When Outrage Overwhelms
Ways I Am Finding Peace and Rest
I am exhausted. Since last week, I’ve attempted to get online a few times to share a blessing with my friends and peers, but each time I log on, I see another article or post that makes my heart ache, my mind wrestle, and my inner light feel dim. I wonder if it is the same with you.
I am struggling. Struggling with the policies of a new administration that seeks to dehumanize, demean, and demand. Where calls for mercy are met with outrage, to me, it sounds like they are calling for Barabbas. I am reminded of the scene in John’s Gospel where the people can offer a pardon for someone convicted; the people don’t want to see Christ walk free.
The irony in John’s Gospel is that Barabbas translates to “son of the father.” The crowd would rather have a criminal than Christ. I wonder what other critiques the Gospel of John can offer.
Our nervous systems have been under attack since 2015/2016. I remember seeing news articles designed to spark our angst. We called this “perpetual outrage,” and I wonder now if the cycles of outrage are on purpose to keep us from achieving a regulated nervous system. If we can’t feel our humanity, how can we feel theirs?
Check in with your body—from head to toe. What are you sensing? What do you need?
We don’t have to give in. Rest is what our resistance looks like. We don’t need to feel outnumbered, overpowered, or impotent. We can nap at the bottom of the boat when the storm appears to be raging beyond our control.
I am resisting. Resistance to perpetual outrage looks like rested, regulated nervous systems. But in our high-distraction existence, this doesn't come quickly. A regulated nervous system is the feeling of calm, grounded, and able to respond thoughtfully and with our present self instead of reacting out of fear, stress, or distress.
The tension between mercy and outrage, however, does not exist in a spiritual, non-tangible reality. It affects our humanity and well-being. Being caught in this tension can lead to distress that manifests as activation in our nervous systems. I wonder how much of Christ’s promise of life and abundant life is more about the quality of goodness we can experience through regulated nervous systems rather than a materialistic tone of abundant earthy possessions. The abundant life—rooted in goodness—feels like an invitation to nurture ourselves, finding rest, balance, and resistance even in trying times.
There are evidence-based practices suggest that exercises like box breathing (it’s a link to headspace) can help regulate our nervous system. Taking a few moments for intentional breathing can move us from a space of fight, flight, freeze, to rest and digest.
How to reconnect in an age of distraction:
Here are some simple yet powerful practices to help you reconnect and reclaim your peace in the onslaught of media:
Breathe On Purpose: One of my favorite apps, Headspace, is linked above. Guided, meditative breathing can help us feel whole.
Close down the media: many of my friends have left Instagram, Facebook, and threads altogether. I’ve already deleted my Facebook page and am strongly considering leaving the others. Please give yourself a time limit, and as soon as you feel the outrage, it is time to pause. Pause. Where in your body do you sense your rage? Your rage is good, right, and holy. It can also leave you feeling exhausted. Consider what small step you can make toward restoring rightness in your world.
Get outside: I say this when it was 12 degrees in my corner of Montana this morning. Gentle movement, sunshine, and grounding with the earth can do just that: help us feel grounded.
Care for self: whether it be a few extra minutes in the shower, a favorite meal, or saying no to that thing you don’t want to do. Your self-care is the least selfish thing you can do.
A few readers have contacted me asking what we can do in all the pain, grief, and disbelief. At that time, I could think of two initial offerings that came to mind from two very different sages.
The first is the wisdom of Michael Jackson - start with the person in the mirror.
The second is much like it: go home and love your family. - Momma T (Mother Theresa)
Simple, intentional acts can change everything.
I hope you will consider joining the conversation. Let’s forge new ways to bring goodness and light into our communities, families, and selves. Leave a comment below on how you resist the cycles of outrage?