Preparing For The Apocalypse: Or How To Fight The (Toxic) Patriarchy, Part Five

 

Okay, so it's gonna get dark, darker than it already it is, when it comes to the social media influences of rants and raves with hollow and illogic information, filled with fear based emotional underpinnings.  Thus, it is vitally important that to prepare for this coming apocalypse one be fully and regularly educated.  This may seem a daunting reality when placed alongside the other parts in this series, self-care and healthy community interactions especially.  But, if done in a mindful way that can be organized neatly into one's own daily schedule, it is a tool in the box, a weapon in the arsenal of love, that can be brought out without effort.  

As a professional gig-worker, one of my regular gigs is as a dog-walker.  I can walk up to three hours a day with dogs across town, driving to and fro, in between running errands, then afterwards running to a life modeling gig.  Within that time, it affords me the ability to turn on a news, current events, and politically focused podcasts instead of other listening options.  Truth be told, I do vary my media diet with some fun 'bubble-gum' types, like 9021OMG, Fly On The Wall with Dana Carvey & David Spade, and Drunk Ex-Pastors to name a few, self care is important and having fun is an important part of such.  In addition, I have a regular news feed app that drops articles throughout the day based on breaking and updated news.  I am an avid fan of Youtube and follow many a channel, such as Crooked Media, Brian Tyler Cohen, and The Young Turks, which provide commentary and information about current events.  These podcasts, videos, and articles I share regularly as I consume them.  I do my best to not share memes on social media, but rather flood my social media sites with actual research done.  In the age of such heightened technology, the ease of research is one to be taken advantage of with utter mindful focus.

I state, with utter mindful focus, because it is vitally important to understand that within every news media source as well as every human being ever there is an inherent bias.  With all the news media and commentary podcasts and videos I consume, I am grateful that as each host reports and comments on news and current events they understand and openly recognize their own inherent bias as well as that of the company they represent.  As well, I must understand and openly recognize my own inherent bias within myself, based on my upbringing, my own privileges, education, and life experiences afforded me.  

Understanding and recognizing one's own bias, now it's time to begin the journey of personal education and research, for the greater good as well as for your own.  Limit not your research to that of current events and the political, study history to see just how we find ourselves 'doomed to repeat', as well as your own personal interests that light up your life.  A well-rounded human being that regularly educates themselves is one developing the skill of critical thinking, which more than anything else, will enhance the degree of communicating with those that agree and disagree, helping to soothe the emotional arguments that divide, helping to bring unity. 

Do Your Own Research - Original Song

Media sites I regularly consume:

Crooked Media: https://crooked.com/

The Bulwark: https://www.thebulwark.com/about

Today Explained: https://www.vox.com/

The Intercept: https://theintercept.com/

The Young Turks: https://tyt.com/home

Brian Tyler Cohen: https://briantylercohen.com/

Preparing For The Apocalypse: Or How To Fight The (Toxic) Patriarchy, Part Two

 

As I was preparing for the next entry in this series, I was meditating further on what else is needed to prepare for the coming apocalypse, so much is needed both internally and externally.  But, as I go about my day, the resounding theme that comes to the fore-front following the need for 'self-care' is the vastness of community.  

Merriam-Webster defines "Community" as: 
: a unified body of individuals: such as
a
: the people with common interests living in a particular area
broadly : the area itself
the problems of a large community
b
: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society
a community of retired persons
a monastic community
c
: a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society
the academic community
the scientific community
d
: a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests
the international community
e
: a group linked by a common policy
f
: an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (such as species) in a common location

Thus, the idea of community spans wide.  Personally, I have always thought of community as simply "common unity" and what a better unifier of commonality than the dreaded existential reality of doom we collectively face in our country and world upcoming. 

So, it's the coming together in that collective brokenness, of truly, authentically listening, being present, holding space, hearts, and each other.  In small quiet moments and sometimes large, seeking ways to give love and support, an ever present reminder that we are not alone, together in our suffering, we will overcome.

Rainbow Connection with lyrics By Sarah Mclachlan

What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?

Preparing For The Apocalypse: Or How To Fight The (Toxic) Patriarchy, Part One #fightthegoodfight #fightfascism

 

Like many in the United States, I've spent much of my time going about in deep thought and worry about the future of my country's democracy with the impending reality of a second Trump presidency.  Fearing for the rights, freedoms, and safety of those I dearly love, including myself, I ponder the overwhelming "Why?" followed quickly by the "How?" finally ending with "What then?"  

The "What then" is what I wish to reflect upon in a series of this blog, "Preparing For The Apocalypse (Or How To Fight The Toxic Patriarchy).  In each entry, I will focus on one arena of life that can assist in the path towards healing and overcoming the toxicity that threatens to consume, what we can do to maintain our strength and sanity.  Resoundingly, what comes into my mind first, is the all important "self care".  Often a tossed about buzz word or even a 'get out of jail free card' manipulative ploy, nevertheless, the truth of its import still remains.  So, what does it mean to care for oneself?  What is the benefit of such?  And, what are some ways to care for oneself?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Self Care is defined as "the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker" as well recognizes "individuals as active agents in managing their own health care".  (https://www.who.int/health-topics/self-care#tab=tab_1)

In an article from the Southern New Hampshire University, regularly employing a self-care routine has been "clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more" as well are numerous physical benefits including longevity of life.  A regularly practiced self care routine will benefit physical health, greatly improve mental and emotional well-being, increase productivity and focus, make relationships healthier and better, increase self esteem and feelings of self worth, and, lastly, prevent burnout.  ( https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care )

These benefits of self care are what is greatly needed in order to prepare for, survive in the fight against the toxic patriarchy.  

So, how does one establish and practice self care?  In a life busy with the realities of adulting coupled with the increasing rise of 'fascism', how does one find the time? But, in order to prepare, to survive, and fight in the coming apocalypse, find the time for self care we must.  

From Marquette Today, Marquette University: Here are some practical tips for incorporating self-care into your daily routine:

• Start with small steps: Begin by identifying activities that bring you joy and relaxation and allocate time for them regularly.
• Create a self-care routine: Develop a schedule that includes self-care activities and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
• Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and engage fully in the self-care activities you choose.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that overwhelm you and prioritize your own well-being.
• Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family or professionals when you need assistance or guidance.

https://today.marquette.edu/2024/08/the-importance-of-self-care-for-maintaining-mental-health/

Thus, let's begin today with an ongoing and active self-care routine, the first weapon in our arsenal to fight against fascism, to prepare for the apocalypse, and fight the toxic patriarchy.

I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise

I'll build a Stairway to Paradise,
With a new Step ev'ry day.
I'm going to get there at any price;
Stand aside, I'm on my way!
I got the blues
And up above it's so fair;
Shoes,
Go on and carry me there!
I'll build a Stairway to Paradise
With a new Step ev'ry day.