Finding Strength and Peace Together After a Challenging Election

Embracing Our Emotions

I’m not going to lie, this one hit hard. I hope you’re finding joy, even in the midst of the heavy emotions we’re all navigating after the election. As a Black woman who proudly voted for Kamala Harris, I feel the weight of this loss deeply, as I know many of you do, too. While we may be feeling disappointed, frustrated, or even helpless, let’s come together to honor these emotions, embrace our resilience, and find peace in ways that nurture our minds, bodies, and spirits.

First, remember that these emotions are valid and part of the healing process. Reach out to supportive friends, family, or community groups that allow you to process your feelings without judgment. Acknowledging this experience can help us find strength in our shared journey. In times like these, self-care is essential.

Healing the mind, body, and Spirit

Here are a few ways we can use movement, meditation, and spiritual practices to help us recenter:

Guided Meditation and Breathwork

Finding calm within is powerful. Set aside time to focus on your breath and use guided meditations to bring clarity and peace to your mind. Apps or online videos can lead you through gentle practices that center on releasing tension and creating inner calm.

Journaling and Affirmations

Writing can help process difficult emotions. Take time to journal about what this moment means to you, and create positive affirmations to remind yourself of your strength and resilience. Reflecting in this way can help shift your mindset toward hope.

Physical Movement for Releasing Tension

Physical activity can help relieve stress and ground us in the present. Try Pilates to get centered or Yoga to stretch and soothe your body, or take a walk or run outdoors to connect with nature and clear your mind. Even dancing to your favorite music can uplift and liberate your spirit.

Spiritual Practices and Community Support

Leaning into spirituality can provide profound comfort. Whether through prayer, spiritual reading, or attending community gatherings, reconnecting with these practices can remind you that you’re part of something greater. Seek out community spaces where you can hear others’ stories and feel the strength in collective support.

Gratitude and Reflection

Practice gratitude. Each day, reflect on the things for which you’re thankful. Shifting our focus to gratitude, even in challenging times, can bring unexpected peace.

Looking Ahead with Hope

While this election didn’t go as we’d hoped, our voices and efforts remain vital. Change is a continuous journey, and each step we take brings us closer to a more just and equitable future. Let’s honor Kamala Harris’s vision by staying engaged, supporting one another, and continuing to advocate for what we believe in. Our resilience and hope are our greatest strengths, and together, we can keep moving forward. You are not alone on this path, and there is immense power in our collective spirit. I’m here in solidarity, ready to continue this journey alongside you.

-FaranEbi