Recognize that global suffering stems from human greed, hatred, fear, and ignorance, and actively practice ethics, generosity, forgiveness, compassion, and mindful loving awareness to transform these inner roots.
Learn to regulate your inner state and reduce anxiety, not to ignore problems, but to enable more effective and responsive engagement with difficult situations.
When confronting destructive situations, stand up for what you care about with a peaceful heart, avoiding responses fueled by fear, anger, or rage that exacerbate polarization.
Focus on the value, rightness, and truth of your actions, grounding yourself in timeless values like compassion, mutual respect, and integrity, rather than depending on the hope of specific results.
In moments of conflict or decision, take a mindful pause and ask, “What is my highest intention?” allowing this deep intention to guide your tone, actions, and the compass of your heart towards love.
Engage in loving-kindness (metta) practice by sending well-wishes (“May you be well, safe, protected”) first to those you care about, then expanding to others, and finally to yourself, to soothe your heart and foster compassion.
Root yourself in love for the earth and one another, understanding that love is the ultimate power that provides courage and strength to stand up and care, rather than making you weak.
Actively cultivate joy and align yourself with the possibility of positive change, viewing joy as a moral obligation that renews your spirit and brings a sense of possibility to difficult situations.
Practice recognizing your true self as timeless awareness or consciousness, distinct from your changing body, emotions, and thoughts, which offers a profound sense of inner freedom and vastness.
Envision and work towards a “wise society” built on mutual respect, care for the vulnerable, and environmental stewardship, seeing yourself as an “imaginal cell” contributing to this societal transformation.
Understand that your individual actions, no matter how small, can act as “make weights” that tip the balance towards positive change and bring things back into balance.
Limit your news consumption to what is necessary to stay informed, then disengage and turn to activities that uplift you, to prevent being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety.
Develop the meditative skill to observe your mind spinning out, thank your anxiety for trying to protect you, and then consciously choose not to “pick up” thoughts and worries that sink your spirit.
When you fall short of ideals, hold yourself with compassion, acknowledging “only human,” and remember it is never too late to start again or plant a good seed.
Create a physical or mental space filled with figures of wisdom and compassion from various traditions to serve as a source of backup and inspiration, reminding you that you work for something greater.
Regularly step out and connect with nature, observing the changes and beauty around you, as a simple and effective way to experience consistent hits of joy.
Recognize that being “pushed on” by collective challenges can strengthen your roots and allow you to find a different kind of inner strength, much like plants growing stronger with intense music.
Choose to emphasize the magnificent acts of compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness throughout human history to gain energy for your own actions and contributions, rather than focusing solely on the worst.
Be present and alive to the moment, rather than lost in fears or thoughts, to respond from a place of deep presence and do things more beautifully and with freedom.
Support one another and your community through acts of care and kindness, recognizing that these small acts contribute to changing the world.
Before undertaking tasks, especially challenging ones, set an intention for your work to be illuminated by your highest purpose and guided by the spirit of wisdom.