Here’s what we do and why we do it: Humpday — because we’re smack dab in the middle of the work week and getting over that hump sure looks sweet. But for some folks in this community, the humps they need to get over are far more daunting than looking forward to the weekend. That is where Helping comes in. Helping Humpday is specifically about generating community support for struggling Kossacks who find themselves facing an imminent financial need like keeping the lights on, avoiding eviction, getting to work, paying medical bills.
Our goal is to publicize the Community Needs List and other fundraisers for needy Kossacks as widely across the site as possible. Our motto is simple: many hands make light work. Find the current Needs List below the Musings.
Today’s Random Musing:
Today’s musing actually comes from Dr Rick Hanson, a psychologist and brain scientist working in the field of building resiliency. He is a fellow at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. He said “share this newsletter with your family and friends” — so I have!
[For those who don’t want to read, pop down to the short 5 minute talk by Dr Hanson below the fold. Learn three quick things we can do to quickly restore inner calm in the face of uncertainty, build our long-term resilience, and how to “Tend and Befriend” instead of “Fight or Flight” as a social strategy — because, remember: when we are scared, they are probably scared too.]
Simple practices for resilient happiness from Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
On November 3, we need to be patient, and recognize calls to halt the vote count that night for what they are: attempts to steal the election. It is states that certify elections, not television networks. Even at the best of times, states never announce the result on election night – and with the coronavirus, it will be days before we have a final tally.
Meanwhile, as I write below, we can take heart . . . in the good that remains in this world, in our own sincere efforts, and in the possibilities of a truly free and fair democracy.
By "taking heart," I mean several related things:
- Sensing your heart and chest
- Finding encouragement in what is good both around you and inside you
- Resting in your own warmth, compassion, and kindness; resting in the caring for you from others; love flowing in and love flowing out
- Being courageous, whole-hearted and strong-hearted – going forward wisely, even when anxious, knowing your own truth and, as you can, speaking it
It takes heart to live in even ordinary times. When you take heart, you’re more able to deal with challenges like aging, illness, trauma, or conflicts with others. You’re also more able to take advantage of opportunities with confidence and grit...
… Additionally, it takes heart to live in, live with, and live beyond times that are really hard. Your personal hard time might be bad news about your health, the death of a parent, or betrayal by others. Or it could be related to changes in your country and world, and your concerns about their effects on others and yourself; I’ve written about the importance of finding and facing facts at the level of society (feel free to skip it if you don’t want my take on politics).
There are so many examples of honorable people facing great difficulty with dignity, principle, and courage. They did it. We can, too.
Start by riding out the storm. When big things happen at any scale – in your child’s schoolyard or in a refugee camp on the other side of the world – it is completely natural and normal to be shocked and disturbed by them...
… Do things that help you come back to center and find your footing. Personally, I prioritize exercise, sleep, and meditation; I try to feel the truth of being basically alright right now, in this moment, moment after moment (alongside and deeper than pain or sorrow); I do the dishes and make the bed. Walk the dog, call a friend, eat something, look at trees and sky, get a cup of tea and stare into space. Take good care of your body.
Guard and guide your attention. It’s one thing to find facts and form the best plans you can. It’s another thing to get distracted or upset by news or other people that do not add any useful value.
Take heart in the good that is real. Outside you, there is the kindness in others, the beauty of a single leaf, the stars that still shine no matter what hides them. Right now as you read, all over the world children are laughing in delight, families are sitting down to a meal, babies are being born, and loving arms are holding people who are dying. Inside you, there is your compassion, sincere efforts, sweet memories, capabilities – and much more. Take heart with others, sharing worries, support, and friendship.
Do the things you can. The more that events are turbulent, alarming, and beyond your influence, the more important it is to grow stability, safety, and agency inside you and around you.
Have courage. At all human scales, strong forces have always tried to confuse and frighten others. Whatever outward action is necessary, you can preserve an inner freedom, never cowed or bowed in your core.
Last, I’ve found it really helps to have perspective. Without minimizing one bit of whatever is awful, it is also true that humans like you and I have been walking this earth for nearly 200,000 years. I see the trees, the land, the ocean – all of it here before me and lasting long after me. Empires rise and fall. Sometimes the center does not hold – in a body, marriage, or nation – and still. And still people love each other, go out of their way for a stranger, and marvel at a rainbow. Nothing, nothing at all can change this. We keep putting one foot in front of the other one, lifting each other up along the way.
So, let’s all take heart and trust that our ship of state will soon be righted and back on course. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming….
Consider a Donation To a Kossack In Need.
The folks on the Community Needs List are struggling. Some need help with a one-time emergency. Others have been have struggled for months. They are working towards financial independence and self-sufficiency, but still need some help. Your small gift can help a family or individual find stability for another month in the face of a crisis. Even $3, or $5, or $10 helps. It all adds up. Thank you so much.
Also, tip, rec, comment here and in the individual diaries. Share on social media. That helps spread the word.
The Community Needs List