Simple Pleasures in Chaotic Times

I don’t believe there is an “easy” way to exist in the world right now. The news cycle keeps us on edge with a bombardment of turmoil. The horrors of global crises, the current president’s wild actions, and the infamous list that contains nightmare fuel are constant. Being in tune with current events is a minefield.

This “threat of information” is not something humans are wired for. Yes, human beings are resilient and capable of shouldering many burdens; however, in the past, there was an end in sight. We had to outrun a predator? We could sprint, climb a tree, hide, etc. Either the predator got us or didn’t. We had to go long periods without food or water. We either found it or didn’t. Now, I am not trying to paint us as simple animals. Throughout history, there have been vast amounts of suffering (our world/generation is no different). However, we’ve never before had the constant input provided by smartphones, news apps, and social media. Our nervous system is under constant threat, which raises our cortisol and fight/flight/freeze responses.

Of course, I am no doctor or psychologist. I am merely an armchair expert in this thing called life. We were not meant to see the absolute worst things imaginable dropped in a bunch of emails or the complete devastation of a culture across the world. So, indeed, do all you can. Call and email your politicians. Vote. Donate to reputable organizations that are fighting the good fight. Spread awareness for issues close to your heart on your social media or in conversation with others. And, I implore you: do not give up your humanity in the process.

It’s easy to poison yourself when poison is all you drink. You think, “I must stay informed,” or “I’d rather be on top of things,” when those things are slowly killing your mind. There is a cognitive dissonance that occurs when witnessing all of these things, then “switching” your brain to talk to co-workers, bathe a child, or make dinner. The mundane of life does not wait. You are still a human with responsibilities that have everything and nothing to do with current events.

Breathing is a technique I used to scoff at. I thought it wouldn’t work. That I was above the “box breathing” method my therapist suggested. Silence, too. It seemed frivolous to do something without a podcast on in the background. I should be learning, bettering myself while I accomplish the mundane. All it left me with was a hyper-nervous system, ready to react at the slightest thing.

Humanity is born from the silence. From the mundane. From caring for others, connecting through conversation, and taking things slow. Having empathy is great, but when social justice outrage causes you to ruminate on how helpless you feel, it is useless. You must act, then rest. There is no trophy for being able to consume the most suffering.

If you are tired, refresh yourself. Read a book, create a piece of art, go for a walk, play with a dog, catch up with a friend. I argue it is a downright revolution to make something with your hands, be it sourdough or a craft with a child. Joy is hard-won these days. You won’t always feel it. But what else do we have if not these snippets of “the good life?” When you look back on your life, would you not be happier when you think of the good people, the connection, the fun experiences? How can you corral these memories if you do not act on them today?

Productivity has its place, too. You cannot go, go, go until you burn out. I have experienced this (0/10 do not recommend). However, sometimes contentment and satisfaction follow a job well done. Completing a chore you’ve been putting off, decluttering a space, and booking an appointment are all steps in exercising control. And when control seems to be slipping through your fingers, completing something gives it back.

Some of this may sound silly. I recognize that it is privileged for me to encourage others to basically “calm down,” or consume less media. I am not saying that. However, guarding your humanity is a radical act of self-love, which allows you to pour energy into your family, friends, community, and the greater world. Every small act of love or care is resistance against the forces that wish to dash humanity against the proverbial rocks.

Please tell me, what are some of the ways you unwind or protect your spirit?