Dear Meli,

As you may know, we elected a new President a few years ago. Ever since then, I have been stressed. I have been stressed that rights are being taken away. I am stressed that hatred and prejudice are being used to unite some people and disenfranchise others. I am stressed that we are being governed by a mentally ill narcissist who seems to care only about winning. I have gone to protests, I’ve voted, and I’ve given to causes that are helping, but I’m still stressed. I try to use my spiritual tools to lower my stress, but they’re not working. Any ideas?

Super Stressed

Dear Stressed,

I know that you are not alone in this experience. It certainly has seemed as though, since our election of the current president, there has been an escalation of “us vs. them” consciousness.

There are many ways to view the current situation. Many of those interpretations are very stressful indeed. It is difficult for many of us to watch what’s been happening, and not happening. We can be deeply saddened and feel powerless.

The following are some things that help me:

1) One way to view the circumstances that really helps me is to remind myself of what Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “The arc of the moral universe is long…but it bends toward justice.” I see this when I look back through history, and I do believe the statement is true. I’m not saying that horrible things haven’t happened in more recent history, and aren’t still happening in the world now. But I do see that, overall, there is a general improvement in overall morality and humanity.

2) Often things get worse before they get better. This can be true, of course, on a personal level or on a national or global level. Z reminds me that after the 1991 Clarence Thomas hearings, there was a record number of women who entered politics. One could say that the conversations that are happening now (including some uncomfortable, heated ones) are conversations that have needed to happen for a long time.

Injustices are being pointed out that have been allowed to slip by the general populations’ awareness for centuries. I remember reading one commentary, soon after the elections, that said one doesn’t know they should start treating a disease until there is awareness that there is a disease present to treat. The current climate has been waking up many people to some atrocities that have gone on in veiled unconsciousness, for a long, long time. People are waking up. And some people just wake up cranky! Others are trying very hard to continue to sleep.

3) Finally, I do think it is imperative that we take all the action we feel called to take, and contribute in all the ways we feel right in doing! However, I personally choose to minimize my exposure to social media and news sources that escalate my own discordant feelings. I do my best to balance the input between knowing what’s going on in the nation and our world, but maintaining my personal mental well-being. This one is tricky.

I do not subscribe to the “let’s just pretend it isn’t happening” school of positivity. I prefer to take responsibility where I can and should. At the same time, I find my life is better when I limit my time on social media, and avoid engaging with folks who are clearly not open to listening and gaining understanding in a conversation (and I do mean Converse-ation – meaning two people talking and listening in dialogue).

4) Increase spiritual practice. I mean this in different ways. I mean, try out new things for spiritual practice, adding new tools to your spiritual tool belt. But I also mean practicing conscious awareness – breathing, self-love, compassion – every day.

5) Feeling your feelings in any and every way you know how. Explore what’s underneath your stress response. What is the story you’re telling yourself? And is it factually true? Or might you be simply fearing a future that is not here yet?

6) Talking with others only when it supports you. This includes some conversations that might feel disturbing or difficult. If we are making a difference in helping someone to understand something (because they’re actually listening) or if we are being grown by an educational dialogue, then I think we should breathe and stay with it! But if we are bemoaning things with someone else which escalates feelings, or talking to someone who will never hear us, it might be advisable to change the conversation.

7) Consciously practice Trust. Take these times as an opportunity to surrender to the Universal Divine unfolding in Its way.

I hope this helps you. We all deserve to know peace. And we can’t help anyone else to have greater love and peace if we aren’t coming from love and peace ourselves. (I mean….just my opinion, but that’s what this blog is anyway…LOL)

Blessings and Love to you in all you do!

In Joy,

Melissa

What is your experience with stress about politics? Share your comments below!