Studying stoicism has been a huge help for me. Learning to develop emotional discipline over events I have no control over rescued my mind so that I can focus better on my goals.
This is such a grounded, expansive reflection on navigating the emotional weight of the world without falling into despair. I especially appreciated the emphasis on practices like “soaking,” which aligns beautifully with Rick Hanson’s work on positive neuroplasticity—the idea that we can literally rewire our brains toward peace and resilience by lingering on moments of safety and pleasure, even for just 10–20 seconds at a time. It’s simple, science-backed, and so often overlooked.
The reminder that presence doesn’t require perfection was also so important—especially when discussing meditation. A wandering mind doesn’t mean failure; it means you’re human. And the inclusion of movement, nature, and volunteering as powerful forms of nervous system regulation and meaning-making reflects what the research in somatic psychology and behavioral activation therapy continues to affirm.
The final reflection—that the inner world directly impacts the outer one—is both timeless and urgent. I write about this a lot over on A Little Bit Kinder, especially how small, intentional acts of presence and healing ripple outward more than we often realize. Thank you for this much-needed piece. 🧠🌿🫶
I like it Carey. I really like that you are proposing solutions. So much on the internet is just whining. Overcoming the victim mentality through directed action is a great place to start.
After getting out of "bigger jail" 25 hours ago after 6 days of living with 24 other men, none of whom were white, for doing my job as a nightwatchman but the false accuser screamed & yelled my robbery attempt. Never guess his visage or that of the overly appropriate policeman's arrival.
Because you know.
Not for fame, but as a person who went in sober & out sober, someone should as "AfterSkool" pointed out, interview me & my nontattooed body to keep the "Experiences of the Real Relevant."
Not bad. I'm 5 out of 6 of the suggestions for coping with injustices and a US system failure. But not without difficulty…My mind still swims in sorrow during all these exercises. Even in nature. Although, I do find peace doing volunteer work and educating (screaming) at shit libs. 😉
Great suggestions.
We need to fix the foundation by properly reconnecting to ground aka reality.
https://robc137.substack.com/p/fix-the-foundation-before-the-roof
I found qi gong to be a great combo of yoga and exercise.
https://youtube.com/@holdenqigong
Studying stoicism has been a huge help for me. Learning to develop emotional discipline over events I have no control over rescued my mind so that I can focus better on my goals.
Do you know what the word "Soaking" means to the Mormon's?
I did not know that But I love a good soaking
This is such a grounded, expansive reflection on navigating the emotional weight of the world without falling into despair. I especially appreciated the emphasis on practices like “soaking,” which aligns beautifully with Rick Hanson’s work on positive neuroplasticity—the idea that we can literally rewire our brains toward peace and resilience by lingering on moments of safety and pleasure, even for just 10–20 seconds at a time. It’s simple, science-backed, and so often overlooked.
The reminder that presence doesn’t require perfection was also so important—especially when discussing meditation. A wandering mind doesn’t mean failure; it means you’re human. And the inclusion of movement, nature, and volunteering as powerful forms of nervous system regulation and meaning-making reflects what the research in somatic psychology and behavioral activation therapy continues to affirm.
The final reflection—that the inner world directly impacts the outer one—is both timeless and urgent. I write about this a lot over on A Little Bit Kinder, especially how small, intentional acts of presence and healing ripple outward more than we often realize. Thank you for this much-needed piece. 🧠🌿🫶
Great Stuff, PtoB.
I like it Carey. I really like that you are proposing solutions. So much on the internet is just whining. Overcoming the victim mentality through directed action is a great place to start.
Amen, as a "guy" I also associated Yoga with GHHHHAYYYYYY, but I think I will try it, i am all for mental, physical, emotional, etc. Health.
Meh.
I'm just waiting to die
Then none of this will matter.
Being a gnostic I see existence as nothing more than a mistake.
That I honestly never needed to be a part of 🙃
After getting out of "bigger jail" 25 hours ago after 6 days of living with 24 other men, none of whom were white, for doing my job as a nightwatchman but the false accuser screamed & yelled my robbery attempt. Never guess his visage or that of the overly appropriate policeman's arrival.
Because you know.
Not for fame, but as a person who went in sober & out sober, someone should as "AfterSkool" pointed out, interview me & my nontattooed body to keep the "Experiences of the Real Relevant."
Not bad. I'm 5 out of 6 of the suggestions for coping with injustices and a US system failure. But not without difficulty…My mind still swims in sorrow during all these exercises. Even in nature. Although, I do find peace doing volunteer work and educating (screaming) at shit libs. 😉
How about dismantling the tyrannical structures of power?
You have to limber up before doing that. Pull a hammy while bringing down the state will make it take longer