I've found something that has helped me manage election and post-election anxiety about the state of our nation. When I find myself spinning catastrophic stories or seething with anger, I take a cue from Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion. I pause, take a breath, and say to myself:
"I'm really in pain about this right now."
Then, I note that the reason I'm in pain is because I care.
I care for the lives and livelihoods of the people in this world, and our access to food, water, healthcare, community, and meaningful work. I care for the state of our planet. I care about our ability to trust and believe each other, to work together to build something beautiful.
I remember that lots of other people are in pain because they care too.
And suddenly, my focus is on the caring. I think about how many people care and the power of all that caring. I imagine what we could do if we let our caring lead, instead of our fear or anger. I resolve to work, act, and speak in a way that lets my own caring lead.
When you focus on your own caring, where does it lead you?
Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. is a Philosophical Coach, helping new moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is the co-creater and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings fun, accessible, philosophical thinking to the real world. To join her mailing list, subscribe here.
© Copyright Danielle LaSusa PhD, LCC, 2020. All rights reserved.
