D2 Self-Care Highlights from September
At our September 27th monthly meeting, we formed small groups and discuss how we’re doing and share what our self-care has looked like in the recent months.
“What unites the many actions of the Trump administration, from the sledgehammer it has taken to government programs to the demonstrative cruelty it has built into immigration raids, is that they transform the daily physical, economic and psychic experience of life.” —M. Gessen, The New York Times Opinion Page 9/21/25
A sense of growing community filled the room at our September monthly meeting, as members said hello, hugged and made the rounds. We settled into small groups and shared our latest self-care reports after a rousing greeting from Lisa. We’ve just heard the news that the Oregon National Guard has been called to Portland.
There were reports similar to those in July, as our small groups reported back details of keeping their eyes on diet, exercise and finding joy and time in nature. Some spoke of how sharing their tiredness and stress over what’s happening really brought them together as a group, so very helpful.
Overall strong emphasis was shared this time, about staying connected to others with one member sharing she’s formed a friend group that texts multiple times daily. A couple shared they invited neighbors to a block party. Others spoke of how important it is to come to Indivisible meetings and relate to others on the same page, as some people still don’t seem to be tuned in to what’s happening.
And what about the folks who seem tuned out? “Bring ‘em here when it hits them.” Interest in reaching out seems to be building, along with questions about how to do it. “Where are those disaffected right-wingers?” “Join America, not the right or the left.” The farmers of eastern Oregon have caught the eye of one member, who’d like to recruit others to join him in that project. The Indivisible Activist Boot Camp was noted in response, already posted in our meeting agenda, along with mention of a group of progressive farmers in Yamhill County.
A greater effort to curate our news intake was expressed several times along with questions about what to watch and read, and the recognition that how we set our boundaries is up to us. (A book tip-“Blue Print for a Revolution: How to Use Rice Pudding, Lego Men and Other Non-Violent Techniques to Galvanize Communities, Overcome Dictators or Simply Change the World, by Sraja Popovic and Matthew Miller.) Watching YouTube videos featuring Jimmy Kimmel and the importance of recognizing our victories was viewed very important, as we’re remembering to keep an eye on that balance. Stay informed- not overwhelmed and discouraged. And no, you are not making this up.
We’re all looking for where we fit in this movement. While one person spoke of her desire to reach out to young people, another found protesting at a honk and wave was perfect for her. Or maybe take extra signs home and when neighbors give you a compliment, offer them one. Small groups are making bracelets for PIRC, Portland Immigration Rights Coalition with their phone number, 1-888-622-1510, on them for folks to call when ICE appears. Does that interest you? How might you like to become more involved?
I heard a psychologist on NPR the other day, and so sorry, I can’t remember the context. She said the absolute best way to deal with anxiety was to help. Something about putting our energy out there, with a sense of agency resolves feelings of fear and helplessness. Having this sense and experience of agency means better mental health. And actions targeted to address the cause of our concerns are the perfect antidote, now it’s our country that needs us.
Thanks for sharing everyone. I’ll be in New York during the October meeting; Kerin will be leading our small groups.
Hope to see you in November.
-Gail