Are You Okay?

“Before a race, we store up spirit.”
—American Track and Field Gold medalist

When one nation indivisible is a pipe dream and liberty for all seems like it never existed, one may feel neck deep in the swamps of sadness. An overwhelming sense of hopelessness sets in. For some, it is debilitating. We must not, however, let these overwhelming feelings steal our stamina and joy. We are certainly living in uncertain times, but in spite of it all the truth is becoming a driving force in many people’s lives. There is a hunger to resolve conflict, to make amends and make sense of the chaos. We long to find our way back to homeostasis and be free of the worries that have been perpetuated by our unstable environment.

I have been tired this week. I let some days pass as I took time to gather my sensibilities. Andreas and I spoke several times this week, and I felt better. I asked him several questions that were obscure to me, questions that arose from Holocaust groups on Facebook: “What’s a Zionest?” “Why is there tension with Palestine?” “What proof do Holocaust deniers claim?”

His peaceful demeanor brought me resolution rooted in compassionate understanding, and after our conversations I came to the realization that I don’t need all the answers. I need only to keep faith. I need to return to the familiarity of myself and my core values, and remember the things that bring me joy. When we become the victim or the oppressed, we give away our power. It is in our best interest to preserve energy and begin to align with our fellow citizens. Walt Whitman reminds us that “whatever satisfies the soul is truth”. That maxim is our motivation, the polls in November are our weapon.

Do not be dismayed. United we stand, and divided we fall. Source reliable news reporting and check facts, read books, get educated. Above all, though, take care of yourself. Remember joy, and laughter, and wonder. The Earth is supporting you on the journey to whole heart, mind, and body wellness. Fortify. It’s going to be a long process of sorting all the messes we are in--globally, in the United States and in other nations rapt with conflict, but we can do it.

And we will.

Written by:
Hannah White
Bellingham, Washington