I find it difficult to reply to social media or in person where someone is downplaying or denying the climate and nature crisis, or is not accepting that animal agricultural practices are often inhumane (and damaging to the climate), or finding issues with possible solutions, or being angry at cyclists. I think it bothers me in particular because I know where we need to get to as a society to solve the climate and nature crisis. And if so many people are resisting we have less of a chance. I also find there aren't many people around who I can talk to about any particular incident as it seems to just add to their stress. I find my energy for engaging with this dissipates quickly.
I’ve started to promise myself a regenerative activity after getting involved in such conversations, although it's not always possible to time a walk on the hills directly afterwards!
I hear you Andy. I think we need to be careful about where we spend our energy and how much it's triggering us/actually helping - sometimes I'm really up for replying to those kinds of comments and almost enjoy it - sometimes I'm definitely not! And I love the sound of something regenerative after the tricky conversations - the hills have your back! Missing you at the vigils.
Feeling better just reading your gentle words. I can often be found self-soothing with my hand on my hand, breathing in and out...just for a few moments, brings me back to what's right here now, what next steps can I take, what I can let go of. And yes, remembering I'm here for just a brief time xo
I love these suggestions. In answer to your question about what makes me feel better about stuff I have an odd one. I like to remember my mortality. This posture started when I read the book "4000 weeks - time management for mortals" (4000 weeks being the average lifespan.) When things get heavy it is helpful for me to remember I won't be around forever, and there's only so much I can do. I'm 60 years old now, so if I get an average lifespan I have 20 more years. I'm doing all I can to engage with the "stuff" that is sculpting my life, but also remembering that all that stuff will either end with me or find its own way forward without me is oddly helpful. I hope that doesn't sound morbid or defeatist. I don't mean it to. I'm just a part of a story that is way larger than me. That helps me:)
I think that's a very sensible way to feel better about stuff. It's a good book isn't it? It helps to not sweat the small stuff, to prioritise, to appreciate what we have right now... and yes, being a part of a much bigger story. Love it. Thanks for sharing Jeffrey!
Love this. It’s hard though. I am one of the people you mention up above, one who has a child with disabilities, who will never have an independent life.
Satya, your writing always makes me think deeply. I'm curious about your thoughts on the balance between acceptance and striving for change. How do we accept what is while still working towards a better future? Is there a point where acceptance becomes complacency, or can the two coexist?
Thanks Alexander - such an excellent question and I think I'll probably write a post about this sometime - I'll let you know if I do! (short answer - I think they can coexist, yes!)
I especially loved the reminder about impermanence—it’s something I try to hold onto when everything feels stuck!!
I love the irony of trying to hold onto impermanence 🤣 but yes, it's so easily forgotten, isn't it? And exactly. Nothing stays stuck forever!
I find it difficult to reply to social media or in person where someone is downplaying or denying the climate and nature crisis, or is not accepting that animal agricultural practices are often inhumane (and damaging to the climate), or finding issues with possible solutions, or being angry at cyclists. I think it bothers me in particular because I know where we need to get to as a society to solve the climate and nature crisis. And if so many people are resisting we have less of a chance. I also find there aren't many people around who I can talk to about any particular incident as it seems to just add to their stress. I find my energy for engaging with this dissipates quickly.
I’ve started to promise myself a regenerative activity after getting involved in such conversations, although it's not always possible to time a walk on the hills directly afterwards!
I hear you Andy. I think we need to be careful about where we spend our energy and how much it's triggering us/actually helping - sometimes I'm really up for replying to those kinds of comments and almost enjoy it - sometimes I'm definitely not! And I love the sound of something regenerative after the tricky conversations - the hills have your back! Missing you at the vigils.
Feeling better just reading your gentle words. I can often be found self-soothing with my hand on my hand, breathing in and out...just for a few moments, brings me back to what's right here now, what next steps can I take, what I can let go of. And yes, remembering I'm here for just a brief time xo
Beautiful, simple words of wisdom, thank you for articulating this so gently 😊
Thank you.
I love these suggestions. In answer to your question about what makes me feel better about stuff I have an odd one. I like to remember my mortality. This posture started when I read the book "4000 weeks - time management for mortals" (4000 weeks being the average lifespan.) When things get heavy it is helpful for me to remember I won't be around forever, and there's only so much I can do. I'm 60 years old now, so if I get an average lifespan I have 20 more years. I'm doing all I can to engage with the "stuff" that is sculpting my life, but also remembering that all that stuff will either end with me or find its own way forward without me is oddly helpful. I hope that doesn't sound morbid or defeatist. I don't mean it to. I'm just a part of a story that is way larger than me. That helps me:)
I think that's a very sensible way to feel better about stuff. It's a good book isn't it? It helps to not sweat the small stuff, to prioritise, to appreciate what we have right now... and yes, being a part of a much bigger story. Love it. Thanks for sharing Jeffrey!
Love this. It’s hard though. I am one of the people you mention up above, one who has a child with disabilities, who will never have an independent life.
Ah Diana - I'm hearing how hard it is and will always be. Holding you both in my thoughts. Thanks for being here 🤍
Thank you. I am loving this 💖.
Thank you Satya I needed to read this today.
I am so fortunate to have found you.
Love and light to you 🙏🪷
I'm glad. Back at you x
Satya, your writing always makes me think deeply. I'm curious about your thoughts on the balance between acceptance and striving for change. How do we accept what is while still working towards a better future? Is there a point where acceptance becomes complacency, or can the two coexist?
Thanks Alexander - such an excellent question and I think I'll probably write a post about this sometime - I'll let you know if I do! (short answer - I think they can coexist, yes!)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on it! Definitely let me know when you do ❤️
Meditation and 20 second hugs are what make me feel better.
Ooh 20 second hugs sound good!
My husband does a lot of ‘hobby’ research on relationships and he’s sagely informed me it’s the new gold standard
I shall try one out with my spouse later 😄
Ah this is timely for me, Satya. And, I am sure, for many many others! Thank you. Your writing is a gift 🙏
for me too.
Ah what a lovely comment. Thank you - received gratefully (& sending hugs) x