Click the arrow to play this practice.
- To download, click post-election-mindfulness-practice. Then right click and select, ‘Download Video.’
This is not a prayer. This is not a mantra. This is not a meditation to evoke hope or calm.
Instead, it’s a powerful practice of personal awareness, responsibility, and accountability. To be the change you wish to see in the world.
I’m practicing with you. Again and again.
May I face my fear instead of turn away from it with blame and busyness
May I embrace my anxiety and hold it with care like a newborn baby
May I use my anger for the good of humanity and not exploit it with harmful behaviors
May I refrain from using my energy to disperse more fright in the world; and instead, act with the sharp sword of effectiveness
May I disengage from speculation
so my mind can be open for new possibilites
to hear my neighbor’s pain,
even if he or she is unwilling to hear mine
May I seek to understand the enemy within myself –
to be compassionate with my own shadow
so I can be the strength of peace in the world,
always ready to raise the warrior’s sword of truth with wise discipline
May I be open enough
to not be terrified of my brother’s or sister’s actions
so I can see clearly
the work that I must do
May I not tolerate abuse of any kind
and be patient with these new experiments in love,
for I am now making amends where I have hurt myself and others
with my non-action
May my disappointment steer me
to stand and speak
where I have been silent
May I be willing to tolerate
the discomfort and suffering
doing love’s work will take
May I use periods of groundless uncertainty
to root me deeper in the still waters
of my breath and heartbeat
May I not neglect my own need for rest and laughter
for I am best resourced with a heart that is light
Aware of my anger, I breathe in
Smiling at my anger, I breathe out
Aware of the conditions that contribute to my fear, I breathe in
Smiling at the conditions that contribute to my fear, I breathe out
Aware of the pain within my own heart, I breathe in
Smiling at the pain within my own heart, I breathe out
Aware of the pain within my neighbor’s heart, I breathe in
Smiling at the pain within my neighbor’s heart, I breathe out
Aware of my resolve to speak where I have been silent, I breathe in
Smiling at my resolve to speak where I have been silent, I breathe out
Aware of my resolve to take effective action where I have been stagnant, I breathe in
Smiling at my resolve to take effective action where I have been stagnant, I breathe out
Aware of what I need to refrain from and what I need to do now, I breathe in and out
Again and again.
With love and common humanity,
- If you are experiencing an anxiety or trauma response post-election, read Self-Care After a Panic Attack
- To learn to minimize the judgment of self and other, read The Secret To Stop Judging Yourself And Everyone Else
- To learn to recognize abuse when you see it, read Can You Tell When You’ve Been Shushed and Letting Go The Language Of Your Oppressor
