It seems we are not in a great place lately.
Unless we are avoiding the news and sticking our fingers in our ears.
Today, I read that Iran is planning to attack Israel. You wonder, who are these people who can make these decisions? And how many millions of people will be affected as a result, with great devastation that stands to ruin their lives?
On top of this, we have had hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding in Appalachia, Florida, Nepal, England. Mother Nature is restless. Millions of people have to figure a way through the destruction.
Not even to mention, we have a terribly contentious election coming up. And who knows what the outcome of this will be.
Then there is this unending heat wave, fire danger, and the return and spread of COVID 19!
One thing seems certain: the press and social media are lapping it up. The more disasters, the more we must stay glued to our devices, paralyzed by the fear that the worst is yet to come.
Some of us are happily ensconced in the multiverses of making music, going to shows, traveling to perform, and strategizing our next concert or release.
Yet how can we all not be aware of how terrifying the world is right now, for so many people, for so much wildlife, for governments, for stability?
I'm telling you nothing that you don't already know. You're already dealing.
If you're having 4 am aftershocks, in processing all of the info from the bad news brigade, please let me assure you: we're in the room together!
Here is the last section of my blog, the one in which I tell you how I am coping with the monsters under my bed and in my head. I've got three ideas, today.
CONNECT MORE TO WHO YOU CONNECT TO AND DETACH FROM WHAT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE GOOD ENERGY. You know the people who fill up your cup, refresh you, laugh with you, hug you without needing anything from you. Make these people a REAL part of your life. Engage creatively. If you are feeling dragged down by someone who is blaming or shaming or ghosting you, let them go with a blessing and not a curse. Now more than ever is the time to connect to love, I think. And there are many ways to hang. Have a coffee, a tea, a super early pre-heat walk, talk on the phone, watch a show together, go to a gig, volunteer with a friend. Or write something heartfelt on a FB or INSTA page. If you are like me, push yourself a wee bit and go to a music venue. Experience live music. You're always glad you did.
UNPLUG. IT's hard, but walk away from cell phone, computer, IPAD. When you see a friend, ask if you can go cell-phone free. Especially at night before bed. Get some new rituals. Get back to reading books again, the paper ones you hold. Your brain will thank you.
HAVE THE GUTS TO BUILD AN EXCITING PROJECT AND PURSUE IT WITH PASSION. Whether you are learning to play an instrument, or writing songs you want to release and record, or putting together a band. Do not think about the outcome. Put everything you have into making something and feeling good about it. Working on making something is going to redirect your energy and focus you. Getting away form judging and evaluating while you're making is going to feel so good, like a brain vacation.
The temperature is rising as I write.
It's my day off.
I hope you are coping. If you read this far, please feel free to write me back or comment. We will get through these times, and we'll do it together,
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