11/09/2024
Reflections from a brave soul - mystic mama
I’ve been practicing extreme self-care and spiritual nourishment for the past 45 days. There’s a slight possibility my “true self” was preparing me for the outcome of this presidential election. Reflecting back on how I responded eight years ago to the election of Donald Trump I made some mistakes which I have learned from. I also made some positive personal changes. I am likely to make fewer mistakes this time around if I implement the skills I know to be effective.
Mistakes made:
- I watched too much news in the effort to understand “How did this happen?”
- Watching the disaster news made me feel depressed
- I allowed myself to “imagine the worst“ which immobilized me for a while
- I spent too much time reading social media posts written by angry and fearful people
- I let myself off the hook to do the things I knew would help me to feel better (not enough personal accountability.)
Eventually, I began to ask myself some soul-searching questions and thoughts of new possibilities began surfacing. I “faked it until I could make it” by telling myself I had the power to chart a new direction even while fearing the world was about to experience horrific things.
I rediscovered the discipline to start practicing tools I had in my tool kit and learned some new skills:
- As a 40 year student of the Course of Miracles I practiced loving more and fearing less
- Worked to master trauma release exercises
- Used Byron Katy’s “The Work” to ask myself deep questions and calm my worst fears
- Learned how to more quickly stop my brain from ruminating
- Walked more and absorbed the beauty of the natural world.
- Ate better, lost weight and exercised more
- Decided to greatly reduce my financial requirements by selling my home in California
- Took on a three-year journey to become certified as a trauma release specialist to be of greater service to those who suffer the most
- Pursued my spiritual practices and learned new ones
- Bought an affordable home in Oregon (luckily before prices skyrocketed) where I could do Airbnb, providing a safe space where all are welcome (walking my talk)
In short, I focused on what I actually had control over and let my heart fuel my actions.
And now, America is faced with another Trump administration with people pledging to use all the oppressive reins of Imperial Power. Their hubris, promises of retaliations and written plans to destroy social safety nets are indeed frightening. I know many Americans are not prepared for some of the hardships to come. Personally, I feel like this is once again an important time for me to master choosing love and not fear.
My promises to myself:
- Continue to take a stand for freedom from oppression and abusive power
- Guided by the mystical traditions that have shaped me, my actions will reflect love and nonviolent resistance
- Use my voice to clarify the distinction between Christian Nationalism and the egalitarian theology of all religious mystics, including Jesus, who taught us to take a stand for all, to work for justice, to care for creation, and to love my enemies
- Continue to offer my healing and coaching services on an affordable, sliding scale basis
- Practice radical hospitality with my home and property
- Continue to use whatever discretionary funds I have to help those facing hardships
- Join with others committed to doing whatever we can to protect our democracy and help our country heal
- Provide care and comfort to those targeted with violence and injustice
The horrors of "the world" are not new. Most humans have the ability to endure great hardship. I hope to have compassion for all who struggle. I am a healer and a global foot washer. Please reach out if you feel my support might be helpful. You can learn more about the full range of my services on my website. Google my name...it is easy to find. Please be kind to yourself and one another. Love truly is more powerful than hate.
