I can feel this. And I'm still here.

it takes work
to be the people
who can stay awake
to the pain around
and within us

it’s an actual skillset
each of us can strengthen

it’s tempting to numb
and collapse inside
because it’s all too much

here’s the thing

it IS too much

our systems detect threat
and shut down to protect us

but this moment in our history
demands as many of us as possible
do the work to stay awake

the goal is not to flood yourself
with pain but to stay gently awake
to what is happening
while remaining resourced
enough to care

one practice for today —

set a timer for 90 seconds

read one headline
one story
or name one grief
in the world

let your body notice
what do i feel in my chest?
is my jaw tight?
is there heaviness or heat?

then look around the room
and name five neutral things you see

you are teaching your nervous system
“i can feel this…and i’m still here”

it may feel small
and insignificant

but i promise

micro moments
grow your capacity
to meet this moment
with a tender heart
kind eyes
bold courage

fierce love
friends

we're in this
together