My wise and wonderful flute instructor gave me an article to read a few weeks ago. It is by Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post. The article addresses living in a perpetual state of outrage in today’s political arena. Bottom line, if we live in this state, the other side wins.

Some people find themselves in a viscous cycle:
1. First thing in the morning, tuning on the television with your morning coffee to see what “they” did overnight,
2. checking your social media and email for the latest outrageous proposals and statements, and yes, TWEETS
3. looking at your cell phone for affirmations from your friends that assure you, “Yes, those people are crazy and mentally ill!”
4. ruining a perfectly wonderful dinner at a lovely restaurant by talking about the shit storm,
5. you return home and tune in again to the TV to see what else has happened,
6. you retire for an insomnia filled night after working yourself up into a tizzy
7. you get up in the morning and start the cycle all over again.

Rinse and repeat.

This is no way to live. Barely a month into this storm, we are already exhausted by it. And that is not healthy. Huffington says, “When we live in an ongoing state of outrage, anxiety, fear and stress, it wreaks an awful toll on our physical and mental health.” This state is not sustainable and why we have to take back control of how we react. If we are constantly depleted and exhausted, “we are not as resourceful, creative or effective”.

Just venting and complaining does not affect outcomes. We have to act from our inner strength and inner freedom. If we are robbed of this, we feel like victims. Whatever you do, don’t let yourself get stuck in this vicious, outrageous storm! This storm is going to be around longer than you want but do not succumb to it’s power. You have the power inside of you to step away from this storm so use it.

The best route we can take is to channel that energy and inner strength toward some positive and productive ways that can change outcomes.

Think of it this way, when we fight a disease the most important thing we do is take care of ourself and strengthen our resilience. We make sure we get enough sleep, sufficient exercise (both physically and mentally), eat healthy meals and TAKE A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY. Don’t start and end your day with the latest news.

Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome for almost twenty years said, “There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind … so constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.” 

It is so important to unplug and separate yourself from technology and just “be” and “breathe.” It is good for your brain.

DeeDee

P.S. Tomorrow I will list some ways others have chosen to channel their energy in promoting positive outcomes. Stay tuned.