The vitriol of this election cycle shot up my blood pressure, so I walked away from the noise by:
- Unplugging the TV—permanently
- Reading select sources subscribing to Shane Snow’s boiled-down version of journalism’s code of ethics: “a) seek the truth as fully as possible; b) act independently; c) seek to minimize harm and behave responsibly; and d) be accountable.”
- Disengaging from political “discourse” on Facebook and Twitter
- Engaging a mindfulness coach
- Stepping daily through a garden’s life cycles
- Sitting quietly at dawn with my fingers tuned to the contented hum of my cat’s throat
- Returning to a daily yoga practice
- Uninviting anger banging at my virtual door (i.e., misappropriating Jean Paul Sartre’s version of “l’enfer, c’est les autres” from No Exit comes in handy)
- Flowing with Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching day into night
- Reaching for God by remembering those who lived by “doing the right thing“—sans ego
- Reflecting on Albert Camus’ The Plague: . . . “there is no true goodness or fine love without the greatest possible degree of clear-sightedness.”
Do I sleep soundly at night? Well, I’m getting there. It’s called a separate peace.
Above photos by Limin Kung
Daily Post Prompt: Second Thoughts —I have none when it comes to these life fundamentals.
You, my friend, are a wise, wise woman. Just got back from doing my civic duty and fervently looking forward to the dawn of a new day….
Perfect choices in the middle of this madness. Take care.
Sarah
Thanks, Sarah. Always a pleasure to connect.
Brilliant way to run away from this world’s madness
Thanks, Vickie!
You are most welcome!
Just followed you. Love your site!
Awwn…thanks…it’s not everyday I get to hear people say that they like my blog…i really appreciate that.
You put a lot of thought and effort into it.
I’m close to tears now…thanks..thanks a lot…I’m glad you view my blog as such…
Wisdom there, Catherine. I left social media until after the election, and limit my view of the political “talking heads”. I also opt for a lot of music. It helps a lot. 💖
Yes, music. A lot of Vivaldi and Bach of late!
Smart lady
Great connecting on FB–always enjoy your posts there. Best, as always, my friend!
I, too, have developed high blood pressure even though I turned off the TV eight or more years ago. What leaks through is distressing enough. You are so wise. Will Durant agrees with you, as did Voltaire. The only influence we now seem to have is within our own personal realm, where we have to live according to our own beliefs.
Agreed–you show wisdom in all your posts–thus a well-named blog on your part. Thanks for stopping by!
I knew I would love your post, and left it to today so I could savour it properly… once over at least my initial shock. How very wise, all 11 of your points! I suspect this moment in time could turn out to be a good personal wake-up call for many of us. Away from the madding crowd, to pursue our meaningful projects…
I am Canadian, but I am taking ALL your good advice to cope with the never adding barrage of horrible comments etc. We are fearful for your nation.
I keep hoping I can follow my own practices–the limited human being that I am. Leaders come and go, but the battered Republic persists.
P.S. I adore your country, having spent time in Quebec and in and around Victoria. Lovely citizens.