Solidarity and connection
Finding ways to flourish in these difficult times
It can be incredibly demoralising when faced with a government determined to push through legislation designed to allow for extractive, exploitative practices against both land and people. It is difficult when ideas based on harmful, neoliberal and capitalist thinking keep being trotted out and accepted as ‘normal and good'.
So. What helps? What helps when it feels terribly hopeless and an endless grind and that nothing much makes a difference anyway (not that I ever feel like that - yes, that is heavy sarcasm you can feel in that comment!). A selection of ideas below - feel free to add your own ideas, comments, and thoughts in the comments too.
Mutual aid
Mutual aid is a form of non-hierarchical cooperation. Based on ideas of collective responses and thoughtful resource allocation, this form of care creates connection. Essentially, mutual aid can be summarised as Actively seeking out ways to help people in the community where you live. David Farrier has a fantastic summary alongside some excellent, practical, actionable ideas in his post here:
Connect locally and in person
Related to mutual aid, having some way to connect with your local community, in person, works to alleviate the sense of overwhelming existential angst that can come from being flooded with all that is terrible in the world today. This might look like volunteering at your local community house, attending (or starting!) a crop swap, taking a sign language class at your local library, joining a walking group - anything you enjoy, and which reminds you that there are indeed positive pockets in places.
Read books
In an age of bite-sized video clips, taking the time to read a physical book can feel slow and clunky. But it does something to our brains, slowing down and reading words on a physical page. It doesn’t seem to matter too much the topic; the benefits are the same. Less doom scrolling, more book reading!
Also, local libraries continue to be amazing, often offering a range of resources, classes, supports, and events (free or low cost!). They offer a third space, are wonderfully anti-capitalist by design, and of course have a range of books for borrowing.
Connect with nature
There is something very calming about forests, oceans, and rivers. He Paiaka Totara have some great, practical suggestions for connecting with Te Taiao in achievable, everyday ways.
Creative endeavours
Capitalism turns everything into a side hustle, sucking all the joy and delight out of enjoyable hobbies and artistic endeavours. Painting, writing and playing music, crafting quilts, writing - art has a wonderful history of activism and continues to be used as a powerful tool for social and political change. It can also be cathartic, healing, mindful, and calming - and a great outlet for rage against unjust regimes.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how we sustain ourselves and each other as our collective rights are whittled away and our flourishing eroded. The above are my thoughts on what helps - what are yours?
Thank you for all your much appreciated hard work.
Even if you can just visit community run/public art galleries and events that would be great. Every person through the door helps with showing local government that these facilities are worth continuing to fund. 😁