LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
Jun 26, 2014 23:17:22 GMT
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Post by LeaP on Feb 17, 2017 19:06:48 GMT
You are not alone, I could have written your post. I'm going to take some of the advice on this thread. These are crazy times.
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Post by flanz on Feb 17, 2017 19:09:40 GMT
Staggered breathing. Take care of you. We all need to take a breath. FAntastic! Yes, we definitely must arm ourselves in any way we can from the desired "protest fatigue" the admin. is likely trying to cause!!! THANK YOU for working for progressive causes and for being a leader. We MUST resist and we must remain educationed, and we must remain ACTIVE, but we do have to care for ourselves in the process. I am working on it but def. haven't mastered it yet either! (((HUGS)))
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Post by flanz on Feb 17, 2017 19:16:42 GMT
I don't know. I was Christian, but became disillusioned with all of our local churches. I feel like I am on the fence. I love Jesus, but dont think I can call myself a Christian anymore. I do follow other spiritual practices like Buddhism and meditation--i have practiced yoga in the bpast (maybe should restart!) and try to see things from a holistic perspective. Check to see if there is a Unitarian Universalist congregation or fellowship near you. I left Catholicism at age 40 thinking i would NEVER have a "church home" again. 7 years later I attended my first UU service and knew that it and that community offered what my heart had been seeking. If you're at all interested check out www.uua.org/
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Post by flanz on Feb 17, 2017 19:18:58 GMT
DECLARATION OF CONSCIENCE - Unitarian Universalist Association
At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.
In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.
And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.
We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.
As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.
We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice.
The time is now.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090
Jul 8, 2014 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by scrapaddie on Feb 17, 2017 21:08:44 GMT
So, my blood pressure is up, I am getting terrible headaches (and I am NOT prone to them), I have nausea and indigestion, and my anxiety and irritability is sky high. This is all since 45 was elected. I am very politically involved and I have to find a way to balance my activism (I run a local progressive group) and my health. I am trying to meditate daily, and exercise, and eat well. But I feel like every time I read the newspaper, or turn on the news, I am confronted with yet another horrifying thing 45 or his ilk has done or said, and I literally feel my blood pressure rising. I can't NOT be informed, but I also can't continue down this path. Would love ideas and thoughts. I am considering a 2 day a week news fast but not sure that's enough. A healthy person should not react like this. My dd told me that when My bp was under control, it would not raise line you described . I would see the dr rather than blame the news, just in case
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Feb 17, 2017 21:20:08 GMT
Go on news, Facebook, and political threads fast for a couple of weeks. There is no need to follow any of it if it is making you sick. Let your mind rest for a while. Find a good book and let it take you away.
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Post by annabella on Feb 17, 2017 21:22:22 GMT
Try exercise and vitamins. Have one day a week be family day so you can not watch the news or discuss politics with your husband. Do you have someone you can go to for acupuncture?
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Post by hopemax on Feb 17, 2017 21:58:09 GMT
I'm in the same boat. The thing is, it's not really Trump that is causing me so much stress. As the Supreme Court nominee said, and I'm paraphrasing because I can't find the exact quote: the Founding Fathers knew "men were not angels" and therefore developed a system of checks designed to prevent enormous abuse of power. In this case, he was talking about the Legislative branch, but I think we all believed the same would apply to the Executive branch. So while every tweet and press conference just adds more exasperation, the sadness and depression is from seeing that so many other people holding the power to affect change, are willing to go along with it so that their agenda succeeds. Their pet issue is more important than their sworn duty to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Do we, as a country, mean that or not? The World is watching what we do or don't do. The longer we don't take action, the more emboldened dangerous forces become, the more our allies start to move forward in a way that minimizes the USA. That doesn't make us Great, it leaves us behind. What's the point of having checks & balances if we won't use them? It is still early, and maybe more is happening behind the scenes? But it's hard to see that now.
Turning off the tv (we don't really follow tv news, anyway, I didn't watch or read yesterday's transcript - I just know it exists and saw snippets. I've already edited down to as small as I can to remain aware) doesn't stop the examination going on within my head, wondering if our system of government was ever real. Is this is the country I thought it was? As a math/science/engineering geek, the war on science and facts has been already depressing the heck out of me. This feels like another war on critical thinking. When you grow up one of the smarter kids in the room, you get used to the sighs, eye-rolling and shunning that comes along with being the one that correctly answers the teacher's questions. Now it feels like this is what my country is saying to me. While there is something to seeing the protests, and resist memes, the numbers necessary for real change aren't there, and if they are, are loaded in ways that will tear the country apart, not unite it. When I was a kid, I used to wish I could be average like everyone else, and think more about crushes, movies, music, etc. This is making me feel like that again. That there is no point to having critical thinking skills and knowledge, because it just makes you frustrated and depressed. Blissful ignorance, is it better?
And now, I'm getting ready to meet my husband for Pokemon Go hunting. And hope to get through our trip to London next month. And then get through a visit with my Dad in April, then a local comic con in June, then another visit with my Dad, then the holidays. One foot in front of the other. All we can do.
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Post by flanz on Feb 17, 2017 22:23:05 GMT
I feel the same as the OP. I also know I should step back, but then again - I feel guilty that I *can* step back. I'm not being persecuted (at least not directly and not yet). Others don't have that option. I feel that if I disengage then I won't be there to support those who need it now and I certainly won't be ready when they "come" for me. Does that make sense? YES! Makes perfect sense to me! My white privilege makes me feel compelled to speak out in support of all who are at far greater risk!
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Post by mamakoala on Feb 18, 2017 0:04:13 GMT
Do you have someone you can go to for acupuncture? Yes, me I am an acupuncturist and am now giving myself daily treatments. It's helping
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Post by mamakoala on Feb 18, 2017 0:06:35 GMT
okay, so today i decided to merge forces with another local activist group in hopes that we can all share the burden and work together. i also gave myself acupuncture and worked out for an hour at our local Orange Theory (boot camp type thing). I am also trying to find humor in things, as hard as it is. I feel a bit better. Thank you all for being so supportive.
Oh! and i made the cutest happy birthday card yesterday LOL and I will be scrapping on Sunday--definitely helps!
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,509
Member is Online
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Feb 18, 2017 0:21:54 GMT
These are things I have done since the beginning of January. I make a point to get some exercise even if it's just to get my dogs out for a walk. I started going to a Zumba class twice a week and it's been great to get out of the house and do something positive with others. I go to a weekly ukulele group. I've been practicing more and it's been a really good side project. I've also been working on some crochet projects. We've been going to more hockey games than usual. I still follow all the political bullshit. I just have some pleasant distractions. Donald Trump is not allowed to live in my head.
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Post by annabella on Feb 18, 2017 0:28:44 GMT
okay, so today i decided to merge forces with another local activist group in hopes that we can all share the burden and work together. i also gave myself acupuncture and worked out for an hour at our local Orange Theory (boot camp type thing). I am also trying to find humor in things, as hard as it is. I feel a bit better. Thank you all for being so supportive. Oh wow I didn't know you could give yourself acupuncture. I just got home from my OT workout and it was tough!
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