From the Rector…
Bill Gamble, a friend of mine and an attorney in Selma, AL, claims that the word “politics” can be broken down into two parts that contribute to its definition: “poli” meaning “many” in Latin, and “tics” referring to blood-sucking creatures. I think most of us would agree that this definition seems to hold some truth these days—no offense to any politicians reading this. The divisiveness in our country has nearly destroyed our ability to engage in meaningful conversations. While it’s safe to discuss how the kids or grandkids are doing or what you want for dinner, even discussions about the weather or disaster relief have become somewhat taboo. Conspiracy theories, denigrating comments, and hyperbole have taken a hold in negative ways. We can no longer be open with one another, and thus, we can no longer be honest with one another.
Fear, anxiety, and denial seem to underlie our current mental health challenges, which is not a good place to be. Pandora’s box has been opened, and we are still waiting for hope to emerge. However, we don’t have to remain this way. As Christians, we are called to be a non-anxious, peaceful presence in the world. Here are a few tips to help release our anxieties and fears, even if just a little, and be agents of that peace that passes all understanding:
(I hope these help.)
– Become present-minded. In this moment, are you experiencing an event that truly justifies your emotional reactivity, or is that reactivity related to something you fear in the future? If it’s the latter, stop and notice the good things around you right now. Focus on those, and return to that present-mindedness whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed.
– Practice appreciation. When you are standing in line at the grocery store or the polls next Tuesday, look for the things to appreciate in the world and in those around you. The more you appreciate others and creation, the more positively connected you’ll feel.
– Become curious about your emotional reactivity. Where are you holding your stress? What thoughts are running through your mind?
– Be kind. Bring mints to the polls and offer them to others. Step back to let someone enter a building before you do. Practice the “zipper” merging method in traffic instead of trying to shut another driver out.
– Go for a walk or sit on the back porch (or even the front porch if you’re in the mood to be neighborly). Asian countries have started to prescribe “forest baths” as an important part of mental and physical health care. A forest bath simply involves spending time under a tree canopy. Visit the woods and breathe in some fresh, pine scented air.
– Be selective about your news and social media intake. You don’t have to quit Facebook, but if you talk about puppies near your phone and scroll through puppy videos, you’ll see more puppies in your feed. And who doesn’t like puppies! Turn off notifications for “breaking news”. Pro-tip: not all news is breaking, so maybe try not to treat everything like a crisis.
– Come to church. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in liturgy and re-center your life on God this weekend. Friday, November 1, is the River Region All Saints’ Evensong in the style of Taizé at CoA. Saturday, November 2, is the livestreamed worship for the Celebration and Investiture of the new Presiding Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. Sunday, we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints. On Monday at 7pm we will offer prayers for peace as we continue to Live in Hope and prepare for Election Day. Bringing God to the center of your being is about keeping the main thing, the main thing.
In the days and weeks ahead, I don’t’ expect the national mood of anxiety to lessen; if anything, it may intensify. I hope I am wrong. However, if not, our job will be to bear that peace which passes all understanding to a world hurting, chaotic, and desperate for that peace. It doesn’t mean we have to like or agree with what is happening in the world—much less who wins the presidential race. It doesn’t even mean we can’t speak our own truths or concerns. It simply means that when we do express ourselves, we do it in ways that don’t contribute to the general anxiety, are not grounded in judgment, and help us to know and understand one another a little better.
God’s blessings and prayers as you navigate the many blood sucking tics of our time.
Light and Life,
Candice+