Those of us who care deeply about the planet and each other can be catapulted into sadness merely by reading the news, watching television, or listening to the radio.
We can become paralyzed by ruminating over injustices and stupidities, becoming angry or depressed.
And yet, when we focus on positive things people are up to, we can be filled with hope and energy.
It is not Pollyana to focus on the positive. The dean of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, has done research on how writing in a gratitude journal daily can assist us in shifting our perspective. I have written of this elsewhere, and have found this practice to assist myself and my clients in staying positive and effective.
Which is not to say that grieving is not important and valuable. We just cannot allow it to define us and take over our lives completely.
Grieving is about identifying what is important to us, and learning to let go.
Grieving the “what is” of the planetary condition is also about embracing a spirituality that can help us be effective and survive. There may be a reason beyond us for why things are the way that they are. There may be a spiritual lesson for us to learn.
People who are happy for no particular reason (i.e., they didn’t just win the lottery) have found that by making the decision that the universe supports them, they are able to move forward. Could it be that we can grieve the current condition of the world, then shake it off (in the immortal words of Taylor Swift) and then focus on our sphere of influence?
What can you do, TODAY, to make the world a better place?
What can you do, TODAY, to begin with being kind to yourself?
Make it a practice to see beautiful things, and expose yourself to inspiring people.
Find a kind way to move your body.
Fill yourself with nourishing food. Enjoy it, and feel the blessings of it.
Healing begins at home.
As Gandhi said, “Be the change you that you wish to see in the world.”