Trying to stop a genocide is really hard.
It’s emotionally devastating seeing the images of blown up kids, wailing family members, and cities reduced to rubble on our social media.
The political and media complicity in this ongoing genocide is hard to grasp. What’s being revealed to us about the powerful in the west is truly jaw dropping.
But I have to keep on with my efforts to stop Israel’s genocide of Gaza.
Like so many, I go through periods of grief, despondency and desperation.
And we all have different levels of tolerance for how much of this stuff we can expose ourselves too. We all have to make the calls appropriate for what we can handle.
Sure, it could be worse. I don’t live in Gaza.
But for caring people, it’s excruciating that we’re not able to stop this carnage that is being paid for with our tax dollars.
So I’ve personally committed to doing all I can to stop this genocide until it ends.
That will take self care, and I’m committing to that too because it helps me to keep doing what’s necessary.
Here are some of the things I do to take care of myself:
eat good, healthy food
enjoy the process of preparing it
pick and arrange wildflowers; the zen of this pulls me into the moment
do artwork
sing
spend time with friends
do fun things involving music
get body work
make lavender bath salts to help me relax when I bathe
spend time with kids and animals
walk in the woods
ride my bike
do sudokus to reassure myself that I’m sane
Everyone will have something different that nurtures them, but I thought I’d put these out there in case there’s something helpful for someone.
Self care ensures that we don’t burn out, and that we’re going to be able to function over the long haul.
Like many, I’m often glued to my computer. There’s so much to keep track of right now.
This isn’t something I need to justify to anyone else. When a genocide is being committed, I feel an obligation to stay informed and to do what I can to stop it.
I’m trying to accept that this extremely difficult emotional state is where I have to be so I can carry on doing what I need to do. So this state needs to be managed.
My hope is that sharing my process will help others with theirs. We’re in an extremely painful place, but it’s so important that we raise our voices, and do what we can to stop Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
And in order for us to carry on, we need to acknowledge how painful the space we occupy is, and support ourselves and each other.
Today I read some very informative posts I’d like to share with you.
One of them, from novapsyche on Substack, traces the history of labeling criticism of Israel as anti-semitism. The point is made that it weaponizes the term anti-semitic against the left, while letting right wing anti-semites off the hook. It also ties anti-Palestinianism with American anti-black sentiments, so it brings racism into the equation.
Another post by Eleanor Munk, also on Substack, makes the important point that international law always takes precedence over religious beliefs.
Thanks to everyone who is trying to bring peace and justice to the world. The fact that we have each other is such a comfort to me.
Diana: I truly enjoy your posts, and the artwork that accompanies it. Feels like kindred spirit stuff. I wish I could financially support you and all the wonderful contributors here on Substack! I plan to add you when I let go of another. 😉 Thanks for making your posts available without a pay wall. The time you invest is valuable in any case!
When I feel down I tap into the anger I have toward the US/Israel genocide. Anger is energy -- neutral. By itself it is neutral. What you choose to do with it determines whether it is expressed positively or negatively. As part of that I have been studying the history of Zionism so I better understand the racist fascist ZioNazi history and philosophy which helps me better understand the cruel, callous insanity that has taken hold of our government and the rest of the western nations who dutifully send money, weapons and soon troops to kill at Israel's direction.
Understanding the origins, depth and goal of ZioNazism is important because at the moment the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are the targets, the killing fields will soon be spreading. The first step to defeating (and surviving) a brutal, heartless enemy is to understand it. This book by Tony Greenstein is an essential read for these dark and darkening times: "Jewish Scholar's Book Reveals Zionism's Fascist Roots & Close Collaborative Role With Nazi Regime ... Learning American Zionist leaders had opposed the entry of Jewish refugees from Europe during World War II began a life-long exploration of Zionism's fascist roots."
https://mark192.substack.com/p/jewish-scholars-book-reveals-fascist
RESIST.