Feeling Afraid for Our World?

Some tips to deal with it

While reading the news this week, there were more than a few times when waves of fear washed over me. They were so big, and so potentially paralyzing, that I started a list of reminders to help me deal with them. Nothing particularly brilliant or new here, but I thought it might be helpful to share.

Feeling afraid for our world?

Start…by doing something. Anything. It can be political, like writing your representative, giving money to things you believe in, or joining a community working on something together. But non-political things count too…like being kind to a stranger or shoveling your neighbor’s walk. Do something that adds to the good in the world. Because action gives you a sense of agency. And fear hates it when you feel empowered.

Then remember…that other people are doing good things too. All the time. There are literally millions of good acts transpiring all day, every day, everywhere.

Which means…you are not alone and this is not all up to you. Do what you can, accept that you’re just one person, and then go for a walk.

Because despite our troubles…this world is still beautiful. Stunningly so. And you’re not doing anyone any good by not noticing that. In fact, you will have more energy, more joy and more love with which to address the world’s troubles if you take care of yourself.

And then (and this is a biggie)…try to hold what you fear within a larger context. If you’re of a more ‘woo-woo’ bent, like me, that might mean trusting that this world is held by a deep and loving Mystery (like a pillow on a chair) and all of this will, ultimately, turn out to be a love story. If you’re not quite so sure about that (and who could blame you these days), then maybe trust, as the good Dr. King said, that the arc of the moral universe is long, but bends towards justice. Or have faith in the goodness of humanity, which has proven again and again to be remarkably resilient, given enough time.

Why do this? Well, let’s say your fear is the size of a bowling ball. Put it in a bucket of water and it’s hard to think of anything else. Put it in a swimming pool and it’s hardly a bother. Seeing things within a larger context helps a lot.

And finally…come back to this moment. Take a breath. Look around. Fear is a story. And you’re allowed to take breaks from the story. So just sit here for a moment. Rest. Smile.

As needed, repeat.