At the Crossroads of Revolution Again?
America today
America is at crossroads, (AGAIN) where we must choose between fighting for what we believe in or hiding under our beds sucking our thumbs and hoping for the best.
MAGA and the forces of selfishness, greed and desire for power and control are hard at work trying to redefine who we are. Violence may come soon as every authoritarian takeover is always achieved by violence. Do we run away or do we stand and fight back?
The Psycho-shrink in me says:
The fight or flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat. This mechanism is deeply rooted in human behavior and is designed to prepare the body to either confront the danger (fight) or escape from it (flight). When faced with conflict, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies. This prepares the muscles for action, sharpens focus, and heightens alertness.
In terms of human behavior, the fight response might manifest as aggression, confrontation, or assertiveness. Individuals may choose to stand their ground, defend their position, or actively engage in resolving the conflict. On the other hand, the flight response might involve avoidance, withdrawal, or seeking escape from the situation. People may choose to distance themselves from the conflict, avoid confrontation, or find ways to de-escalate the tension.
Who Is Tough And Who Isn’t?
Interestingly, genuine tough individuals often deal with conflict by staying calm and composed, avoiding emotional reactions that might escalate the situation. They rely on their emotional intelligence to defuse conflict, sometimes using humor or tact to neutralize tension. Without seeking validation, they make it clear through their demeanor and actions that they're not interested in unnecessary drama. Rather than engaging in petty behavior or verbal exchanges, they focus on setting boundaries and walking away from pointless confrontations. When action is truly required, they allow their abilities to speak for themselves, emphasizing strength through deeds rather than words. This quiet confidence and mental resilience are what often set them apart.
Given the Eternal Recurrence of Violence in our lives:
Overcoming painful memories of war and violence is a complex and deeply personal journey. Several major factors can play a crucial role in this process. Social support is essential, as having a strong network of family, friends, and community can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. This support system helps individuals feel understood and less isolated in their experiences.
Professional help is also vital. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, can offer specialized treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which are effective in treating trauma-related conditions.
Developing resilience and healthy coping mechanisms can help individuals manage their emotions and reactions to traumatic memories. This can include mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Changing the way one remembers and interprets painful memories can reduce their emotional impact. Techniques like suppression-induced forgetting and thought-stopping can be helpful.
Engaging in community and cultural practices that promote healing and reconciliation can also be beneficial. These practices provide a sense of continuity and connection to one's heritage and identity.
Maintaining physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep supports overall well-being and resilience.
Finding purpose and meaning in life, whether through work, hobbies, or helping others, provides a sense of direction and motivation to move forward.
Nonetheless
It seems and feels increasingly likely that we will be exposed to violence as an inevitable consequence of the fascist tendencies presently at rage in our society. Fight or flight? And just a word of caution, Canada has only so much capacity for an influx of fliers.
Good luck to us all. This fight is on. Our fight is on.
