We’re enjoying a short spate of glorious weather here in Central Massachusetts—lots of sunshine, azure skies, trees cloaked in flaming colors, comfortable days and crisp nights. A few days ago, I woke early and noticed that the moon had not yet set in the west. It glowed like a golden spotlight in the soft dawn, before the sun had risen. Just beautiful.
I’m trying to stay focused on these daily wonders and not go down the rabbit hole of my iPhone—all too tempting during this fraught run-up to the presidential election on November 5. I find it hard not to read everything I can about the potential outcome, all the twists and turns of the final weeks of campaigning, in a vain hope of divining the result ahead of time. It’s ridiculous, I know. Still, I scroll.
I am deeply, deeply worried about the outcome.
And so, I pray every day to find the calm in the eye of the storm. Maintaining serenity is the only way for me to think clearly. Not easy to do right now. But it’s also the only way to keep myself healthy. Meditation helps. So does taking walks in beautiful weather. And reminding myself of all the many, small miracles of existence that are so easy to take for granted.
So I pass this along to you, Dear Reader, in hopes that it will help you to find your own peace of mind in these complex and chaotic times. Be well.
Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.
Hang in there! We are all very very worried as well here in New Zealand….so far away but still the result affects us way down here, democracy is at risk, and it is incredibly distressing. Your advice about meditation and looking for sources of calm to focus on is excellent. It’s the only way to get through this nightmare.
Thank you, Kim! The impact of the US election will spread worldwide. I can only imagine how you all must think we are losing our minds here, to have the race be so close. Saying a lot of prayers, writing postcards to voters, and just hoping that our country doesn’t fall off the cliff. And trying to stay calm. No easy task. Good to hear from you! Be well.