Spiritual Activism starts with a regulated nervous system

"Your overwhelm is the goal."

Here's what Sociologist Jennifer Walter has to say about what is happening in this country right now, and what to do about it:

1) The "shock doctrine" and executive orders:

"The flood of 200+ executive orders in Trump's first days exemplifies Naomi Klein's "shock doctrine" - using chaos and crisis to push through radical changes while people are too disoriented to effectively resist. This isn't just politics as usual it's a strategic exploitation of cognitive limits."

The disorientation and confusion following a "shock" create a window of opportunity for rapid action, bypassing public debate and opposition.

2) Information overload:

"Media theorist McLuhan predicted this: When humans face information overload, they become passive and disengaged. The rapid-fire executive orders create a cognitive bottleneck, making it nearly impossible for citizens and media to thoroughly analyze any single policy."

When bombarded with too much information, individuals can become overwhelmed and retreat from active participation in the political process.

3) Agenda-setting theory and fragmented discourse:

"When multiple major policies compete for attention simultaneously, it fragments public discourse. Traditional media can't keep up with the pace, leading to superficial coverage."

This theory posits that the media, while not necessarily telling people what to think, are very effective at telling them what to think about. By emphasizing certain issues and downplaying others, the media can shape the public's perception of what is important.

How to help yourself and others:

📰 Limit News Consumption:

Consciously curate your news sources. Schedule specific times for checking the news and stick to them. Avoid constant scrolling throughout the day, and take regular breaks from social media and news altogether.

🧘🏽‍♂️ Mindfulness Practices:

Even a few minutes of daily meditation can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Simple techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can quickly reduce stress and bring down your heart rate. Yoga, dancing, or even a brisk walk can help clear your head and release tension.

🌱 Focus on Controllables:

Focus your energy on actions that can make a difference, such as contacting your representatives, volunteering, or supporting local causes. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with loved ones.

🫂 Build a Support System:

Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your concerns. Join a local action and share your feelings in a group setting. This can help reduce stress and provide a sense of community.