Weekly Reflection - 11/4/24
St. Mary's Reflection: The Rev. Kira Austin-Young
How to Survive an Election
If you’re like me and nearly everyone I know, you are probably finding yourself a little (or more than a little) anxious and distracted this week. Maybe you’ve snapped at a loved one who didn’t deserve it. Maybe you’ve realized that you have only been drinking coffee or snacking instead of eating full meals. It is a tense time with a lot at stake, both locally and nationally, which makes it as good of a time as any to lean into our spiritual practices and take care of ourselves with positive coping mechanisms - body, mind, and spirit - so that we can take care of our communities, whatever the outcome.
Pray - There are so many ways to pray - from the Daily Office found in the Book of Common Prayer, to contemplative prayer and meditation, to walking a labyrinth or going on a hike, to journaling. The psalms are an example to us that God hears the full range of our emotions, even when they are emotions or thoughts that we aren’t proud of having. On Election Night, from 5 p.m. PST to 7 p.m. PST, the Presiding Bishop will be leading prayers on Zoom and Facebook. More information here: https://mailchi.mp/episcopalchurch/join-election-n...
Take care of your body - Drink some water. Eat a meal with some protein and a vegetable. Plan on going to sleep at a normal time and engaging in some movement that makes you happy. Breathe.
Limit the amount of news you consume - Once the polls have closed, staying glued to the television, the computer, or your phone isn’t going to change the outcome. As in 2020, it may take several days to know the results of the presidential election, so make a commitment to yourself to check the news only at certain times, maybe once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. I promise that you’ll hear about the results.
Make plans that are comfortable and joyful - Wear soft and comfortable clothes. Cuddle with a pet or play with a child. Watch a favorite movie or cook a favorite meal. Craft, solve a puzzle, or play a game to keep your mind and hands active. For people with particular needs or challenges, this might be the time to attend an additional 12-step meeting or schedule an extra appointment with a therapist, counselor, or spiritual director.
Whatever the outcome and whatever the future brings us, we will continue to be a part of the in-breaking of God’s Reign here in the Bay Area and to fight for justice and peace. May God be with us, our country, and our political leaders over the next days, weeks, and months as we pray for free and fair elections and peaceful transfers of power.
Additional Resources: You might be interested in this timely podcast conversation entitled “What is Christian Political Hope?” by several Episcopal clergy.
The Rev. Kira Austin-Young
