This is Such a Hard Space to Occupy

But we need to nurture ourselves so we can keep going

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.