the last several weeks, you know that we, like many of you reading right now, have a lot on our agenda. There are important things to do and share. The work of social justice is not to be sidelined or compartmentalized - it is part of our daily life as Americans. It will go on today, tomorrow, and the next day.
On this Tuesday, November 3rd, our country's Election Day, we recognize that energy may be either very low, or so high as to be difficult to manage. Either way, fatigue is real. Fear and uncertainty are not just aspects of what many of us are facing today, they are the real and tangible impacts of trauma. We can feel them in our bodies. Wherever your trauma stems from and however old or new it may be, the feelings that we experience may not be 'over' at any particular time.
Today we would just like to offer a few solid things to hold onto, if you're looking for a life raft, a breath of air, a way to feel your feet or hands or temple on the ground:
/ If you have not voted yet, there is still time.
/ If you are not sure whether to vote today, consider those who are truly unable to do so - because of voter suppression, or for health-related reasons, or because they are rooted in the belief that their vote does not matter. If you feel on the fence, consider the possibility of your vote - like the gift of dropping a seed into the earth, not knowing if or when it will grow - as a service to others who are unable or unwilling to cast theirs.
/ Whether you have voted or not, light a candle at your table or in your workspace. Remember those for whom today is not a matter of comfort or even safety, but of survival.
/ If you feel helpless, try to be helpful. Giving grounds us. Today we are contributing to the Rolling Grocer 19 fund drive, to support our favorite local sliding scale grocery store.
/ Dress for the weather and head outside until you find a tree (if you're in the city) or are surrounded by trees (if you are in nature). Look from the bottom of the tree all the way to the top leaves and branches. Look back down and travel under the ground with the tree's roots. Think of how this tree is a living being in the midst of its own life cycle. How is the tree feeling today?
/ Decide to turn off your screens from now until Wednesday morning.
/ Make something in your kitchen - something you are craving, or an old recipe that makes you feel at home. Share it with a neighbor.
/ Think of a good friend or family member you haven't felt connected with in a while (it probably won't be hard) and find a way to leave them a treat or treasure - a love note, a jack-o-lantern, even an online gift card. Something to say, "I'm thinking of you."
/ Pick a book off your shelf, thumb to a random page, and start reading. Keep doing this until you read something that speaks to you.
/ Think of something you've been meaning to recycle, reuse, or give away. Make it your mission today to follow through on that.
. . .
In our ongoing work to provide resources for Writing an Equitable Job Post, we talked recently about a first step, and provided examples. Next week, we look forward to addressing Job Requirements, and invite you to reach out if you have thoughts on that, or other areas of a job post you'd like us to delve into.
In food, justice, and food justice,
Dor + Tay
photo by Alexa Romano for GFJ Stories
