5 Spiritual Strategies for Dealing with Post-Election Ick

It’s no joke, this feeling. We can’t sugarcoat it and we can’t spiritually bypass it.

Dear reader, I’m not going to lie. I feel like shit.

Now, at the same time, especially considering how endangered many folks in the US understandably feel right now, I’m doing fine.

Still, I’m horrified by the growing fascist ideology, angry at the bullies, and worried about my fellow humans.

I just read about the racist text messages.

I’m trying to reconcile how some of my beloved family members could vote for an obvious (seriously, plain as DAY) dictator, sexual predator, racist, liar, and all around dickhead.

Like so many of us, I’m literally sick to my stomach as I rotate through worrisome thoughts about the next 4 years.

All of this to say: it’s no joke, this feeling. We can’t sugarcoat it and we can’t spiritually bypass it.

Or, more accurately, we shouldn’t. We should feel the rage, the shock, the fear. These feelings are entirely appropriate.

Not to mention, you can’t delete feelings anyway. They don’t just disappear.

And, as this excellent article articulates, if we don’t grieve, we’ll be stuck in denial, which will keep us from being able to help.

Actress and national treasure Tabitha Brown, in her Instagram video she posted the morning after the election, said:

“If you’re not feeling well, that means you’re healthy.”

Indeed, not feeling well at this time in history means you see clearly, you’re compassionate, and your heart is in the right place.

First, know that.

Next, I want you to take care of your beautiful self.

And, when you feel up to it, I want you to shine your light in the world. I want you to share your talents. I want you to use your gifts to raise the vibration, counterbalance the hate, and heal the horror.

With all this in mind, here are 5 spiritual ways to deal constructively with this post-election ick.

You’d better believe I’ll be doing them too.

(There are Amazon affiliate links in this post.)

Breathe Into Your Feelings

When painful and uncomfortable feelings come up, breathe into them. Don’t shrink away from them. Say yes to them as you inhale and exhale deeply from your belly and heart.

On any given day, we will all deal with ups and downs. Now, though, be aware that the downs may feel a little more dire, whether or not they have anything to do with the election results. Your bandwidth for discomfort is overextended.

So, just know that.

But feelings are like clouds. Provided they are exposed to the sunlight and the wind (i.e. the consciousness and the breath), they’ll eventually blow away, evaporate, empty out, and dissolve.

Deep breaths and simple conscious breathing helps those feelings to move.

Feel as if you are sending breath right into the heart of the pain, wherever you feel it – your belly, your heart, your head, wherever it manifests. Hold the pain in the breath and in the light of awareness.

Be aware that when you do this, you may cry and you may rage. That’s just the storm of emotion, doing what storms do before they eventually abate and the sunlight shines again.

Practice Mindful Self-Compassion

Dr. Kristin Neff has identified these simple steps to mindful self-compassion which are proven to bring us greater peace.

First, place your hand on your heart and send yourself love.

Acknowledge the suffering. Like, Yup, there it is. That’s how it feels. Ow.

Next, remember you are not alone in your suffering. All beings suffer. Many of us are suffering with you at this very moment and in this very way.

Now, set the intention to be kind to yourself. Remember how you speak to and treat a dear friend or child when they are hurting. Speak to and treat yourself this way too.

In addition to bringing clarity and calm, these steps will sensitize you to your own needs. So, now you might notice that you could use a hearty meal, a good laugh, or a comforting cup of tea.

Speak Your Truth, Imperfectly

When we speak out against injustice in all its many forms, and when we tell friends, neighbors, and loved ones about our profound disagreement with their ideology, we will not do it perfectly.

We may sound judgy. We may be judgy. We may even – let’s face it – be pissed as hell.

This doesn’t mean we’re not communicating right. This doesn’t mean we’re not spiritual enough.

It means we’re responding to something that angers and terrifies us, and rightfully so.

Sometimes, it’s entirely appropriate to judge: between right and wrong, tolerant and intolerant, kind and cruel.

If we make these judgments, and then speak up about them, we are doing something right. And if we lose our temper and we shoot from the hip, that’s entirely understandable.

And that old “If you can’t say something nice” thing? It’s a lie.

This is not a time to bite your tongue.

I know it’s not always appropriate to bring up certain topics in certain settings, but overall, speaking out about injustice and standing up to bullies – even imperfectly – is far, far better than not saying anything at all.

Pray the Road Opener Prayer

Last week, I shared this prayer from my own personal non-denominational rosary practice.

Before you turn on your phone in the morning, light a candle and pray it. Make it into a meditation with some prayer beads.

Ask the Divine to show you the way forward and to inspire you to help create positive change in the way only you can.

Look for Ways to Help

I love that Mr. Rogers quote where he says, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”

Even better, we can be those helpers.

I was inspired by this article, which outlines four distinct ways we can show up to help now that Trump was elected: (1) protect people, (2) disrupt and disobey, (3) defend civic institutions, and (4) build alternatives.

When you feel ready, take a look at the article to get an idea of which of these you are most drawn to. Then brainstorm and look for organizations that are helping in ways that feel aligned with your purpose. You don’t have to commit to anything right now, but it will likely make you feel better to get your wheels turning by beginning to formulate some plans.

Speaking of feeling better – I just realized writing this article really helped! So there’s a bonus strategy for you: creativity. Channel your perspectives and feelings into art that you can share.

…So, how’s it going with you? How are you hanging in?

I think we would all appreciate to hear from like-minded folks who are suffering too. I know I would.

Be aware that this is a safe space, so any and all hateful comments will be deleted just as soon as I can get to them.

We need community now more than ever, so I just opened Wisdom Circle for a limited time! Complimentary memberships available for those who need them.