We’re better, but it’s a bit of a roller coaster ride!
As Indivisible D2 neighbors gathered again in November at the Old Grant Church, our mood was noticeably lighter. We were obviously still feeling high from the blue tsunami election wave earlier in the month. And as we moved through our agenda of action reports and more on the PIRC bracelet project, there was a clear sense of accomplishment. We’re getting into a rhythm at these meetings, and there’s a certain comfort in that.
Check-in Questions:
We formed small groups to check in, and there were a couple of different questions in the mix. In addition to sharing how we’re doing and anything new about our self-care, we reflected on any change in our mood, as compared with how we felt six months ago. Given the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving, we also reflected on any unease we might feel in anticipation of seeing friends and family who lean opposite us, politically.
The Report Back:
As always, reports back from the small groups held a variety of responses along with several themes. Overall, it seemed folks described feeling better, cautiously. Some, though, feared growing complacent in response to such good news, others are still pessimistic where elections are concerned. A reference to a roller coaster ride came up a few times, with emotional ups and downs tied to various news events. Certainly up after the election results of November 6th, then down again over news of the intensifying abuse of immigrants. Up after Comey was not indicted, then down as we hear more states may attempt to gerrymander districts….it goes on and on and on…..doesn’t it?
What’s Working for Us?
So how are we maintaining our equilibrium? By getting involved! Keeping up our healthy routines (remember to eat!), watching out for feelings of isolation, and staying connected. Line dancing, anyone? Knitting, art, volunteering, and staying busy, along with doing yard work, were also offered as strategies for getting back to feeling grounded and sane. In general, keeping up with all that has always been important, in addition to building involvement with our movement to protect our democracy and the rights of immigrants.
The News, Viewing & Book Report:
We continue to keep our eye on the “news report,” or how we are balancing our intake of information about what’s happening. Many of us seemed pretty self-aware about when it’s time to step away or face things head-on. Tuning into Indivisible’s Thursday at noon talk was thought quite valuable, along with checking out different news sources. And there was quite a buzz about Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution.” I, too, find it helpful to know we’ve always been a country of folks with multiple perspectives, as presented in the film. Seems we’re still trying to figure out how to get along, to find common ground in the light of these differences….particularly our historical and differing views on slavery.
Many books came up in our conversation:
What the Fact? Finding the Truth in All the Noise, by Seema Yasmin; Let This Radicalize You: Organizing and the Revolution of Reciprocal Care, by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kala
Read This When Things Fall Apart: Letters to Activists in Crisis, by Kelly Hayes, Calling In: How to Start Making Changes with Those You’d Rather Cancel, by Loretta Ross
Approaching the Holidays:
The conversation about holidays and how to approach being with our MAGA friends and relatives brought up thoughts, suggestions, and interest in learning more about how to talk with people in general who hold opposite views. Then several folks brought up the Better Angels, an organization and resource for those working to reduce political polarization. Others mentioned the need to develop more tolerance of differences, along with the skill of looking for common ground. To ask open-ended questions. Stay cordial and reasonable, maybe avoid hot topics, and appreciate that some people are pretty sensitive and may need less info. But also realize there are times to take a risk!
Hope to see you on December 27,
Gail