I feel like I'm flickering between coping well and completely falling apart. Writing is definitely helping to process everything and I try to spend time outdoors, be present and notice small details in the nature around me. But even when I try writing purely about Nature, my mind will go to Palestine and human cruelty and exceptionalism.
I think my biggest solace is connecting to like-minded people, online and offline. So many that I met online in the past year turned out to live relatively close. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm actually surrounded by some sane people. And that community connection is a force stronger than any genocidal supremacist.
I sometimes feel as if I am losing my mind. I am easily distracted and forget what I am doing in the middle of whatever it is. It is more difficult to cope with personal issues that come up. We are watching this genocide that our leaders do not seem concerned about. We are all distracted from the biggest issue: the climate crisis. Our oceans are getting warmer, glaciers are melting, there are more extreme weather events everywhere. And we are being governed by greedy nincompoops who think that their bank accounts matter way more than the survival of the planet, us, and everything else that lives on our earth.
And all these damn wars they've initiated have terrible environmental consequences, never mind the humanitarian disasters that they are, and they're not even recognized or recorded.
And I read somewhere that the military industrial complex made sure that the emissions and environmental damage they're creating aren't counted.
I think a lot of us are feeling overwhelmed and in a state of disbelief. How do we overcome this state and make sure we're capable of acting when we have the chance? I wish I knew.
My forest friends have heard more crying, cussing, fist pounding and screaming than they deserve. I don't think I would still be able to walk around if I did not have all of these woods and wildlife to help me cope. Most of the time I feed that into any writing or protests and that helps. The rage comes up whenever I encounter someone still brainwashed by 'Israel is our ally and we need to support it' or the 'fear Trump' trope. I have to sit on my hands in fear of committing strangulation. Where did all those years I spent meditating go? When I remember, it helps, when I forget, I can stand in the forest. Both take care of me.
And you and all the writers I read and all those who read my writing! Without this tiny corner of the world, where most folks seem sane, caring and hopeful, how else would we manage? I feel blessed every day I see a new post in my inbox. There is a better world waiting to be birthed.
I’m—mostly okay, sometimes furious, and sometimes overwhelmed by waves of depression. What makes me feel especially sad and helpless is not being able to reach people who are good, and dear to me. I know women who are opposed to the genocide but still believe the lies of October 7 and who are going to vote for Harris because they’re so scared of Trump. It’s no use getting mad at them or arguing. But then what can I do? One of these women, at least, signs every petition she sees. I wish I could persuade her to boycott, as well. But at least she’s taking some steps, and so am I. But I feel so helpless!
Look upon writing as your closest companion. It is your inner voice, your rage needs to get out into the world. They want us to be indifferent, it empowers them.
I so appreciate writers like yourself Diana - you are a salve for this horrible open wound we have been witnessing . I make art, speak out when I can , attend a small regular protest weekly and try to see the beauty anywhere and everywhere . I have also reduced my scrolling on the phone and exposure to social media . Following writers like yourself who express themselves in longer, thoughtful form has helped immensely .
What's happening, especially with Gaza, certainly is having a big impact on my psyche and my ability to write. It's so horrendous that I sometimes question why I didn't take a different path earlier in life. I wouldn't "be me" but I may have been happier (in a blissfully ignorant kind of way). But something deep inside tells me to keep going.
Thanks Diana, I really needed to read this piece and the comments from a caring community. I can't say that I've ever been a paid-up member of any community or group, but simply committed to expressing respect, friendliness, and civility with interactions. But lately it feels like being spun off out of that too. And now can't really find a way back to anything resembling a coherent social infrastructure. Writing helps, but it seems mostly for my own sanity these days.
Good to hear that this is taking an emotional toll on other people. For me it’s the sense of powerlessness where no matter how many demonstrations I go to, or how much engagement with social media, can change the course of leaders of the countries supporting this genocide. For solace I turn to Ilan Pappe:
“Even the Nakba, which was an unimaginable catastrophe, does not compare to what we are seeing now – and what we are going to see in the next few months. We are, in my mind, in the first three months of a period of two years that will witness the worst kind of horrors that Israel can inflict on the Palestinians...
We are witnessing the end of the Zionist project, there’s no doubt about it. This historical project has come to an end and it is a violent end. Such projects usually collapse violently. And thus it is a very dangerous moment for the victims of this project – and the victims are always the Palestinians along with Jews, because Jews are also victims of the Zionism. Thus, the process of collapse is not just a moment of hope, it is also the dawn that will break after the darkness...”
The best way for me to cope is to write: poems to express a constant flood of emotion;, essays to expose the insanity and absurdity; sarcastic, satirical pieces to satisfy an urge to lash out. It helps to put thoughts and feelings into words rather than holding them inside, and it is very gratifying when what I write resonates with others. There is definitely comfort in connecting with others who share the same sadness, frustration, disgust, anger and outrage. But I am constantly reminded of how puny and insignificant my efforts are in the larger scheme of things. The only way to go on, I suppose, is to keep on going, to keep one's eye on what is still good in this life and to be humbly grateful.
