Breathe Despair Away

Lately I have been experiencing deep despair over disasters of democracy, climate, and old age. I am writing to you today to share some of the ways I care for myself to stop despair and experience gratitude for being alive. (Calligraphy above is by Thich Nhat Hanh.)

One powerful way is to stop what I am doing and thinking and become aware of my breathing. I say to myself: I am aware of breathing in, and breathing out, in the here, and in the now, in love, and in gratitude. I repeat this several times and focus on my body and my surroundings. If I am doing the dishes, I focus on each gesture as a way to care for my wife and myself and all beings everywhere.

Another way I have found helpful is that when I awaken and get out of bed, I do not immediately read social media and emails, but I sit in my study and practice mindful breathing. Then I do my morning rituals and movements. Only after doing those do I sit at my desk and read online messages, and then fix my breakfast and my wife’s coffee.

I also try to limit what I read online that triggers despair such as acts of harm, selfishness, greed, confusion, hatred, and fear. I choose rather to read messages of care, hope, clarity, truth, courage, love, and generosity.

I am also reaching out to my neighbors to help us prepare for future storms, wildfires, and pandemics, and to practice neighborliness and care regardless of a neighbor’s political or religious or lifestyle choices.

I also write to readers around the world and the country to share words and deeds of mindfulness and compassion. I enjoy meeting with family members and friends when an opportunity presents itself. I treasure conversations with my wise, loving wife and try to be present and positive.

I am doing physical therapy twice weekly, and also caring for my eyes, sleep, kidneys, heart, and feet. I go to bed at the same time each night, and get up around the same time each morning. I eat enough protein and veggies. I drink six glasses of water each day. I exercise and walk each morning and afternoon.

I donate to nonprofits that are providing food for the hungry and housing for the homeless. I help get out the vote. I contact my representatives. I delight when someone is elected who is committed to policies and programs that care for all people and all of the natural world.

I pay the bills and wash my clothes. I listen to classical music and view the changing colors of autumn. I care for and interact with our beautiful cat. I enjoy sunshine and clouds and mountains. I dream of the arrival of spring.

I try to live in each present moment. When my mind goes to the many things that can go wrong, I return to the present moment in gratitude. I think of my ancestors and how I am alive because of them and how I am their continuation. I think of the continuation of my words and deeds through my spiritual, relational, and biological descendants.

I help relieve my suffering by accepting the conditions and realities of birth, old age, and death. I remember the transformations that have occurred over the past 13.8 billion years of the cosmos, 4.5 billion years of Earth, hundreds of thousands of years of human evolution, and thousands of years of human history.

How are you caring for yourself and others?

Blessings to you this and every day of this mysterious life of consciousness and care.