I recently got spun out from what’s happening in the world. I’m pretty good at not identifying with the suffering of others while still remaining compassionate, a skill I’ve long cultivated through my therapeutic practice and something I’ve spoke on many times in the past.
But I am particularly triggered by injustice, especially when those in positions of power persecute the vulnerable, and we’ve been seeing a lot of this lately.
When this sort of things happen, I feel distinctly disempowered. And this is a trap. I sometimes even start to believe that I am powerless.
But there is a big difference between having the feeling of powerlessness, and actually being powerless. The feeling is valid, but the belief is not.
Yes I may have little power when it comes to specific issues, but I am far from powerless. We all have influence, and I’ve taken this crisis as a call to exercise mine.
I’ve decided to respond by jumping back into action with the following offerings.
YouTube Livestream Talk & Meditation
I’m reviving my YouTube channel with weekly livestreams. These will consist of a talk, meditation, and Q&A. The first is scheduled for this coming Tuesday at 2pm ET. The topic for this one will be Buddhist Wisdom for Difficult Times. Link to livestream here!
Comparative Meditation Course
I’m running a new cohort for my Comparative Meditation Course. This will kick off April 15th!
This is a live course where we together explore various meditative perspectives and practices. It’s great for absolute beginners as well as seasoned meditators who would like to explore new dimensions of practice.
This course in on the Grokkist platform: a home for all those who insist on relating to the world with curiosity and care. All Grokkist courses have a pay-what-you-can option, so no excuses not to join! (We’d love to have you at whatever rate you can afford!)
Also this course is recorded so you can do it at your own pace. Check out all the info here, and reach out if you have any questions.
Stay tuned for more updates and events! And if you’re also feeling the existential angst, this piece I wrote a few months back is still deeply relevant.
P.S. If you’re in Mexico City or plan to visit, I’m guiding meditation and other fun meditative experiences at Koti Wellness. Follow me on Instagram to stay updated on these offerings.
Sorry. That comment was supposed to be on your article called Political Anxiety and Creating a Better Future, so I have hidden it here and put it in it's proper place over there.
Thank you for this, Jude!
My family is being torn apart by politics and I keep trying to find (and show them) some kind of middle ground... A way that we can love each other and think whatever we want politically. I'm coming to the realization that it might never happen and I may lose them... My kids and (even more gut-wrenchingly) my grandkids. (Honestly, I have no idea what to do with that statement now that I've said it.) But reading this article tonight gave me a little bit of Hope, so thank you.