Whether a liberal or conservative, the abrupt and dramatic changes in the political climate have created a lot of increased anxiety for many. \u00a0One of my dear patients came in the other day with a beautifully made \u201cRESIST\u201d poster to hang up.\u00a0 There was obvious moral distress over the \u201calternative facts\u201d proposed by the current administration. Tweets, press conferences, NPR, CNN, Fox News are constant reminders of the concept of impermanence.\u00a0 For those of us in the mindfulness community this concept is very present.<\/p>\n
In last month\u2019s article, Dr. John Schorling, eloquently discussed mindfulness and leadership \u201cthrough the lens of emotional intelligence\u201d.\u00a0 I was particularly struck with the relevance of his message in light of our current political culture.\u00a0 Understanding my own strong reaction to the constant barrage of political news has been eye opening.\u00a0 In noticing my own beliefs and patterns of reaction, I have also discovered with a myriad of possibilities for compassionate responses. \u00a0Paying attention to my own emotional intelligence has helped me to tease out what are my own feelings, beliefs, and attitudes versus what are just my reactions to others who may appear angry, insecure and alarming?\u00a0 Sounds simple, but autopilot kicks in with a programed sympathetic nervous system response before I realize I am reacting. Taking time to sit quietly and meditate has helped create a moment for me to be with all of these reactions and explore, with curiosity, my own feelings, thoughts and emotions.\u00a0 Interestingly, I am starting to experience more space for some tranquility.<\/p>\n
The \u201ckey aspect of really paying attention to how we are feeling in relation to others is being aware of why the emotion is arising\u201d says Dr. Schorling.\u00a0 Working in a university setting, I see a variety of people from all over the world.\u00a0 I hear their stories, I know their families, I see their good hearts. I see them work hard to provide for their households.\u00a0 I do not see them as my \u201cenemy\u201d.\u00a0 So I notice I have moral distress reactions each day over their uncertain futures and how this plays out in my own life, as well as collectively how it affects the lives of those around me.<\/p>\n
Being aware of my own reactions has been freeing.\u00a0 As I pay more attention to my own reactions, I am able to unhook my thoughts from the stories I get lost in. \u00a0This allows me to position myself in a better situation to listen without judging. \u00a0Listening without judging allows a pause that provides space for me to choose how I want to respond. Responding instead of automatically reacting also feels better.\u00a0 In addition, I notice a greater sense of wellbeing and balance.\u00a0 I am not \u201cconsumed\u201d by what is going on in Washington. I feel less anxious and more tranquil. I am also aware of a new found energy for finding solutions to create a more peaceful society.\u00a0 I can enjoy listening to the news with curiosity, realizing this is a unique moment in history, however strange at times, instead of getting caught up in someone else\u2019s reactionary style.<\/p>\n
Practicing mindfulness can be very challenging because it makes me realize my own reactions and increased anxiety.\u00a0 With better understanding of the concept that things are constantly changing, I realize the importance of intentionally practicing present moment awareness without judgment, especially today.\u00a0 Unhooking from the worries associated with the stream of stories creates more tranquility.\u00a0 I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t mean that hearing the news every day is not fraught with challenges, but it does mean it doesn\u2019t rob me of my joy, creativity or compassion for myself and for others.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Whether a liberal or conservative, the abrupt and dramatic changes in the political climate have created a lot of increased anxiety for many. \u00a0One of my dear patients came in the other day with a beautifully made \u201cRESIST\u201d poster to hang up.\u00a0 There was obvious moral distress over the \u201calternative facts\u201d proposed by the current […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-monthly-musings"],"acf":false,"yoast_head":"\n