Rest and Resist: Grounding into discomfort during political upheaval
Staying Grounded in Times of Political Upheaval
In times of political turmoil, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and even powerless. The constant influx of news, activism, and emotional labor can take a serious toll on our well-being. But here’s the truth: rest is just as important as resistance.
Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it’s a radical act of defiance in a world that wants us burnt out. When we nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits, we reclaim our energy and power, allowing us to move with clarity rather than reaction. In this post, I’ll share practical ways to stay grounded, intentional, and aligned—even in the midst of chaos.
The Power of Grounding Practices
When we feel unsteady, anxious, or emotionally drained, it’s a sign that we need to come back to our center. Grounding practices help regulate our nervous system, remind us that we are safe, and create space between external chaos and our internal response.
1. Yoga & Movement
Yoga isn’t just about stretching—it’s about presence. When we engage in intentional movement, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower stress levels and bring our minds into the present moment.
Even if you don’t have time for a full practice, just taking five deep breaths while stretching your body can shift your energy. When we root ourselves in the body, we create a sense of stability that carries over into other aspects of life.
2. Meditation & Breathwork
Meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting in silence for an hour. Even just a few minutes a day of focused breathing can regulate stress and cultivate resilience.
One powerful practice is Loving-Kindness Meditation, where we send peaceful intentions not just to ourselves but also to others—including those we may struggle with.
Try this:
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in.
Imagine filling yourself with light, love, and peace.
Now, send that same energy outward—to loved ones, strangers, and even those you disagree with.
This practice doesn’t mean we condone harm, but it allows us to break cycles of anger and transform our energy into something more intentional. Bonus points if you can send love from your heart space to theirs! I have practiced this many times and it always brings softness.
3. Walks in Nature & Grounding
Stepping outside—even for five minutes—can be a game-changer. Nature has a way of recalibrating our energy and reminding us of the bigger picture.
A simple practice is walking meditation:
Take slow, intentional steps.
Feel your feet connecting to the earth.
Notice the air, the sounds, the sensations around you. Tap in with all five senses. What can you see, smell, hear, feel?
When we connect with the natural world, we remind ourselves that we are part of something greater, something enduring.
Reclaiming Your Energy & Power
While grounding brings us back to the present, we also need ways to process and release the emotional weight we carry. If you’ve been feeling exhausted or hopeless, it’s time to find a way to reclaim your energy.
1. Therapy & Energy Work
If you’re struggling to process the emotions that come with political upheaval, therapy can be a powerful tool. Different approaches work for different people, but some effective methods include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A therapy designed to help process trauma and overwhelming experiences.
Talk Therapy: A safe space to express frustrations, fears, and hopes.
Energy Healing (Reiki, Acupuncture, etc.): Helps clear energetic blocks and restore balance.
Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a commitment to resilience.
2. Writing & Creative Expression
Sometimes, the best way to release frustration is to get it out of our heads and onto paper. Journaling, poetry, and even voice notes can help process complex emotions.
Try this prompt:
"What is something I need to release today so I can move forward with clarity?"
There’s something cathartic about seeing your emotions in front of you. Once you acknowledge them, they lose some of their power over you. My favorite thing to do is burn the paper after and watch the energy transmute in smoke.
3. Community & Support Networks
We are not meant to do this work alone. Finding a support network—whether through friends, online communities, or local groups—creates space for collective healing.
Talking about our struggles with trusted people allows us to process emotions, gain new perspectives, and remember that we’re not alone.
The Power of Intentional Energy
Here’s a radical idea: What if we used our grounding practices to send healing energy outward?
Imagine this: every time you take a deep breath, every time you step onto your yoga mat, every time you meditate—you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re creating a ripple effect.
What if you set the intention to:
Send love to every being, regardless of whether you agree with them.
Hold space for transformation, even when it feels impossible.
Create a world where action is fueled by love, not just anger.
Because resistance isn’t just about fighting—it’s also about creating something new. And we can’t create from a place of burnout.
Rest Is Resistance
So, as you move through this season of uncertainty, ask yourself:
What is one thing I can do today to reclaim my energy?
How can I rest in a way that strengthens rather than drains me?
How can I send positive energy outward, creating real, lasting change?
Rest is not passive. It is a tool for resilience, a strategy for sustainability, and a necessary part of the fight for a better world.
So take a breath. Ground yourself. And remember—you don’t have to carry it all alone.
I’d love to hear how you’re navigating these times. Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media @amandabryantherapy. Let’s continue this conversation and support one another in moving forward with clarity, strength, and intention.
#RestToResist #GroundedActivism #HealingIsRevolutionary
