Break Away From Looking Away: The Sweet Spot Between Taking Too Much In & Checking Out

When something terrible in the world happens that isn't directly happening to us, we have a choice. We can look away, deciding it's too much pain to take in and feel. Or, we can keep looking, deciding to let the pain of the world pierce our hearts and let it be a call to action.
If you're someone for whom taking in the pain makes it too much for you to get through your days with at least some moments of peace, you must find the middle way.
The middle way means avoiding the extremes in life. Life is always going to be full of polarities. Contrast and complement are crucial to living. No light without dark. No joy without pain.
We must practice the middle way if we're going to make it through this world; our horrible, gorgeous, profane, sacred, fucked up, perfect world.
We can't look away. But we can't let the looking destroy us.
In this episode, Jessica talks about ways that we can strike this balance, including choosing wisely how you get your information and how to get curious about what other food you're giving your head. She includes resources to help and reminds you that even the smallest donation still makes a difference toward alleviating suffering. She shares some things you can do to feel less helpless, hopeless, and immobilized. And also includes her belief that taking breaks can be a part of essential boundary setting; that it can refresh you and helps you to get back into the world with more generosity.
Links for helping Afghan refugees:
No One Left Behind: https://www.nooneleft.org
Chartering flights and helping with Special Immigration Visas (SIVs)
International Refugee Assistance Project: http://www.refugeerights.org
Providing legal resources for Afghan refugees
Together Rising: https://www.togetherrising.org
Presently giving donations to Women For Afghan Women (WAW) @womenforafghanwomen on IG, who are working around the clock in Kabul to provide emergency services and continue crucial programs for Afghan women, children, and families.
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The One Day You Finally Knew: For Women Breaking Away podcast is produced and edited by Jessica Chasnoff, a recovering perfectionist who is always on a learning curve. While she is a psychologist, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health services. If you're struggling with mental health concerns, please reach out to a professional near you.
Connect with Jessica:
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Website: https://www.DeepestPresence.com