Voicelessness and Emotional Survival > Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board
dealing with dark events
Hopalong:
Me too, CB.
I don't imagine myself clever or sophisticated enough to out-think security experts who've studied every increment of the geopolitics for decades. I do know evil when I see/feel it. I also am devastated by the human costs nobody's yet begun fully to pay.
I know not scholar-level but enough about WWII, the US and Europe to have few illusions. Our and U.K. media has some responsible players who most of the time, put truth above pot-stirring or conspiracies. I trust and verify as best I can, and am still a big believer in journalistic ideals. Have they been betrayed for clicks and ratings? 10,000 times. But truth still finds its way to the news eventually, despite all the cynicism.
It's pretty hard to disregard what's happening in front of our eyes, just as it was during Viet Nam. Media also changed everything in that regard, from citizen videos to embedded journalists. Those who cause and benefit from wars can't hide forever.
Knowing how complicated it is is helpful. And humbling. But arrogance or "secret" understandings based on the internet ramblings and conspiracy theories of attention-seeking poseurs will never help us hold on to the possibility of democracy and civil society surviving to evolve into better.
I feel the obligation to witness as well. One of my brightest and most conscientious friends, a long-time scholar and pacifist, was in tears yesterday. He is willing to directly feel the pain. If we suffer only vicariously for the victims, that's better than turning aside our gaze.
All that said, I can only feel so much before the crows call for a meal and the new grass will call to my bare feet to remember -- this too.
hugs
Hops
Phyll:
I very much am feeling despair and concern about the people in Ukraine. I understand why NATO is standing by and Ukraine is fighting alone, but it seems to me much more could at least be done to help the refugees right now! Yes, this makes me feel very sad and afraid for the future. Just my 2 cents, for what it is worth.
Hopalong:
I hear you, Phyll. Be kind to yourself.
For many Americans and other watchers this is traumatic.
Can you seek out vigils or quiet rituals online where
you can feel some of these feelings with others?
I'm looking over this list of ways even a small-potatoes
gesture would be pooled and help make some difference.
https://time.com/6151353/how-to-help-ukraine-people/
hugs
Hops
Dr. Richard Grossman:
Hi Hops,
I share your thoughts and reactions to the Ukraine invasion completely, and I very much appreciate your posting them on the message board.
NPR published the article below online:
Want to support the people in Ukraine? Here's how you can help
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help
I am a long-time supporter of Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders, and I will certainly make an additional contribution for their Ukraine efforts.
Take care,
Richard
Hopalong:
Thanks, doc G. I wish you peace about it all, too.
I am having trouble. I could stick this under the Mental Health thread but as it's specific to "dealing with dark events" figure I'll bring it up here.
I have had a surge in anxiety symptoms (chest pain, SOB, mental confusion when first awakened) since the invasion began. I literally struggle to turn off/tune out the news (I feel as though I'd be turning my back on family). I know that's the smart approach).
If anybody has perspective to share on how to remain calm and positive and screen out the current international tragedy, I'd love to hear it. I'm flailing, honestly.
Not going quite mad yet but feeling deep deep stress. Feels so close to home. I don't know how to detach from this. (Surely some of my attachment to following it has to do with my Dad's service, being raised to stay tuned to Pentagon, DC, etc.)
hugs
Hops
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