Is the state of the world sending you into a panic? Read this.
Most of us are still learning how to manage our hearts when they become heavy. Life is what life is, and we all deal with heartbreak at some point. In the wake of another mass shooting (#566 of 2023), a terrorist massacre of civilians in Israel, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and escalating protests in cities across the U.S., we’re living in dangerous and turbulent times. Assaulted by a steady stream of heartbreaking news, including reports about the polarization and ineptitude of our government, the challenges of managing heavy-heartedness have grown to new heights.
We must summon the courage and faith to rise above.
Whether you’re at the epicenter of violence and turbulence or sitting with a friend in Starbucks many thousands of miles away, figuring out how to go on with your personal life while there are mass murders in Maine and wars rage on is no simple matter. Dealing with horror, sorrow, fear, anger, outrage, and helplessness while still being able to function in your job, family, home, and community can be unspeakably challenging. We have personal lives to attend to but witnessing the violence of 2023 — our version of the dark ages — is beyond anything most of us have ever had to deal with.
Some of us are living in fear, being subjected to hate speech and threats where we work, go to school, shop, or pray. Radicalized protestors are turning school campuses and religious gatherings into war zones. Danger, discord, and unrest may loom in the Middle East, Ukraine, and even some of our city streets, but we must summon the courage and faith to rise above. Here are a few things that I am doing to make sure I’m taking good care of myself, making good decisions, and being part of the solution, not the problem:
1. I stay out of emotionally charged conversations and situations that have absolutely no chance of becoming constructive.
2. I do my best to listen and maintain a voice of reason with those who are capable and willing to talk about what’s going on and how they are doing.
3. I remind myself that the willingness to listen, find common ground, and forge some degree of peace, understanding, and compassion is the antidote to escalating extremism and violence.
4. I take breaks from breaking news. Coming up for air by walking in nature, talking to trusted confidants, listening to calming music, and venting my outrage, fear, and sorrow in a constructive setting strengthens my resilience. I may also take a yoga class and just step away from the TV or internet until I feel ready to check back in.
5. I do something that puts me on the solution side of matters and prevents me from feeling passive, indifferent, or helpless. This may involve staying informed using trustworthy sources, donating to humanitarian organizations, protesting and/or advocating for peace, and voting for leaders committed to forging peace.
As we do these things, most of us will be praying and advocating for Hamas terrorists to be brought to justice, the kidnapped to be freed, and the innocent in Gaza to be protected. Deescalating the fear, hatred, and violence and restoring any semblance of peace will be extremely challenging. Resolving long-held conflicts between Israel and Palestine will take a newfound courage and commitment: Visionary leaders from Palestine, Israel, and around the world must now step forward to find the historically elusive path to peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Whether you’re halfway across the world from the Middle East, Ukraine, or another war-torn region — or living there — each of us has a role and responsibility in making our world a safer place. What we say, do, and project into the world around us promotes love or hate, compassion or indifference, war or peace. By choosing peace, freedom and justice, we show our children and grandchildren what is possible, what is just — and what it really means to bring out the best in one another.
Dr. Ken Druck is the author of the recent book How We Go On: Self-Compassion, Courage, and Gratitude on the Path Forward