It's a trauma for sure, and many do not realize it yet., because, with the propaganda state, it's touted as "self-defense." This keeps the nation anesthetized.
Something that gives me hope right now is BRICS. Do you know about it Ella? In the western press if you hear about it at all, it sounds bad, but when you read about it from a more sympathetic source, it's pretty amazing. Here's an article about it that presents it quite well. https://substack.com/@simplicius76/p-150459306
I was just going to comment back to you about how much western propaganda one has to overcome to be open to the idea that BRICS is a good thing.
I think it's really important to remember that the USA is the most propagandized nation in the world.
Think about the invasion of Iraq when they didn't have any weapons of mass destruction, or the invasion of Libya after accusing Gaddafi of being insane and having to be removed, and later learning that many Africans viewed him as an incredibly good leader.
Malcolm X's words come to mind: “If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” Replace newspaper with mainstream media in all forms and this phrase is so relevant.
I feel like I'm flickering between coping well and completely falling apart. Writing is definitely helping to process everything and I try to spend time outdoors, be present and notice small details in the nature around me. But even when I try writing purely about Nature, my mind will go to Palestine and human cruelty and exceptionalism.
I think my biggest solace is connecting to like-minded people, online and offline. So many that I met online in the past year turned out to live relatively close. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm actually surrounded by some sane people. And that community connection is a force stronger than any genocidal supremacist.
Sending love to you.
Thanks Ramona, and sending love back to you. I agree -- it helps so much to have others in our lives who care about these issues. Take good care.
I sometimes feel as if I am losing my mind. I am easily distracted and forget what I am doing in the middle of whatever it is. It is more difficult to cope with personal issues that come up. We are watching this genocide that our leaders do not seem concerned about. We are all distracted from the biggest issue: the climate crisis. Our oceans are getting warmer, glaciers are melting, there are more extreme weather events everywhere. And we are being governed by greedy nincompoops who think that their bank accounts matter way more than the survival of the planet, us, and everything else that lives on our earth.
Exactly, Susan.
And all these damn wars they've initiated have terrible environmental consequences, never mind the humanitarian disasters that they are, and they're not even recognized or recorded.
And I read somewhere that the military industrial complex made sure that the emissions and environmental damage they're creating aren't counted.
I think a lot of us are feeling overwhelmed and in a state of disbelief. How do we overcome this state and make sure we're capable of acting when we have the chance? I wish I knew.
just a couple more things to make us feel doubt and confusion
https://www.leefang.com/p/how-to-purchase-a-protest-movement?r=1w19p5
https://theintercept.com/2024/10/22/aclu-israel-gaza-war-divest/
Unsure if I'm coping or not 😞 I do troll the IOF tweets with fuck Israel memes whenever I get the chance🤭
Sounds like a cathartic thing to do. It's a lot to cope with, Jasmine, I don't know how any of us really cope. Hang in there! Great work trolling!
Aye it is. Lol. 😁 Facebook even flagged and removed one of my fuck Israel memes🤣 So I took a creenshot it and reposted it twice🤣
Will do🫡 You too🤗💕 Thank you 🤭
My forest friends have heard more crying, cussing, fist pounding and screaming than they deserve. I don't think I would still be able to walk around if I did not have all of these woods and wildlife to help me cope. Most of the time I feed that into any writing or protests and that helps. The rage comes up whenever I encounter someone still brainwashed by 'Israel is our ally and we need to support it' or the 'fear Trump' trope. I have to sit on my hands in fear of committing strangulation. Where did all those years I spent meditating go? When I remember, it helps, when I forget, I can stand in the forest. Both take care of me.
I'm glad you've got the forest and meditation as support, Yvonne. These other views drive me nuts too.
And you and all the writers I read and all those who read my writing! Without this tiny corner of the world, where most folks seem sane, caring and hopeful, how else would we manage? I feel blessed every day I see a new post in my inbox. There is a better world waiting to be birthed.
I’m—mostly okay, sometimes furious, and sometimes overwhelmed by waves of depression. What makes me feel especially sad and helpless is not being able to reach people who are good, and dear to me. I know women who are opposed to the genocide but still believe the lies of October 7 and who are going to vote for Harris because they’re so scared of Trump. It’s no use getting mad at them or arguing. But then what can I do? One of these women, at least, signs every petition she sees. I wish I could persuade her to boycott, as well. But at least she’s taking some steps, and so am I. But I feel so helpless!
I get it, Mary. it's so hard to cope right now, and especially when friends are falling down rabbit holes of weird information. I feel helpless too.
Look upon writing as your closest companion. It is your inner voice, your rage needs to get out into the world. They want us to be indifferent, it empowers them.
