When the World Burns, Joy Is Still a Strategy
On solstice, nervous system budgeting, and how to show up for those affected by war
To say it’s been difficult is an understatement. As you may have heard, Israel attacked Iran last week, and a terrible war many of us have feared for decades is now unfolding. All this, on top of already witnessing the ongoing ecocide, genocide, and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as Sudanese and Congolese communities (horrors the international community has repeatedly failed to stop), alongside domestic human rights violations, ICE raids, and other systemic injustices that continue to tear at the fabric of our world.
Because nurturing community feels more important than ever, I had planned a summer solstice gathering, but as the news of casualties and destruction grew—and I couldn't reach loved ones in Iran—I realized I didn’t have the body budget to host. I’m still open to joining gatherings held by loving friends, but I’ve needed to redirect the energy I’d use to prepare for hosting a communal ritual toward dismantling the propaganda that could drag the US into another catastrophic war—see Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and beyond.
Our collective efforts may not guarantee results, but action is the antidote to despair. When we act from a place of love for our fellow humans and the planet, we nourish not only others but ourselves. Even if we can’t influence the U.S. government, we can still choose to show up for one another and build communities that resist war and dehumanization and strive for a more just, sustainable world.
If you’re anything like me, recent events have taken a toll on your energy, too. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay grounded amid the upheaval. Personally, I’ve been unplugging from devices a couple of hours before bed and after waking up (which takes some discipline, I won’t lie), and I keep being intentional about my digital intake. I know I need to sustain myself with what’s right in my world so I can fully show up to what’s wrong. So I keep gently redirecting my attention to beauty and love, not to bypass suffering, as turning away entirely would be its own kind of violence. I dwell in what’s right so I can fill my cup, replenish my body budget, and nourish my nervous system to face what’s wrong with my whole self intact.
Because repetition is more important than occasional intensity, I make time for a hundred tiny joys throughout the day: breathing breaks, one-minute dance sessions, gardening, feeling gratitude, and hugging my loved ones. And I’ll be celebrating the summer solstice in my own way.
Collectively, we ground in the life-affirming power of joy so we can meet what’s soul-crushing without being crushed. We turn toward joy not as an escape, but as a strategy—so we can tend to suffering, to mend what’s been broken, and to repair harm.
I’m incredibly fortunate to have a remarkably supportive community. To everyone who’s reached out to check on me and my loved ones—thank you. My friends are doing all the right things: being compassionate, helpful, and asking the right questions.
Taking a page from their book, here’s how to show up when someone you know has been impacted by war, displacement, ICE raids, or other injustices:
DO:
Tune in and acknowledge where they’re at.
Ask gently: “Is your family safe?” or “Would it help to talk or rest?”
Offer presence over platitudes. Make space for them to be. And if they share a petition or action item, support it.
DON’T:
Push toxic positivity that ignores or glosses over harsh realities. (Please retire: “Everything happens for a reason.”)
Center your discomfort or need for reassurance over their pain.
Ask for emotional labor (info, perspective, performance) when someone is just trying to breathe.
May our collective efforts benefit all beings🙏🏾❤️
Drop Poems Not Bombs Project
Most Americans don’t want war. They don’t want to fund endless violence. Instead, they’re learning verses of Rumi’s poetry in Farsi and turning them into songs as love letters to the people of Iran during these heartbreaking times 🎶
Check out the creativity of Americans who’d rather build bridges, not walls.
To learn more about the artists, their process, and the translation of the verses, click on the icon on the lower right-hand side of each video. If you’d like to participate, send a note to DropPoemsNotBombs@gmail.com
📞 Call (202) 244-3121, the Capitol Switchboard. Ask to be connected to your Senator or Representative and urge them to support the Bipartisan War Powers Resolution introduced by Reps. Massie and Khanna.
🛑 No more unauthorized wars.
🗣️ Make your voice heard.
Musical Ambassadors of Peace Training
With so much war happening, it feels healing to turn peace into practice and share it with our community.
I’m excited to announce a 3-day Musical Ambassadors training open to the public this fall in Longmont, Colorado.
Mark your calendars: October 3-5. Details coming soon!
Interested in joining? Send me a note.
I’m still holding regular dance and art sessions with Afghan refugees in San Diego and asylum seekers in Tijuana. It’s a beautiful way to connect with fellow humans.
39th Anniversary of SZALON!
Happening Sunday, September 28th, 2025, 7:00 PM ET - Welcome; 7:30 PM - SZALON. (Philadelphia, USA: GMT-4)
To attend in person, write to clearfieldsalonconcert@gmail.com for location and instructions, or if you wish to reserve a seat. To attend on zoom, use this link.
Musical Ambassador of Peace Ari Honarvar performs an original flash-fiction piece and a Rumi poem in Farsi and English, from her studio in San Diego.
Please retire: “Everything happens for a reason.” 👏🏼💯‼️