Community Chat

[Mersha]

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@Witchy Woman wrote:

@golding76 

I'm in Maryland/DC area, too.

Yes, the nightly shootings and those of children are heart breaking.

I've had to turn off the news for now.

I'm spending time making blankets for children in need, and gift baskets for a local animal rescue.  It soothes my soul a bit.

@Witchy Woman   That is so kind of  you.

It is amazing how much better we feel about things when we do for and give to others.

[KingstonsMom]

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@Witchy Woman wrote:

@golding76 

I'm in Maryland/DC area, too.

Yes, the nightly shootings and those of children are heart breaking.

I've had to turn off the news for now.

I'm spending time making blankets for children in need, and gift baskets for a local animal rescue.  It soothes my soul a bit.

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@Witchy Woman 

That's AWESOME!!!!

Big props to you!

[Drythe]

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@Porcelain wrote:

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It's important to detatch emotionally from the things we can't control and to avoid focusing too long on human inhumanity and darkness. I stay aware but I don't dwell on the dark. My being miserable has never reduced anyone else's misery.

There will always be incomprehensible tragedy in the world. We need to keep up our strength so that we are ready at a moment's notice to do what we can about the things under our control. Otherwise as sensitive people we can quickly get compassion burnout and become ineffective. And strong, ready, compassionate people are what we need right now in order to change things for the good.

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@Porcelain 

Well said.  🌹💙💙💙

[golding76]

Witchy Woman,

Your approach to soothing your soul is truly laudable.  So kind and helpful.  You are an inspiration.  

I need to find where I can be helpful.  

Yes, what is going on in this area is heart-rending.  One tragic tale after the other.  

[Witchy Woman]

@golding76 

I find I must do something positive or I slip into depression.

Although I am a news junkie, I've been tuning out lately to focus on my volunteer activities.  It reminds me that not all hope is lost.  There are good people that need help.

But, I do it more for my well-being, and thankful I am able to do so.  It's my lifeline.

[golding76]

Not one with good eye-hand coordination (even in my younger years), I know not to try to make anything.  I have some ideas, but they involve being face to face with people, and I'm not comfortable with that yet.  

Of course there could be an online presence, too, but I can be a bumbling fool when it comes to technology.

I will have to think about this.

[on the bay]

@Porcelain,

Words of wisdom. That is so like what a woman told me years ago.

[Cakers3]

@golding76   You are not alone.  You can explain to some but you will never make them understand.  Times call for compassion.

Bridge Over Troubled Water-Simon and Garfunkel

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I'll dry them all
I'm on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

[MrsSB]

With regard to turning off the news, I like to be informed but can't take it 24/7. But dh is known to have the talking heads on way more than off. And unfortunately, he is home most of the time now.  Well that didn't sound right, but you know what I mean. We only have oneTV and very small cottage, so it's in my face and head way more than I would like. 

I like to listen to music at low volume while I sit in my chair and read novels to escape.  Not always possible unfortunately.  Headed outside with my book and my dog to try to get away. 

My empathy meter has been off the charts lately and causes such emotion pain. I do completely understand, @golding76 .

[Cakers3]

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@golding76 wrote:

Not one with good eye-hand coordination (even in my younger years), I know not to try to make anything.  I have some ideas, but they involve being face to face with people, and I'm not comfortable with that yet.  

Of course there could be an online presence, too, but I can be a bumbling fool when it comes to technology.

I will have to think about this.

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@golding76   Then try to make something without any expectation of how the item will turn out-do it for the focus of being in the moment without judgement upon yourself.  You do not have to make something to give away.

You will be surprised at how much at ease you can feel.  

Mindfulness.  In the moment.

We can be aware of all that is around us and we can be aware of our own need for some serenity.