With the election season behind us, many of us are feeling the echoes of deep emotional, mental, and physical fatigue. It's been a time of heightened stress, intense dialogues, and tough realizations about the systems we live within. As we move forward, healing and grounding are essential—not just as self-care practices but as revolutionary acts of resilience and liberation.
In this newsletter, we’ll explore how we can take time to nurture ourselves and each other in ways that empower our collective and individual liberation. These tools are not contingent upon external systems but rather rooted in our intrinsic right to heal, breathe, and live fully. Together, let’s embrace holistic healing as a pathway to sustained advocacy and transformation.
Why Heal? The Power of Self and Collective Care
The fight for justice, equity, and liberation often requires us to engage with systems that are slow to change, and sometimes oppressive by design. Healing, however, is a reminder that our well-being cannot be dependent on these systems. When we prioritize our health, we are reclaiming power that is our birthright. This self-empowerment fuels our advocacy, sustains our resilience, and fosters communities of strength.
Collective care builds spaces of healing that go beyond the individual, creating networks where we can be held, heard, and affirmed. This is the bedrock of liberation—feeling supported, grounded, and free in our journeys.
Grounding Practices for Post-Election Healing
Reconnect with Nature
Nature offers unconditional support and a reminder of rhythms beyond human systems. Spending time outside, noticing the cycles in plants, animals, and the changing seasons can ground us in something timeless and consistent.Whether it’s a walk, a moment of stillness, or bringing plants into your space, reconnecting with the earth can offer profound peace.
Movement and Breathwork
Physical movement is a powerful way to release tension and restore energy. Yoga, stretching, and dance can help to move stagnant energy, while breathwork brings fresh oxygen to the body and calms the nervous system. Try simple breathing exercises, like inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for six.
Journaling as Self-Reflection and Expression
Journaling allows us to process thoughts and emotions in a safe space. Try writing about how this election has impacted you, your hopes for the future, and what liberation means to you personally. Reflecting on your own journey can reveal unique paths to healing and joy, regardless of political outcomes.
Reclaiming Joy: Activism and Advocacy Through a Lens of Liberation
Fighting for liberation doesn’t mean forsaking joy. In fact, finding joy, despite challenges, is a powerful act of defiance. Seek out moments that fill you up—dancing, laughing with friends, watching the sunset. Joy renews our strength and reminds us of what we are fighting for: a world where everyone can thrive.
Advocacy Beyond Systems
While system-based activism is often necessary, liberation work also includes community-building, mutual aid, and nurturing the next generation. True liberation means our communities flourish, not just within systems, but through our interconnectedness and interdependence. Focus on advocacy that uplifts, restores, and builds independence from oppressive structures. This might mean volunteering with mutual aid groups, supporting small local businesses, or investing time in youth mentorship.
FAQs on Healing and Liberation
Q1: Why is healing important after elections?Healing after elections helps us process complex feelings and prepares us for sustained engagement. It supports our well-being and capacity for long-term advocacy.
Q2: How can I stay motivated in advocacy when systems feel unchanging?Finding intrinsic motivation, focusing on community support, and grounding in joy can help sustain engagement beyond frustrating systems.
Q3: Are there any online spaces for collective healing?Yes! Many organizations, such as The Nap Ministry and Liberate Meditation, offer online spaces for collective healing practices.
Q4: What are “liberation-focused” practices?These are practices aimed at reclaiming autonomy and fostering resilience outside of systemic structures. They prioritize community well-being and individual empowerment.
Q5: How does grounding relate to activism?Grounding helps center our focus, renews our energy, and strengthens our resilience, making it possible to engage in advocacy without burnout.
Q6: What’s the role of community in post-election healing?Community provides mutual support, amplifies diverse voices, and creates spaces for shared healing, essential for both personal and collective resilience.
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