Remember To Regulate
Dear Ones.
As we approach this momentous Election Day, concerns and fears are running high. This is a period of waiting as many have already cast their ballots. This liminal space is perhaps the most strenuous. (And let us not forget that a courageous and dedicated few in our community are off working in swing states and our gratitude travels with you. )
Traveling this week, I was questioned by a number of our colleagues from the United Kingdom who would often start the conversation with something such as, “It’s so hard to believe that this is what is happening in the United States…again.” We all find it hard to believe and hard to address.
This time of uncertainty may stretch on for a while and that we will all experience additional shocks to our system is predictable. Because our politics has devolved into a series of “jump scares,” regulating our nervous systems in these days probably is the best guarantee that we will be prepared to confront what may be before us in future weeks and months.
Some paths to regulation?
- Check in with yourself on a daily basis. How are you feeling? Consider using a “feeling wheel” (easily found through an internet search using those word) so the more numbed versions of core emotions (mad, sad, scared and glad) can be traced. Once you know what you are feeling, you can share that with a friend or a helping professional or address it through writing or meditation. How to address the range of difficult emotions these times produce in us depends on your self-knowledge. What is best for you to do when you feel angry? When you are grieving? When you are happy? When you are frightened?
- Find an election buddy. This can be a text or a phone buddy or someone willing to move outside with you or share a beverage. Agree to check in at least once a day during these fear-filled days. A simple text with a funny emoji, an amble through a woods with a friend or a short phone call with someone you trust can help you feel grounded. This is not a time to go it alone and even a small amount of support can make things more bearable.
- Schedule something fun. If ever there was a time made for distraction, this is it! And joy strengthens us mind, body and spirit!
- Move in nature. Contact with the natural world can remind you that the Earth is larger than human foibles.
- Meditate. Our meditation space will be open Saturday morning. Guided meditations abound and , in fact, we have some on our website. Remember we will have mini-meditations in our vigils on Tuesday and our Post-Election gathering on Wednesday. And don’t forget our regular spaces on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
- Learn. What we know is that regardless of what happens, we will be working long term to make the changes that can save our democracy. So learning about the states that have changed how they use the Electoral College or the ways that many believe we can introduce meaningful choice into our electoral process might be some useful intellectual diversion.
Traveling this week, I was blessed by the kindness of strangers and those who were our Unitarian kin were quick to offer condolences. This was a good reminder of how much stress and concern many of us are carrying. I was also reminded that we do not have to just flounder. We can take steps to help ourselves stay as centered as possible, as ready as possible for what we are next called to do.
In faith and perseverance,
Leslie
Rev. Leslie Takahashi serves as Lead Minister and is best reached at leslie@mduuc.org or by phone. If you do not a response, please let her know.
Schedule an appointment with Rev. Leslie on Calendly: https://calendly.com/revlesliemeet