There is so much unrest out there in the world. Even in our little town of Snohomish, WA., I am seeing more and more people who are needing stress and anxiety relief since the change in our administration. I feel blessed to be able to provide healing massage that soothes tension and eases stress. While I can literally feel first hand, how massage helps to lower stress and I know that massage is extremely beneficial but I would like to offer more for those who are in distress.

While I can’t make it all go away, oh how I wish I could, I can offer some options for people to redirect this energy into something positive. Think about it. Energy is energy. We can hold it inside and try to put a cap on it as it builds and threatens to overflow or we can redirect that energy towards something we believe in and it will flow naturally. I’m not saying it will all be easy but it is an opportunity to create positive change while taking care of one’s self.

With that, here are my ideas. Yes, I am positive things were left out so please include more below in the comments. This can be a living document that we all contribute helpful ideas to.

*Let’s keep it positive.

Here are some ideas for staying sane in the current world:

• Take care of yourself. Get sleep, eat well, exercise, meditate and practice yoga. Don’t let stress take over your health.
• Do things that make you happy. Dance, listen to music, create art.
• Get outside. Take in the fresh air and beauty.
• Pick one or two issue and stick with it. Focus your energy and don’t get side-tracked.
• Assist families in need, including an immigrant family. 
• Reach out to a senior and see if they need help.
• Create a postcard campaign and have others over to do it with. You can create a calendar/flowchart of which to do by when to keep on track.
• Try to tune out some of the negative.
• Don’t participate in negative talk, focus on what we can do
• Join community groups that are already taking action, such as RESULTS, 350.org, etc…
• Join or start conversation circles in your community.
• Take the high road and don’t slander. Comments made based on looks, body type, etc are not helpful and are based in hate. They are no different from what is coming out of “his” mouth.
• Host or organize a conflict resolution/mediation training for your community.
• Work to hone your skills in community building, emergency response and first aid.
• Train to run for office. http://ow.ly/kvys308lXJX
• Donate, support (call, write and make the issues visible) and stand with Standing Rock. http://standwithstandingrock.net/
• Grow food and donate it to the food banks.
• Volunteer at food banks, in classrooms or anywhere else you are inspired to.
• Show up at rallies.
• If you can’t get to rallies and meetings, support those who are by delivering hot meals, childcare and providing transportation.
• Be inclusive in organizing but do not “lead” those whose issues they are.
• Ask someone from a marginalized community what you can do to help support them.
• Own and then use your privilege for good, if you have it.
• Start or join a Community Unity Alliance group in your neighborhood or town. Involve the NAACP, C3, LGBTQ groups, faith groups, school districts, alter-abled people, etc.
• Try to understand others, listen. We can’t work together if we don’t know what is in each others heads.
• Work to inspire others to get involved in the “good work” because we need more good and it is healthy to redirect negative energy.
• Adopt a park. Clean, weed, plant and enjoy.
• Volunteer for organizations that are losing funding.
• Create and distribute care packages for the homeless
• Smile, be friendly and reach out to others
• Know that you are contributing to positive actions.
• Be love and shine your light bright!