Why We Need To Breathe…And Then Push…When It Comes To Another Election With Trump In It

As I watch the primaries unfold, I can’t help but have flashbacks to the horror of 2016. The sexist, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic attitudes that emerged during that time made me feel like I didn’t belong in my own country. I felt like I might need to become a political refugee to find safety. The Women’s March, the fear of being a woman in a Trump-led country, and the looming threat of more dehumanizing oppression in 2020 all took a severe toll on my mental health. When Biden finally won, I felt like a domestic abuse survivor who had escaped a violent partner, but I still felt cautiously free, knowing that the threat of violence is always present. The events of January 6 only added to my anxiety, and seeing “spiritual white people” condoning racism and other forms of discrimination was terrifying. Now, as our former president continues to pose a threat, I fear for what the future holds. At times, I just want to leave the country and disconnect from it all, but I recognize that this thought is a result of my unearned privilege. Instead of turning away, I am committed to using my influence to encourage people to vote and protect our democracy. Despite the polarization and denial of some, I hold onto the hope that our country can progress and uphold human rights for all. We must resist cold-heartedness, even in the face of those who seek to maintain their power at the expense of others. The words of Paul Farmer, MD, resonate with me, as I believe that the idea that some lives matter less is at the root of all that is wrong with the world. In the coming months, I urge everyone to find ways to regulate their nervous systems and take breaks when needed, not as a way to avoid reality, but as a temporary respite. Perhaps, like me, you may find solace in nature, art, music, or whatever brings you peace. Even though I sometimes feel guilty for seeking refuge, I have accepted an invitation to teach a retreat on a beautiful island in Malta before the election. In this safe space, we will process whatever may be coming up for us. If you have the means and feel called to join us, applications are being accepted for a limited number of spots. Until then, let’s take a breath and find the strength to push forward.