Let's support each other in making this world the best that it can be.
This is not an ideological concept.
The world is changed by those people who can feel the suffering,
and then show up to take action.
In the wake of what has been a steady stream of both human-made and natural disasters, many people (myself included) have been left feeling that they just cannot take any more. We may experience compassion fatigue (the deep exhaustion that comes from prolonged empathy) and feelings of powerlessness, anger, or frustration. While these feelings are completely normal, they alone do nothing to create actual change. Our normal habits of sharing posts on social media, watching repetitive news reports, and complaining to friends can do a lot to further our feelings of anger and helplessness; however, they do very little for the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole.
My personal process, at times, does involve a bit of "off-gassing" or venting to a close friend or two. Sometimes voicing aloud, my initial reaction to news that triggers me or causes a visceral reaction in me, allows me to view it from a new and detached position. The feeling is then outside of me and I can assess it (and myself) in a clear and discerning light. I do not, however, allow myself to sit and wallow in the muck that gets thrown out there. I take the time to regroup myself and determine what action (if any) I will take.
If you are having any of these feelings now, or have experienced them, here are a some reminders and suggestions of what can be done to regain your sense of balance, effectiveness and empowerment.
1. Ground yourself.
Give yourself the opportunity to really experience you initial response. Take time to feel sadness, shock, grief, confusion, or whatever emotions may be arising. Feel love for those who are suffering, including yourself. Invite feelings of safety and comfort into this space and stay connected to the deep sense of 'being' that is always present inside of you no matter what is happening in life. Commit to a practice that helps keep you in touch with this grounded state of being - walk in nature, do some yoga, practice mindful breathing exercises, or meditate. Eat well and sleep soundly. You will be more effective when you come from this centered place.
2. Avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Be careful not to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Focus on what you can affect and thrust that other people will take care of the issues that matter to them. We are, after all, in this together. Take time to look at the positive outcomes from challenging situations, such as the way adversity can bring people together. Sometimes our "go-to" is to focus on the negative things. The reality is that billions of positive things are happening at every moment.
3. Remember that "feeling bad" about things changes nothing.
While it is important to feel these events fully, we lose our power when we let feelings of sadness, anger, or fear replace our ability to act. Remember that these feelings are messengers telling us that we want things to be different, that we want change. Acknowledge your feelings, listen to their message, and then let them empower you to make a difference.
4. Focus on issues that speak to your heart, and do something about those.
No one can do it all. It is best to focus on one or two things you can do well, and then commit fully to your cause. Trust that you will be the best at what inspires your heart the most. Then consider how yo can best make a difference. Maybe you can give your time to directly help the situation. Alternately, you and use your voice to educate others about a cause. Perhaps you are able to make a monetary contribution. The more you feel and see yourself taking action and making a difference, the more passionate you will be about continuing to create change.
5. Find community.
We can do more together. Sometimes we are afraid to act alone, but when we harness the power of community, we are empowered by this connection and collaboration with others. Build on the energy that comes from working collectively with like-minded people toward a greater good. We might often think that we do not have enough time to help, when in reality, we do. Recognize that saying, "I don't have time for that" is a softer way of saying, "I don't prioritize that." Reflect upon how you prioritize your time and make appropriate changes. Create a new normal for your prioritization of time that includes time for selfless service.
6. Practice self-compassion, patience, and positive self-reflection.
We often only see what we "could have done" or "should have done", which is discouraging and minimizes the importance of our efforts. One of the most important parts of serving is to reflect on what you did and why it helped. This creates positive mental imprints and releases endorphins in the brain, increasing your chances of being proactive again and improving your efficacy.
7. Take care of yourself.
Depleting ourselves of energy inhibits our ability to help others. Make sure that you are leaving time for self-nourishment. Identify, then reduce or eliminate activities that may seem relaxing but are actually increasing your stress (like scrolling through social media, or mindlessly having news shows run in the background). It is important to remain committed to the practices that keep you grounded and connected to your true, unchanging self - those things that speak to your heart. Proactive activities that can strengthen you, inspire you and keep you peaceful in the midst of adversity may include meditation, prayer, and the powerful art of positive energy. Flood yourself with love, presence, and compassion.
8. Be resilient and avoid discouragement.
Remember that change does not happen overnight. There will be harsh reminders that progress is not always linear, neat, and tidy. Remember, also, that adversity does not denote a lack of progress. Progress takes time. Have faith that you are planting seeds that will ultimately blossom into positive change.
