As we start a new year, the government starts a new war; we may be affected by this and other events in the news (such as an ICE protester being shot and killed in Minneapolis yesterday). Yet, many of us are walking around pretending like it isn’t happening. Earlier this week, my colleague (liberation theologian) Rev. Dr. David Alexander called out those who promote peace but fail to acknowledge the recent 5th anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection (“Silence will not protect us: 5 year reflection on the Jan. 6 Attack on our Capitol”) while our friend David Corn (Washington bureau chief of Mother Jones magazine) wrote on The Erasure of January 6.
One of the symptoms of dysfunctional families is their propensity to pretend that violence or addiction that clearly happened isn’t happening. Yes, life goes on in the midst of war, coups, and the destruction of democracy. Yet, even when we don’t know the politics of the people around us, it can be important to acknowledge the truth.
At the same time, the author of this post points out, it’s possible to “micro thrive” during times of “macro suffering.”
So, let’s do it all this year. Let’s acknowledge and demand an end to the hatred, violence, and destruction of democracy and our habitat that is the daily goal of the Project 2025 Presidency.
And let’s also (continue to) meditate, exercise, connect, and have fun in community.
Tool: Join a Community
If you don’t have a functional in-person community that supports you, consider finding one and participating this year.
Some places to look are:
- Resisting and protesting itself can be done in community. Join Indivisible and become involved in the local face-to-face chapter.
- Do you want to live in an intentional community? There are hundreds of cohousing communities throughout the US — National Cohousing Association
- Are you lucky enough to be addicted or codependent? Then, chances are, there is a free 12-step support group nearby for you.
- Do you need a spiritual (but not religious) community? The Centers for Spiritual Living is a place to start.
- Just want more friends or activities? Join Meetup and look for a book, writing, hiking, or (you name it) group.
Reflection Questions
- How am I pretending that something isn’t happening, that is?
- How might that echo my strategy in my family of origin?
- What can I do to get out and thrive in the world while also acknowledging and demanding an end to the violence?