Dear Listeners,
It’s been a minute since my last post. I’ve been preoccupied with changes in my work, followed by other demands pitched in my direction. When one meaningful shift occurs (I moved offices), it has an uncanny way of rippling through other areas of life—work, relationships, devotion, and recreation. My wake and sleep cycles shifted, morning routines adjusted, family visits improved, meditation changed, and the number of in-office days increased.
I’ve also seen these patterns mirrored in my patients’ lives—new careers, jobs lost due to political crossfire, others hanging by a thread amid economic shifts. Multiple moves. Deaths. Lapses. Newly established sobriety. ‘Light bulbs’ going off in sessions.
February and March were a jumble. Things have mostly settled, but into a new rhythm—a different hum. The busyness hasn’t disappeared; it’s just taken on a new pattern. I wonder if others feel the same—change has become more nuanced, more complex. It asks us to stay light on our feet yet grounded, clear-headed yet focused, trusting the process despite uncertainty. Amidst cultural and political storms—locally, internationally, and even in the literal weather—it’s no small feat to simply keep moving forward.
For that reason, it might be worth acknowledging the effort it takes just to wake up each day and get enough done to move into the next week. You deserve a pat on the back for that.
The Pull of Polarization
One recurring theme in my work is the increasing pull to take sides. The “us versus them” mentality—or blaming a group—has been an infinite emotional loop we (Americans) have been caught in for at least the past decade. It subtly reinforces a victim mindset.
When speaking with patients, I encourage them to pay attention to the language used in news sources. Are the words emotionally charged? Are the images provocative? Or is the information presented in a dry, straightforward manner—even if it carries a particular point of view? Lately, I’ve noticed the speed of news podcasts is slightly faster than natural conversational tone—just enough to be subtly anxiety-provoking for an already stressed listener.
Remember this: We always have a choice. It might not be ideal, but it is still a choice.
Opinions vs. Taking Sides
Opinions are different from taking sides. Breaking free from side-taking requires a degree of unified awareness—the ability to see the full picture.
For example, in a relationship, one partner may enable the other’s undesirable behavior while simultaneously resenting it. Spouse A infantilizes Spouse B, then criticizes them for not carrying their own weight. Meanwhile, Spouse B accepts this coddling to meet their own needs but resents not being treated as an equal. Side-taking favors one person over the other. A holistic view, however, recognizes how both contribute to the dynamic.
This principle applies to personal relationships, organizations, systems—even our politically divided landscape.
The real question is: Do you want to keep stepping into these mental traps?
This is meaningful because when our minds are emotionally hijacked, wisdom loses its voice. We shift from being human beings to simply reacting beings. I see it everywhere.
Recently, after my own doctor’s appointment, a stranger approached me and launched into unsolicited political opinions. What stood out most wasn’t just his words—it was how completely the topic had hijacked his ability to read the room. There was no invitation for the conversation, no real engagement—just a reactive loop spilling outward.
Choosing Awareness Over Distraction
I continuously seek ways we can shift our internal worlds, regardless of external circumstances. That’s what I’m proposing here. Be aware of the distractions. Notice how they affect you. Observe the cost. Then do something about it. Meditation is one method of retraining your brain to temper itself.
You have a choice. The opportunity here is to shed outmoded ways of thinking and embrace a broader awareness.
If enough of us did this—if we truly understood how much we mattered—we could shift the direction of this world toward a more compassionate, aligned way of living.
A Call for Grace
Listen to today’s meditation, which invites you to give yourself the gift of grace. There’s no need to do this perfectly. For now, just do your best—one day at a time. Good enough is enough.
Let me know your thoughts and experiences. And as always, take care of yourself. Share if you find this helpful or can help someone.
~SL
Some articles/books related to the above topics of meditation’s beneficial effects and politics impact on mental health:
10 health benefits of meditation and how to focus on mindfulness: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/10-health-benefits-of-meditation-and-how-to-focus-on-mindfulness-and-compassion/2022/12
Politics seep into daily life, negatively affecting mental health: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/01/politics-affecting-mental-health
Meditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10355843/
Mindfulness Meditation: https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation
My chives are resurrecting from the dead in CT, same day I arrived in VT hoping to get cracking on some garden work and tree trimming to find everything coated in ice. Oh well.
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