In the Battle of Views, don't Target the Medics and the Wounded
Outside the war zone, watch out for your own morality police as you navigate the ongoing Israel-Palestine tragedy
Like many of you, I’m heartbroken over the ongoing catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East. My Israeli friends have lost family in the Hamas attack. My Musical Ambassadors of Peace colleagues stuck in the midst of a genocide in Gaza are safe for now but that could change at any moment. Meanwhile, hate crimes against both Arabs and Jews have increased worldwide.
There is so much to unpack: As a human, I’m horrified and ache for everyone who’s affected by such unspeakable violence. As an American, I continue to oppose my tax dollars being used in the collective punishment of civilians. As an Iranian, I denounce the oppressive Iranian regime that has held its own citizens hostage and subjected them to decades of killings and abuse, all while channeling funds to support terrorist factions in other parts of the world. As a Californian privileged to be distant from persistent conflicts, I recognize that I, myself, live on stolen land.
Like me, many people are grappling with intense thoughts and feelings. The continued bloodshed has stirred up powerful emotions in many of us and not just those who are Muslim or Jewish. People’s world is shaken, old traumas are being activated, and our inner morality police are on high alert. Individuals across the political spectrum are accusing those who hold differing perspectives as advocates of terrorism/genocide. Many ordinary people are receiving death threats or risking losing their livelihood for daring to speak out. Those who aren’t taking sides and ask for peace are attacked for being cowards. Those who are silent are attacked for standing with the oppressor.
Part of the issue lies in the binary patriarchal archetype that only allows for two roles in any conflict: Warriors and Cowards. This limited perspective leaves no space for The Wounded—those who are traumatized and unable to engage and those who have lost loved ones and can’t bear the onslaught of vitriol. This binarism doesn’t leave room for those who provide care for the traumatized and grieving, The Medics, either. To make matters worse, social media algorithms solidify this duality turning us into unwitting social media money-making products that boost extremism and misinformation.
I’m working on an article to flesh out these ideas. In the meantime please don’t let your compassion and empathy become a casualty in the war of opinions. And extend that compassion to yourself. We are all hurting.
Of course, do what you can on the macroscale, but if your mental health is becoming unstable as a result of your advocacy or consumption of horrific news, please take a break to stabilize your nervous system. Remember that actions stemming from sound emotional wellbeing often differ from those arising from poor mental health. Follow Kristin Neff’s work and practice self-compassion. And if you’re moved to do so, please donate to Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund or these organizations.
Inner Renewal One-day Retreat (Austin—Nov 11, 2023)
I look forward to my first post-pandemic visit to Austin and working with my dear friend and gifted healer Paméla Overeynder. We are both interested in how trauma, both individually and collectively affects individual health, the health of our communities, and the planet.
We’ll explore joy as a sustainable fuel for flourishing even in hard times and stillness as a portal into our deepest selves and our intuitive inner guidance. This work is urgently needed as we face a mind-boggling world of chaos, war, and planetary change. How will we meet those challenges? What inner strengths and powers will we call upon so we don’t fall into despair and become helpless bystanders?
Join us as we learn, unlearn, and heal through the five senses with poetry, imagination, drawing, guided meditations, and being present to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
This is a rare offering for the general public as I usually facilitate workshops and retreats for companies/organizations. Spread the word to your Texas friends and find more info here.
Imperfect Love Podcast
The renowned psychologist, author, and joy expert Dr. Carla Marie Manly interviewed me about a quite challenging subject: How do we tap into joy during grief, trauma, and loss?
We had a lovely discussion. Please have a listen to this episode recorded last month and let me know what you think.
When Humanists Attack!!!
This has got to be the best name for a podcast. I chatted with Roger Smith about the friendship desert of modern life, the importance of community in supporting individual wellbeing, and my new neighborhood project. This show is extremely well-produced and Roger is a delightful host:
Book Recommendation: Micro Activism
If the world feels overwhelming and your mental health is begging you to take a break from social media yet you still want to contribute to making a better world, this book is for you. Omkari Williams shows us that we can create meaningful change and make it sustainable. And I’m honored to be featured as one of the micro activists in this book. Micro Activism will be released October 24th and you can preorder it here.
Musical Ambassadors of Peace Fundraiser Update
Thanks to your generous donation and with the help of Healing Hands Foundation matching funds, we raised $11,050 to purchase food and essential supplies for 300 asylum seekers living in a Tijuana shelter. I delivered the funds and donations Saturday morning and watched the eclipse with the kids ⬇️
Then we had a beautiful dance session. I always stay afterward to spend time with those who are particularly grieving. So many kids have lost siblings or parents and so many parents have lost their children. With your help, we do what we can to ease suffering. Here’s a glimpse of a portion of your donations at work⬇️
Because so many asylum seekers are vulnerable to more violence, we refrain from showing their faces but here is a video of their dancing feet in a conga line to brighten your day❤️