Navigating this New Now

Today at BetterWorld Partners, we are thinking deeply about doing what we can with what we’ve got, and where we’re at. This presidential election has made our political polarization clear and unavoidable. Some of us are fired up and ready to go, while others feel overwhelmed or attacked. We hope you remember that it’s okay wherever you fall on that spectrum. Your reaction reflects your unique experiences, your capacity to engage, and where you’re at right now.  You are not alone. 

As you reconnect to your purpose, want to engage, and feel more motivated to take action, we encourage you to be hard on systems and easy on each other. Here are some tips as you navigate interactions with others:

• RECOGNIZE DIFFERENT BANDWIDTHS. We all have different capacities for engaging with the political landscape. Some might be deeply involved, others less so. The name of this game is grace and space. Sometimes you are in the thick of it, sometimes you just bring the brownies. There is room for all of us to contribute what we can, and there is space to rest. We promise.
• CHALLENGE PROCESSES, NOT PEOPLE. Words matter. Instead of asking, “Why did you do it that way?” try, “What’s the reasoning behind this process?” or “What are we aiming to achieve?” This way, we can take a step back and more objectively examine the values driving the system and ensure they align with an organization’s mission and goals. Focusing on processes rather than people clears the path for better outcomes.
• FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS, NOT BLAME. When mistakes happen, analyze the system instead of focusing on individuals. Pointing fingers puts people on the defensive and is, therefore, counterproductive. Approaching problems through a systemic lens supports growth—a key part of equity work.
• OFFER SUPPORT, NOT CRITICISM. Help colleagues navigate tough processes by offering constructive feedback, not personal attacks. Organizations may be using outdated systems that ultimately create frustration. Offering grace and understanding among teammates helps pave the way for improvement and sparks motivation to update workflows that make more sense for what you’re trying to achieve. 
• CELEBRATE EFFORT, NOT JUST OUTCOMES. Change takes time and persistence. Acknowledge your colleagues’ hard work and small wins along the way to keep your team engaged and build momentum.

And here are some tools that we practice when we are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or fearful. We hope there are one or two tools that you might like to try that might help you reground in your purpose, reconnect with your body, or experience joy. 

Mindfulness and breathing
We use a technique called body scanning. It is a simple practice to notice what you feel and where it is showing up in your body. Remember that we are complicated and messy humans. We can feel multiple conflicting feelings all at once. Once you can identify what is where you will have more space to decide what information your emotions are communicating and how you want to respond. 

Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body down. It slows your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and helps release muscle tension. Your body goes into “fight or flight” mode when you’re anxious or scared. Deep breathing helps counteract this.

Check the facts
Athena calls her inner critic “the sneaky bitch.” That voice supposes things, assumes information, and paints worst-case scenarios. When the spiral begins she reminds herself of what is happening right now. Is she responding to what is happening, or is she responding to what she thinks might happen? If we are responding to “what-ifs,” remember to breathe and try not to get ahead of yourself.

Find your people
Connecting with people who share your values and concerns can provide a sense of community and support. Talking to others can help you process your emotions, gain new perspectives, and feel less alone.

5-4-3-2-1 Senses check for anxiety
Sound familiar? You are moving fast, you have too many thoughts swirling around and you aren’t sure what to do next or what you just did, and the phone is ringing, a co-worker is talking … all of the things are happening all at once. This can be at the least–uncomfortable. At the most, it can feel scary and uncontrollable. When this happens, remember 5-4-3-2-1. This grounding technique helps bring you back to the present moment when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. By focusing on your senses, you can interrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts and reduce feelings of panic.

How does it work? Something like this:
Take a deep breath and focus on your hearing.
Name 5 things you hear.
Keep breathing.
Name 4 things you can see.
More breathing (don’t get lightheaded).
Name 3 things you physically feel (i.e., I feel my sock on my foot, I feel the chair against my back, etc.)
Another deep breath.
Name 2 things you can smell.
One more breath.
Name 1 thing you can taste.

The purpose is to reconnect you with your physical body. You can switch up the numbers and the senses, but don’t lose the breathing, and don’t shortchange yourself on the senses. It works. Try it.

Change in latitude, change in attitude
If you feel stuck, move your body. Within your physical ability, take a walk, run some stairs, and change your physical view. Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost well-being. It can provide a sense of peace and perspective, helping you to feel more connected to something larger than yourself. BONUS–walking can help process emotions because our eyes naturally move back and forth while we walk, a phenomenon called “optic flow,” which stimulates the brain in a way that can help calm the amygdala and reduce negative emotional responses.

Remember, systems are created by people, and we have the power to change them. Want some inspiration? Check out this YouTube video where President Obama reconnects with the woman who started his “Fired Up. Ready to Go” campaign chant. Let’s approach this moment with empathy, understanding, and a focus on building a better future together. 

Together, we’ve got this!