Dear Meli,

I am gutted about the recent US presidential election. I was so sure that it was going to go a different way. At first, I felt physically ill. Lately I’ve been feeling a sense of apathy and depression. I am doubling down on my spiritual practices, and this is helping. But still. I can’t help but despair about the state of our country – and our world. Can you offer any words of wisdom?

Down and Despairing

Dear Despairing,

I’m so sorry to hear about how hard this is for you! I know that’s true for lots of people I’ve spoken to. The election felt especially challenging this time for many. I am sad to hear it’s been so intense for you.

Yay for you, though, increasing your spiritual practices in response! Making positive choices is always the best approach to any challenging time. Spiritual practice can be such a balm for an aching heart.

I had a favorite college professor who Z and I visited before his passing a couple years ago. He was telling me that he had just let go of most of his private students. He was still performing, and kept a couple of his students.

I made a comment about how I assumed he kept the few students to keep himself in service and support, and making a contribution to humanity.

He very lovingly pointed out, “No. That’s not why.” He reminded me that when you’re all alone in your own space, practicing your music, you’re changing the vibration of the planet!

I will never forget that moment! It was deeply powerful for me. Whenever I feel despairing about things, I remind myself of this truth – applied to music, spiritual practice, and anything that lifts the vibration of the planet.

So, remember, your personal practices are emanating from you to lift the vibration of all beings! Thank you for that!

Doing all we can – big things and small – to support ourselves through any challenging time is the very best thing we can do. Every positive choice makes a difference! And not only to us! This can be a great thing to remember when facing a tough decision. If one choice is empowering and supportive in the long run, and the other…well…not so much. Remember you choose for yourself and for others!

A gratitude practice is one of those good choices for me. In the midst of the hardest of times, I have found that by shifting my focus to gratitude, I can still see beauty. Even if I have to really search for it. So in those dark times, search I must. And it makes a mighty upleveling difference for me!

And, of course, all other loving self-care helps too. Getting enough sleep. Eating well. Being with others who make you feel loved – friends and family from whom you walk away feeling seen and uplifted. Connecting with nature, or your pet. All the things that bring you joy.

It’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay that these things still bring you joy. Give yourself permission to experience the pleasures of life, even when there’s hard stuff going on. (For you or others!)

Life is weird. There’s always stuff to celebrate and there’s always tough things going on. It’s important not to deny what is ours to do in any given situation, including and especially the hard stuff. But it’s also important to look for things to celebrate. By doing both, the tough stuff and the celebration, you are a true blessing to the world.

Thank you so much for writing. Keep up the Love-filled work! This, too, shall pass.

Blessings and Love to you in all you do!

In Joy,
Melissa