Political & Financial: External Realities that Resonate Within
The political/financial aspect stands for external forces perceived as beyond our control, insidiously acting upon us and/or oppressing us.
For most of human history, human beings only knew the challenges and triumps of the immediate village and surroundings. We are in our faced with the unique gift and challenge of having a much, much broader sense of the breadth and depth of our world’s problems, conflicts and challenges. This can understandably take it’s toll. In Jewish tradition there is a saying, “It is not your responsibility to fix the world, but it is your duty to keep trying.”
Sometimes, it might be wise to go on a media hiatus, temporarily closing ones ears to the news in order to regroup emotionally or spiritually. Another good media tactic is to take your news with humor (The Onion) or your bad news with good news (Good News Network). However, even if you find the perfect you-sized-rock, practicing self-care is the essential front line to meet the world of anxiety.
We know we are no good to others unless we ourselves are healthy, but there are times we may find it hard to get that needed sleep, or when a friend needs us, or spend money on organic produce when world hunger doggedly persists. This is a complicated balance. We need to continue to dive deep into gratitude and shore up our own health, while also actively standing up for the underdog, being the change we wish to see in the world, reducing our carbon footprint, helping others financially when we can, and persistently voicing our concerns to our government.
Further Reading:
Get Rich Lucky Bitch - Denise Duffield Thomas
The Poverty of Affluence - by Paul L. Wachtel
How Can I Help? – Ram Dass & Paul Gorman
