“We are being conditioned to shut down. The barrage of cruelty, confusion, spectacle, and spin… wears on our capacity to feel… That is the danger of this moment—not just political collapse or climate unraveling or the erosion of public trust—but the numbing of our souls.” -Rev. Cameron Trimble
To show up fully and well in the roles I play throughout this current, busy season of life requires that I find ways to prevent burnout, disassociation, or the numbing of my soul. When one stretches themselves too thin, this seems unavoidable. Yet, many who work as helping professionals feel the financial pressure to take on multiple jobs, in addition to showing up for friends and family before they show up for themselves. This is why the term coined “compassion fatigue” is well-known among folks in this career path.
Throughout my younger years, I didn’t yet understand the power of ritual or consistent self-care in the forms of practices like journaling, meditation, yoga, self-inquiry, or therapy. These commitments we make to ourselves grow more essential the more responsible we become for assisting in others’ healing and well-being. At this point, it may feel cliché, but I find it so true that we really do need to ensure that we are regularly “putting our own oxygen mask on first.”
Let us continue to cultivate hope and healing rather than becoming jaded or numb. May our activism and our professional roles include presence and joy, especially when we are also processing collective and personal grief and trauma, trusting they can coexist. I pray we befriend ourselves they way we show up for others – with patience, persistence, love, and tenderness. We can be soft while also cultivating strength.
Upcoming Opportunities:
- Pending RSVPs!Next Wednesday, October 22nd, Intergenerational Pumpkin Decorating, 6:30-8pm, in the Fellowship Hall at UUFM
A time for folks of all ages to come together for pumpkin decorating, hot drinks, treats, and connection. Please RSVP below:
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/534cc0 - On Sunday, October 26th, we will celebrate Halloween with special activities in Children’s Chapel! Kids (and kids at heart) are welcome to be as festive as they wish. Costumes are welcome.
- Sunday, November 2nd, Young Adult Luncheon 12-1:30pm
Macey will provide soup, bread, sweets, and guided conversation among 18–35-year-old participants. If children are present, they are welcome to stick around to eat and play alongside their parents. - Mondays in November (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th) at 11am, Mindful Movement in the Sanctuary
Join Macey in the UUFM Sanctuary for an all-levels yoga practice. This series of dates and times will be a trial run to gauge interest and availability. This is a free offering to anyone who would like to come, but donations to UUFM are welcome. Please email Macey (lffdirector.uumankato@gmail.com) about when would work for you if you are interested but unable to attend at these timeframes to provide information for future scheduling.
(Photo is a throwback to one year ago, enjoying the fall colors with my baby, who is looking less like a baby everyday!)