When the World Feels Too Heavy
The latest school shooting – the 27th in our country this year alone – has shaken me, as I’m sure it has shaken you. Just days after the massacre by a racist in Buffalo. Against the backdrop of yet another pandemic surge. I could list more tragedies, but what’s the point?
A lot of us are feeling that right now: What’s the point?
What’s the point of protesting, donating, calling our representatives when so little seems to change?
What’s the point of pursuing joy when hearts are breaking all around us?
And yet – it’s the only way forward.
It is the only way forward.
Passing sensible laws for gun safety is a must – but the violence in this country goes deeper than our inadequate gun laws. It’s rooted in our racist, patriarchal systems. Systems that benefit from people feeling helpless, like their joys don’t matter, like pleasure is superfluous.
So today, let your pursuit of joy and purpose and pleasure be part of our collective healing. This is not some coach-y woo-woo crap.
To transform our world from one that’s broken, hurtful, and extractive, we need to plant seeds for the healthy, thriving, vibrant, beautiful world right where we stand. Right at our own feet.
Here are a few things you may want to do:
Take a social media break for a few days if it’s draining you. Log out of your accounts, delete the apps. It’ll be there when you’re ready to go back.
Contact your representatives and urge them to take action for gun safety. Giffords and Everytown have great resources to guide you.
Donate to those organizations if you’re able. I’m pledging 50% of my revenue through June 10 to divide between Giffords and Everytown, and am thinking about what my ongoing philanthropic commitment will be.
Pursue pleasure. Pause and savor something for each sense over the course of the day. Here are a few of my favorites:
Sight: my kids’ faces, Andy Goldsworthy sculptures, my neighbor’s peonies
Sound: this Kacey Musgraves song my sister introduced me to, waves lapping, the morning birdsong
Smell: salt air, this candle, petrichor
Touch: fresh sheets, a steaming bath, a long hug
Taste: a cappuccino from Paul, local strawberries with creme fraiche, toasted almonds on almost anything
Do something kind. Leave a bouquet at a neighbor’s door. Tip 100% on your coffee. Pick someone from the Black Fairy Godmother’s list and send someone direct help. Send a letter to an elder. Text your best friend that you love them.
Confirm your voter registration status, especially if you’ve moved recently.
Take a walk, in nature if possible. It has a positive effect on your central nervous system. (Much more on that another day.)
And, dear one, be kind to yourself today, too. If we want more love, compassion, and kindness, beating ourselves up is not the path. Maybe you can’t focus today. Maybe you just don’t have it in you to empty the dishwasher. It’s ok. Really. Give yourself a hug, pick something from your senses list, and maybe go to bed early.
