In the aftermath of a tumultuous political season, Shelly Tygielski, a grassroots meditation advocate, reflects on the importance of self-care as an act of resistance. Following the 2018 US midterms, she emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional fight-or-flight responses and embrace empathy and action. Tygielski argues that by prioritizing personal well-being, individuals can recharge, refresh, and rewire themselves for continued activism. Her insights offer practical methods to integrate self-care into daily life, ensuring sustained energy and resilience in challenging times.
Tygielski's journey began at the Women’s Convention in Detroit, where she addressed thousands of women preparing for a long and arduous struggle. The event set the stage for her talk titled "Self-Care Is an Act of Resistance," which challenged the conventional fight-or-flight paradigm. Instead, she proposed evolving towards empathy and action, starting with self-care. This shift is crucial because it acknowledges the limitations of reactive behaviors and promotes a more sustainable approach to activism.
The morning after the election, Tygielski was inundated with messages expressing despair and exhaustion. In response, she emphasized the importance of giving oneself permission to feel and process these emotions. She reminded everyone that it is acceptable to be sad, tired, or disappointed without adding guilt to the mix. By pausing and resetting, individuals can breathe and regain their strength. This pause is not a sign of weakness but rather a radical act of love and self-respect.
Tygielski suggests three practical ways to practice self-care. First, she recommends unplugging from news and social media for a few days. Disconnecting allows for a much-needed break from constant information overload. Second, recognizing when self-care is needed and responding to that need without seeking permission from others. Lastly, having a ready-made self-care checklist with personalized options ensures that one can quickly turn to nurturing activities during moments of stress.
Ultimately, self-care is not just about individual well-being; it is a collective movement of love and kindness. By embracing self-care, we declare our emotional agency and prepare ourselves for the ongoing challenges ahead. It is through this practice that we can rise up, support each other, and continue making a difference in the world.
