We need to be mindful of the quiet moments between campaigns essential to preserving our agency and focus. On a larger scale, that means routine welfare checks on our front line defenders.
I have enjoyed, and participated in some of the activities/practices mentioned in all of the responses proffered. At my stage of life, most athleticism has vanished - but I do remember the feeling of "being in the zone" and how liberating it feels to abandon all the other mental noise while "in the zone". Nowadays I cultivate "mindless" activity that does the same thing, erase the preoccupations, the "what if" ruminations; handicrafts, arts, cooking that require full attention and reward one with accomplishment. Ever so much more satisfying than sitting at a computer or doom scrolling!
I started a garden last August. Your suggestion to "touch grass" works! Since then I've lost ten pounds and had all those plants to think about instead of doom and gloom. It's been cheap, too! I almost entirely chose bulbs or roots that were on-sale so the entire cost has been less than what I would have spent on a couple of nights on the town. Everything's already developing, and even though I won't begin to see the full effect for another year or so, I'm learning the wisdom behind the old saying about why an old man plants trees whose fruits he'll never see but his grandchildren will.
However you choose to reclaim your time, stop being led or driven. Set your own agenda and priorities. Respond to the world around you deliberately instead of reacting. Do this and those who would oppress us lose power instantly.
I would say that being active daily in opposing what Israel is doing keeps me going, gets me up in the morning and allows me to sleep at night while knowing that as an American I have the blood of all the Palestinians on my hands due to decisions by my own government to support slaughter. I have hatred directed at me every time I appear with my Palestinian flag, but I receive many times more appreciative comments.
I get where you are coming from, but everyone needs a break for one's own spiritual health every now and then. You too deserve to take time away from the pain of being informed today. It's a long road and to stay on it we all need to pause and refresh.
it would surprise me if you did not have routines that alleviate stress. I'm glad you told us what they are. That does even more good for those who don't have any. You are precious to us.
This is the kind of reminder that keeps the work honest. Justice that isn’t paired with care for the body and spirit eventually eats its own. Staying grounded isn’t retreat. It’s how you stay in the fight without becoming another casualty of it.
I'm jealous of your running. In my earlier life, I was a long-distance runner. However, arthritis has caused a hip and later a knee replacement (and NO, running does NOT cause arthritis; in fact, it can relieve it.) My orthopedic surgeon said, "Please, don't run anymore," so I didn't pick it up again. I've switched to walking. Running is such a blessing: it can be meditative, prayerful, and isolating all by itself. Certainly creative; I've worked out many quilt blocks and patterns in my head while running. I met my best friend through training for a marathon. So, Quasim, you go, guy!
Thank you for sharing this! I think we can tend to feel guilty for taking the time to care for ourselves when so much is wrong and needs doing. Thanks for the reminder of how essential self-care is, and for sharing how you care for yourself (I worry about many of the wonderful folks I rely on from Substack in relation to burnout - so again, thank you!)
This is great! Thank you.
We need to be mindful of the quiet moments between campaigns essential to preserving our agency and focus. On a larger scale, that means routine welfare checks on our front line defenders.
Thank you for this and for all the work you do. I appreciate the knowledge, insights, and thoughtfulness you exude. You are a shining star my friend.
I have enjoyed, and participated in some of the activities/practices mentioned in all of the responses proffered. At my stage of life, most athleticism has vanished - but I do remember the feeling of "being in the zone" and how liberating it feels to abandon all the other mental noise while "in the zone". Nowadays I cultivate "mindless" activity that does the same thing, erase the preoccupations, the "what if" ruminations; handicrafts, arts, cooking that require full attention and reward one with accomplishment. Ever so much more satisfying than sitting at a computer or doom scrolling!
Thanks! All are very good practices!
Good advice. Thank you Qasim!
I started a garden last August. Your suggestion to "touch grass" works! Since then I've lost ten pounds and had all those plants to think about instead of doom and gloom. It's been cheap, too! I almost entirely chose bulbs or roots that were on-sale so the entire cost has been less than what I would have spent on a couple of nights on the town. Everything's already developing, and even though I won't begin to see the full effect for another year or so, I'm learning the wisdom behind the old saying about why an old man plants trees whose fruits he'll never see but his grandchildren will.
However you choose to reclaim your time, stop being led or driven. Set your own agenda and priorities. Respond to the world around you deliberately instead of reacting. Do this and those who would oppress us lose power instantly.
This truly is a community, Qasim. We care about how you’re doing, and you turn around and show us that you care about how we’re doing. Thank you.
Thank you. All good advice. We all need these things in our lives.
I would say that being active daily in opposing what Israel is doing keeps me going, gets me up in the morning and allows me to sleep at night while knowing that as an American I have the blood of all the Palestinians on my hands due to decisions by my own government to support slaughter. I have hatred directed at me every time I appear with my Palestinian flag, but I receive many times more appreciative comments.
I get where you are coming from, but everyone needs a break for one's own spiritual health every now and then. You too deserve to take time away from the pain of being informed today. It's a long road and to stay on it we all need to pause and refresh.
Considering how you approach everything here,
it would surprise me if you did not have routines that alleviate stress. I'm glad you told us what they are. That does even more good for those who don't have any. You are precious to us.
Thank you for these helpful tips, Qasim! I, too, hope that you and your family are always okay. ☮️
Thank you Qasim! I’m proud to support your work as a paid subscriber. I also appreciate your Substack posts on Islam. I have learned a lot.
Peace
Free Palestine
This is the kind of reminder that keeps the work honest. Justice that isn’t paired with care for the body and spirit eventually eats its own. Staying grounded isn’t retreat. It’s how you stay in the fight without becoming another casualty of it.
I'm jealous of your running. In my earlier life, I was a long-distance runner. However, arthritis has caused a hip and later a knee replacement (and NO, running does NOT cause arthritis; in fact, it can relieve it.) My orthopedic surgeon said, "Please, don't run anymore," so I didn't pick it up again. I've switched to walking. Running is such a blessing: it can be meditative, prayerful, and isolating all by itself. Certainly creative; I've worked out many quilt blocks and patterns in my head while running. I met my best friend through training for a marathon. So, Quasim, you go, guy!
I'm so sorry that I spelled your name wrong. It's that English-speaking reflex that always puts a U after a Q.
Thank you for this, Qasim. I needed this reminder. Please continue to take care of yourself. 💗
Thank you for sharing this! I think we can tend to feel guilty for taking the time to care for ourselves when so much is wrong and needs doing. Thanks for the reminder of how essential self-care is, and for sharing how you care for yourself (I worry about many of the wonderful folks I rely on from Substack in relation to burnout - so again, thank you!)