A Letter To Those Struggling With The Pressures Of The World
“If we don’t find a way to release it productively, it will take root in our hearts in the form of bitterness.”
Hi,
These last three months have been some of the most challenging on all fronts. The levels of uncertainty, hostility, and overall pressure are unlike anything that many of us have ever witness in our lifetimes. It’s quite frightening at times to be completely honest, and it’s disheartening most of the time. Staying hopeful about the future becomes more of a challenge.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been able to gain a lot of clarity and inner peace. Part of that is because I was able to spend about three weeks at my parents’ house located on the rural outskirts of our hometown. It feels strange to have gained inner peace, while national and global tensions are on the rise. I’m still processing what’s happening, but I did want to provide some things that have helped me navigate through it all.
Leverage Your Anger
There’s a lot to be angry about right now. A LOT. But we need to figure out a way to leverage it for social good. Anger shows us the areas where we are each most passionate. If we don’t find a way to release it productively, it will take root in our hearts in the form of bitterness. How can we each use anger to create solutions of love and truth in our communities? This is a question that I’ve been considering for the last few months.
We are all capable of doing social good. The effects of your kind acts — even the tiniest ones — extends farther than you can imagine.
“If we take on the belief that we, individually, are capable of radically changing the world, then we’ll be crushed under a pressure that we were never meant to carry on our own.”
Social Media Detox
A week ago, I decided to deactivate all social media accounts indefinitely — including Undiscovered Worth. I have a couple of reasons for doing so. During times like these, it’s especially important to focus on building connections in a more real, tangible, and meaningful way. For me, social media has been a place to escape mentally, but I don’t want to escape anymore. Allowing ourselves to let in and sit with the discomfort that we’re all feeling right now is needed for progress.
If you haven’t already, I suggest that you at least consider a social media detox. It doesn’t have to be indefinitely, but doing it for even a week will give you a chance to listen to yourself and your needs at this moment.
Hold Space For Those Who Need It
A lot of our friends and family members are struggling right now. Holding space for each other is pivotal for our mental health. I have learned that what we release will come back to us. Release love and empathy, and when the time arises that you need it, you will find that someone is there to give it to you.
Be Present
I’ve heard this over and over again, and in the past, it’s been hard for me to do it — partially because I focused too much on trying. Define for yourself the best way to practice being present. For me, being present looks like sitting in silence or sitting on my parents’ porch and watching the rain clouds roll in and out.
These are simple methods I’ve used, but they’ve produced fruitful results. If we take on the belief that we, individually, are capable of radically changing the world, then we’ll be crushed under a pressure that we were never meant to carry on our own. Even Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi had people backing them and supporting their efforts. We need each other to move forward.
If you’re struggling with the pressures to keep up with societal pressures, I’ve developed a workbook to help you process. It’s available in the Undiscovered Worth shop.
Take care of your mind. Be safe. I’m sending good vibes to you all.
- Kashara
Originally published at https://www.undiscoveredworth.com on June 1, 2020.
