All the problems in the world

Some basic tips about self-care and activism

image: Geralt, Pixabay

(This post was originally written in 2023, but it is still up to date to some extend.)

In the light of recent events in the US, the Ukraine and other places, I felt desperate lately. Desperate about the state of the world and feeling so powerless about it all. I had a lot of such phases during the last three years, severe Weltschmerz. I guess many of us are very tired and worn-out by now, because of the pandemic, the climate crisis, wars and lots of other bad news.

Yesterday, I went into a trance state and had a conversation with one of my spirit guides. And I would like to share a bit of it because maybe it’s useful for others. My spirit guide told me that I could not take care of all the problems of the world, not simultaneously and also not one by one. There are by far too many of them. Which of course doesn’t mean I should do nothing. But to focus on some, instead of burning out trying to do more than I can.

He also told me the following: The world is full of problems and through social media and news I read/hear about them every day – and reactions to them as well. Also, numerous outcalls for discriminatory remarks or corresponding behavior.
He continued to say that in my head, in a way, all of this may create a kind of "negative loop" that gets fed anew every day with news and social media. He told me that the opposite of this would be toxic positivity, i.e. a blocking out of everything negative. Of course, this is not good either, but I should find a good balance. Because otherwise, I would no longer see any reason for joy because of all the problems in the world.

So, what can you do?
Here are a few basic tipps, mostly for self-care and some for activism

1. Spiritual and activistic folks alike tend to live very much »in their mind«, but in order to stay healthy, care for your body. Stay hydrated. Get some rest. Don’t forget to eat. Exercise regularly, if you can.

2. If as a witch or pagan, you have a daily practice, try to stick to it, if you can, especially in times of turmoil and desperation.

3. If you can, set aside a few hours every day (or at least weekly) where you consciously not surf the internet, not look into social media and not watch or read/listen to the news. You can also use browser add-ons or apps like Leechblock NG for this.

4. Find a method for you to relax regularly. This can be relaxation in motion (like Yoga, Qi-Gong, Pilates, Jogging or another sport) or in stillness (for instance meditation). Even if you haven’t got much time, maybe you can manage 15 – 30 minutes every now and then.

5. Find something small every day to look forward to, which isn’t related to activism or politics and the likes of that. Maybe a book you want to read, meeting a friend, watching a show, playing a game with your child, working in the garden, a walk in the park, or just relaxing on your sofa at home after work.

6. Write protest e-mails to politician. Sign petitions. If you can, go to protests, and stay safe. There are recommendations online and in activist groups how to do protests in a safe way. Vote. If you can, donate to an organization about whose topics you care. Find ways that work for you to support your local community. Find like-minded people. You are not alone – there are social media groups, discord servers, books and more resources about activism, mundane and magical. More down below, in “Further Reading”.

7. Don’t do to much (and see tipp 1). Sooner or later, this could lead to a burn-out.

Stay safe and best wishes to you.

© Andrea Grünbaum