I was on Facebook the other day and came across a posting someone made in big bold colors about how miserable they are given the current situation in the U.S.:
There were 132 “likes” and 102 comments when I saw it.
A few of the comments:
“I don’t like feeling so angry all the time. The reality of Trump in office is so much worse than I could even have imagined. It’s hard to cope it really is. What is going to happen to my country, to the world?“
“Anyone not angry or otherwise emotional right now must not be paying attention.”
“I’m gutted and pissed that I have to just exist and do daily stuff when the world is burning.”
“It’s been horrible. I’m snippy. I’m scared. I’m worried as hell. It’s all disturbing, disgusting, despicable, and disgraceful. I’m exhausted.“
“Anxiety is over the top for me.”
The weight of these emotions – fear, anger, exhaustion – feels inescapable, pressing down like an unbearable heat that refuses to relent. It’s as if we are all being tested, thrown into something beyond our control, forced to endure without a clear way out. This kind of experience isn’t just personal; it’s collective. And there’s a word for it – a “crucible.”
What is a crucible? And why do we care?
The term “crucible” describes a difficult or inescapable situation that must be endured until its conclusion.
I want to underscore that it: must be endured until its conclusion.
In today’s political turbulence, shaped by the unfolding of Trump-era politics and its ongoing disruptive influence, many Americans feel as though they are trapped in such a crucible. I would call this a collective crucible.
Many may not be aware of the definition of “crucible.” But I believe it will be helpful to offer some insights.
As an emotions therapist, I work with many who are in personal crucibles… for example:
A person who’s going through a divorce or breakup of a long-term relationship forcing them to rebuild their life and self-identity.
A person experiencing a spiritual emergency, leading to turmoil and redefinition of values.
A person who’s raising a child with a severe illness or special needs that tests emotional resilience and patience
A person struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues that demand inner strength and self-discovery.
As you can see from these examples being in a crucible is something you must endure completely before emerging on the other side. Surviving a crucible requires acknowledging its existence and understanding its impact.
Importantly, a crucible is more than just a difficult situation.
It can be a transformative experience that forces individuals to confront their deepest fears and beliefs.
Trump-era politics is reshaping America’s political landscape – fueling extremism and intensifying public anxiety with threats to democracy, attacks on marginalized communities, and the erosion of long-standing institutions.
For many, this means recognizing how Trump’s rhetoric and policies have created an atmosphere of fear and instability. The first step in surviving this collective crucible is to confront the reality of the situation, rather than avoiding it.
We know that fear thrives in uncertainty and misinformation. Knowledge and awareness can counteract its hold – so navigating this collective crucible requires resilience, perspective, and action.
How do we get through this, together?
First off, handwringing and obsessing doesn’t help anything. Isolation breeds fear.
I always recommend engaging in community and support networks: find like-minded individuals, through activism, local organizations, or simply friendships. This can help counteract feelings of helplessness.
You know why? Because this is our “collective” crucible – we need to get through it together – so supporting one another provides both emotional relief and practical action steps.
I strongly recommend having a personal process that helps you access the deeper layers of what you’re carrying, so you can release whatever is knocking loudest on your head, strengthen your nervous system, and awaken your intuition.
And with that, I want to invite you to my free online Elevation Ceremony. Every month on a Sunday. It’s a guided, experiential space for emotional release, insight, and connection. Come as you are, no experience needed. If you’d like to amplify with cannabis, that’s optional.
Join me here to register (I love to have you with me live, but it’s always recorded for you to experience on your own time).
With Love,
Becca
P.S. Consider this your gentle nudge. If your nervous system has been running “high alert” lately, don’t wait until you feel calm to join (a guess when that might happen, eh?). This Elevation Ceremony is designed for real life, real feelings, and real support. Save your spot here. All you have to do now is register and forget about it… and I’ll let you know closer to the date.
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