Election Mania

Handling Stress

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

Corrie ten Boom

As you know wherever you live in the world, America is walking a razor's edge at the moment. Tomorrow, after more than a year of constant drama and discordant screaming and yelling, we will vote in our presidential election. I've heard there is a new diagnosis—ESD--Election Stress Disorder. And no wonder; this has been the most horrific time of civil unrest that we have seen in my lifetime. Even the riots around the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement did not rival the pure rancor and acrimony we've seen for the past year.

Handling anxiety is not my specialty, since I have it in spades, and sometimes lose the battle, but I can tell you a few simple things that help me to deal with it. First, stop listening to the constant barrage of insults and poll results. Turn off the radio, the TV news, and your mobile media. Play some music, if you need background noise. Listen to a pod cast of something interesting and innocuous. Secondly, get inside your body and out of your head. Gentle exercise and conscious breathing help with this. When your focus is on your body, your mind is not swirling around the latest outrageous accusation made by either campaign. And, third, go vote. If there's early voting in your state, that's even better. Check it off your list, and get on with your life.

Anxiety is an ugly hobgoblin that steals the joy out of every moment of every day. If you allow it to rule you, it will take everything you love and turn it into dirt before your very eyes. If you are an American, there is only one thing that is in your hands regarding this election, and that is your vote. Whatever else you do, regardless of whom you choose, just make certain that you vote. As for the rest of the world, we ask for your prayers, your meditations, your good vibes, your positive energy, and any other good ju-ju you have to offer, so that we may follow the path that leads to peace.

                                                                In the Spirit,

                                                                    Jane