The Aftermath of the Election
Trump may have won the Presidency but we cannot let what he stands for ‘win.’ Many of us have been badmouthing Trump mercilessly for the last year and now he is our President. How do we show our children that we are going to be okay?
Labeling doesn’t help
Trump is a catalyst of the fear and limitations in thinking that are being brought forward for healing. Many people in America are scared, angry and in pain. They have not felt heard. Trump is their voice. Many of us disagree with this ‘voice’ labeling Trump and his supporters as ‘racist,’ ‘bigots’ and ‘misogynist.’ These labels dehumanize us and place people in to a category without seeing or knowing what is exactly going on with them. It is easy for us to label someone and thus creating a greater divide amongst humanity. I would love to hear more interviews of Trump supporters and hear what is really going on with them instead of automatically condemning them and labeling them just as they are labeling us.
We are more alike than different
We all have the same core emotions: fear, joy/sadness, worry, grief, and anger. This helps me feel compassion for others since this is something all human beings have in common. This election has really inspired me to shine the light on all people, find the goodness in all people, Trump included! (Although as he picks more cabinet members, it gets tougher!) Trump is showing our nation how many people are unhappy and want to change. His supporters believe Trump will change things.
Let’s Make America Great Again ( but not the way Trump is talking about)
We can look at the statement “Let’s Make America Great Again” as going back to our old ways of racism, and other limiting beliefs, or finding a different America, one where we all feel honored and loved. Now more than ever it is time to take action and do what we can do be a nation that is inclusive.
Here’s a list of perspectives to take after the election that you can model for your children.
1) See the good in yourself, the light within. When we see the good in ourselves, we can see it more in others.
2) Have compassion with yourself, when you have critical thoughts – look deeper within to find out what they are really about. Are you scared, feeling threatened? Uncomfortable with change? Holding on to the need for things to be the same?
3) See the good in others. It’s there if we choose to focus on it. If someone thinks differently than you, get curious. Ask them questions to find out more about them.
4) Use purposeful discernment unabashedly, to screen out (not focus on) all the negativity in the news, media, and TV. Watching end of the world movies or violent crime shows are not breeding spaces of love and safety in the world. Be intentional about what you watch, what you expose yourself too. It does take a lot of effort.
5) Move beyond complaining, take action, stand up and speak up in a non-violent way.
6) Express vulnerability when appropriate- when we fully show up and express our deepest concerns and fears, we connect at a deeper level, thereby connecting to each other. Move beyond the initial judgments of people.
7) Love Trumps Fear. Choose love over fear.
Any other thoughts on how you are handling the Trump aftermath with your children?
Zen Y’all,
Kim Davies