hard not to feel confused in the face of “alternative facts” and “fake news.” Sometimes it’s hard not to feel angry and defensive. If you’re like me, you can take so much and keep it on simmer for days or weeks, but eventually, another revelation flares up and that zingy brujafire is racing in your bloodstream. Full stop. You know you have to stop now before you do something muy loco and/or illegal.
If you’re active in the Resistance or can’t be as active as you’d like to be, but feel the need to #Resist all the same, it can be an emotional rollercoaster of pushback, watch and wait, brainstorm tactics with your companerosand try to adapt to situations and events and respond quickly. There’s an undercurrent of fear about the future. Maybe you’re worried about your children growing up in a world in which climate warming is considered a “hoax,” and if you do, I’m standing right next to you. Will Social Security be privatized and squandered by Private Try-Hard (aka Speaker Paul Ryan)? None of us know exactly what may happen but in lieu of hope or optimism, I expect something new and unhinged any time now. My mantra is from Maya Angelou — still I rise (and still we rise)and in my thoughts all the time these days.
Take a deep breath while counting to five Hold it while counting to five, then exhale on a count of five. If you can control your heart rate and breathing, you can physically calm yourself when you feel the need to do so. I started with sets of four. If you need more often or less, by all means, do whatever is right for you. Stretching and physical exercise may be the best. (Well, second best if I’m being honest. ;)
This is a time to be kind to yourself: Make sure that you’re getting enough rest, that you’re eating healthy foods and that you take a little time for yourself each and every day to relax, do something you enjoy doing, and feel some peace of mind. (I know, I’m not your mother. :) Taking care of yourself makes a tremendous difference in your ability to resist effectively.
I love to read but am pretty careful these days about what I read (no RWNJ biographies, no dystopian fiction.). I like to swim and/or walk in the park every morning. Music. Poetry slam / open mic. Hostessing impromptu house parties at my place. I like being here with you all, too.
The best part of every day is my dear little boy, 11, who has a quirky sense of haha and makes me laugh, as well as demonstrating that laughter is indeed very good medicine. Sometimes all we have to do is look at each other to collapse in giggles. He’s as “unfiltered” as I am. “Did you take out the Trump?” or “Hey, Mom, the kittens Trumped in their box and it’s not my turn —No! Not fair! Okay then. FINE!” Even the simple “Trump it!” (clean version) or “That hair’s all Trumped up again” are good because laughter and shared silliness go a lot way toward defusing tension.
Fear looks both ways but still refuses to cross; fear looks twice and still doesn’t leap. Fear believes that the early worm gets caught by the bird, and sympathizes with the worm’s regret at being punctual. Fear usually arrives late, inevitably leaves early, and ends up never going out at all. Fear is the phantom hand on the back of the neck and the sound of a door opening downstairs when no one is coming home.
[...]
Humor is, of course, the one thing that fear cannot abide: Laughter banishes anxiety, and can help replace fear. Laughter is a testament to courage, or at least a manifestation of the wish for it, and courage is stronger than fear. We need a strong and healthy dose of focused humor in our lives every day.
My question tonight is this: What way or ways do you find helpful for chillaxin? What gives you the gift of peace of mind?
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Top Mojo for yesterday, February 24, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