My writing often feels like my best friend, Robert.
I so appreciate writers like yourself Diana - you are a salve for this horrible open wound we have been witnessing . I make art, speak out when I can , attend a small regular protest weekly and try to see the beauty anywhere and everywhere . I have also reduced my scrolling on the phone and exposure to social media . Following writers like yourself who express themselves in longer, thoughtful form has helped immensely .
Heather, thanks so much! It's nice to know that the writing that helps me to stay sane helps others to as well. This are such difficult times...
What's happening, especially with Gaza, certainly is having a big impact on my psyche and my ability to write. It's so horrendous that I sometimes question why I didn't take a different path earlier in life. I wouldn't "be me" but I may have been happier (in a blissfully ignorant kind of way). But something deep inside tells me to keep going.
I second that something deep inside, Puditman.
And we'll soon be dealing with a cluster of an election. I cope by practicing acceptance.
I'm glad that's working for you, Elsie.
Thanks Diana, I really needed to read this piece and the comments from a caring community. I can't say that I've ever been a paid-up member of any community or group, but simply committed to expressing respect, friendliness, and civility with interactions. But lately it feels like being spun off out of that too. And now can't really find a way back to anything resembling a coherent social infrastructure. Writing helps, but it seems mostly for my own sanity these days.
You're welcome, Graeme, and I hope you find some support in the offline world. Writing certainly helps my sanity.
Good to hear that this is taking an emotional toll on other people. For me it’s the sense of powerlessness where no matter how many demonstrations I go to, or how much engagement with social media, can change the course of leaders of the countries supporting this genocide. For solace I turn to Ilan Pappe:
“Even the Nakba, which was an unimaginable catastrophe, does not compare to what we are seeing now – and what we are going to see in the next few months. We are, in my mind, in the first three months of a period of two years that will witness the worst kind of horrors that Israel can inflict on the Palestinians...
We are witnessing the end of the Zionist project, there’s no doubt about it. This historical project has come to an end and it is a violent end. Such projects usually collapse violently. And thus it is a very dangerous moment for the victims of this project – and the victims are always the Palestinians along with Jews, because Jews are also victims of the Zionism. Thus, the process of collapse is not just a moment of hope, it is also the dawn that will break after the darkness...”
And we can't forget that not all Jews are Zionists.
I can't imagine this not taking an emotional toll on people, but some seem to tune it out, or believe the propaganda that minimizes it.
Untruedeau has been advised by his own party that he has until the 28th to resign or there will be consequences.
I've never been a fan, although I've never much liked the Liberals anyways.
They're all Duopolies and they're all vassal states.
Something to look forward to anyway - it'll be good riddance.
The best way for me to cope is to write: poems to express a constant flood of emotion;, essays to expose the insanity and absurdity; sarcastic, satirical pieces to satisfy an urge to lash out. It helps to put thoughts and feelings into words rather than holding them inside, and it is very gratifying when what I write resonates with others. There is definitely comfort in connecting with others who share the same sadness, frustration, disgust, anger and outrage. But I am constantly reminded of how puny and insignificant my efforts are in the larger scheme of things. The only way to go on, I suppose, is to keep on going, to keep one's eye on what is still good in this life and to be humbly grateful.
That sounds right to me, Diane. We each paddle the canoe, and we'll get there. Because we have to.
Thank you so much for this. I for one at
absolutely at a loss for words. Because of this, I wrote a poem. Poetry seems easier. https://open.substack.com/pub/gregorypettys/p/im-not-scared-im-human?r=f1gey&utm_medium=ios
What a great poem, Gregory! It expresses so much.
It's a trauma for sure, and many do not realize it yet., because, with the propaganda state, it's touted as "self-defense." This keeps the nation anesthetized.
It's really disturbing how many are falling for the propaganda. It's part of the trauma we're experiencing.
Between the upcoming US elections and reports of genocide, wars, climate crises and starvation, hope, for me, is diminishing daily.
Something that gives me hope right now is BRICS. Do you know about it Ella? In the western press if you hear about it at all, it sounds bad, but when you read about it from a more sympathetic source, it's pretty amazing. Here's an article about it that presents it quite well. https://substack.com/@simplicius76/p-150459306
Thank you, Diana. I’ve read about it in your posts and will look into it in more depth.
Although anything with Putin is scary. Remember Navalny!
I was just going to comment back to you about how much western propaganda one has to overcome to be open to the idea that BRICS is a good thing.
I think it's really important to remember that the USA is the most propagandized nation in the world.
Think about the invasion of Iraq when they didn't have any weapons of mass destruction, or the invasion of Libya after accusing Gaddafi of being insane and having to be removed, and later learning that many Africans viewed him as an incredibly good leader.
Malcolm X's words come to mind: “If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” Replace newspaper with mainstream media in all forms and this phrase is so relevant.