Mindful Monday: Grounding in Uncertain Times
Good evening, fellow liberators,
As we approach tomorrow’s election results, I know that many of us are feeling a wide range of emotions—hope, anxiety, maybe even exhaustion. The weight of this moment is real, and it’s okay to feel all of it. Times like these bring up so much within us, from memories of past experiences to our deepest hopes for the future. For some, this may feel like the first time they’re truly reckoning with the current state of our world. For others, it’s a cycle we know all too well, where we brace ourselves and hope, even as we carry the pain and knowledge that these systems were never meant for us.
Sitting here, I felt compelled to reach out to our Make Shi(f)t Happen community, to offer a moment of reflection and grounding, but also to share with all of you as well. Sometimes, it may seem like your favorite Black creator, educator, or friend isn’t reacting to current events in the ways you expect. It may appear as if we’re taking things lightly, but I assure you, we are carrying so many layers of complexity. We’ve been here before. And this repeated cycle, for many of us, only deepens our understanding of just how entrenched these systems are.
For those only now waking up to the realities of our society, it may be shocking to see just how fragile these systems are, yet how deeply they impact all of us. Classism gave birth to racism, creating a foundation that places power, privilege, and resources in the hands of a few while countless others are left navigating systems built to exclude. And for Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities, these systems have been painfully visible all along.
We have come full circle. These structures of inequality were designed not only to perpetuate power imbalances but to keep certain groups at a constant disadvantage, regardless of effort, resilience, or talent. The truth is, these systems were never “broken”—they were built to function exactly as they do. It’s just that now, they’re impacting more people than ever before, and the veil is lifting for those who may have previously had the privilege to look away.
In these moments of uncertainty, it’s essential to remember that we’re not alone. We’re here together, not only to witness but to support each other, to hold space for the full spectrum of our emotions, and to find a bit of grounding in the unknown. Even when we can’t control the outcomes around us, we can still choose how we care for ourselves and each other. Together, we can hold each other up as we navigate this moment, acknowledging the weight we all carry, even if it’s experienced differently.
Holding Space for Our Emotions
With the heaviness of these times, I want to offer a practice today to help us find a bit of steadiness as we move forward. You don’t need anything special for this, just a few moments with yourself, wherever you are. This is about pausing and grounding, letting ourselves breathe and be, even as we hold the weight of our experiences.
Pause and Breathe. Take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose, allowing your lungs to fill completely. Exhale slowly, letting go of any tension in your body. With each breath, give yourself permission to settle in, to let go of all that you’re carrying, even if just for a moment. Each inhale invites calm; each exhale releases tension.
Check In with Yourself. Notice what emotions are present for you today. Are you feeling anxious, hopeful, or maybe even disconnected? Whatever is there, allow yourself to acknowledge it without judgment. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Let yourself sit with whatever comes up, holding it gently as part of your truth.
Connect with Your Body. Grounding into your body can be a powerful way to anchor yourself during times of stress. Try placing a hand over your heart or on your stomach, and feel the warmth and support of your own touch. Remind yourself that you are here, supported by your own strength and resilience. Our bodies carry so much wisdom—take a moment to honor that.
Hold Space for Each Other. If you have friends, family, or a community you trust, reach out to them. Share what’s coming up for you, and listen if they want to share too. Use this time to connect, reflect, and remind each other that you’re not alone in this. Sometimes, simply knowing we have someone to lean on can make all the difference.
Reflective Questions for Today
What emotions are present for me today, and how can I honor them with compassion?
How can I practice self-care and grounding as we approach the results tomorrow?
In what ways can I support myself and others in our community during this time?
Embracing Uncertainty Together
As we move through this week, let’s remember that while we can’t predict or control every outcome, we can choose to show up for ourselves and each other with grace and kindness. This community is here for you, today and in the days to come. Let’s hold space for ourselves, honor our needs, and find small ways to stay grounded through it all.
If this piece resonates with you, consider sharing it with others who might need a reminder of our collective strength today.
Thank you for being here, for showing up in this space, and for being part of this journey. I’m grateful for each of you and the compassion we share in this community.
In mindfulness and solidarity,
Desireé B Stephens
If this resonates and you’d like to keep exploring these practices of connection and grounding, consider subscribing to the Liberation Education Newsletter or supporting the Make Shi(f)t Happen Community.Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. 🌟