Through the Mind and the Eye

The Next Four Years

By Scott McGovern on February 13, 2025

When I tune into the news and hear about the latest outrage from the new administration, my kneejerk reaction is to rave and protest against the outrages being perpetrated, and commiserate with like-minded friends.   I know I am not alone in this response.  I am also aware that these responses, arising reflexively, are not necessarily helpful or constructive.

A recurring theme in conversations with friends and family has emerged:  how can we best navigate the next four years, given the extremely volatile and frightening political extremism arising throughout the globe, in order to stay emotionally and physically healthy while at the same time contributing in positive ways to the world around us?

My critical guidance is found in the Serenity Prayer:  May God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  So how does this concretely inform my choices moving forward?

Accepting what I cannot change means managing my reactions to those situations.  I can limit my engagement with material that makes me angry, regardless of which side the information comes from.  In the case of world, national, and local news, digesting factual information can be helpful, and can guide me in deciding if I may be able to contribute to a given situation in a constructive way.  If, however, I become aware of getting stuck in angst and ire, in helplessness and fury, it’s time to back off, get centered and grounded again, and reflect on my options of response.  Anger is helpful in catalyzing social action, but it can also cloud vision and thinking.  It is equally important to avoid conversations with those who share my perspective if that dialogue is limited to negative expressions of resentment and criticism and which offers no exploration of positive and helpful steps that may be taken.  In these situations, I can respectfully disengage and try to steer the discussion towards exploring effective responses. 

In working for change, there are many things I can do proactively.  I can refrain from making sweeping generalized comments about those with whom I disagree, avoid stereotyping along political, religious, ethnic lines, and be careful not to demonize others.  I can choose to respect the common humanity of all, and see everyone as individuals with vast nuances of differences rather than categorizing them into groups.  I can reach out to those with very different perspectives and encourage us to seek common ground in spite of differences in perspective.  I can listen deeply and respectfully to people of all political stripes, and engage in thoughtful, non-confrontational conversations whenever possible.  And I can try to be as open as possible in considering the legitimate merits of opposing views.

I can help others, regardless of political persuasion, and model kindness, compassion, and integrity through words and actions.  I can speak out and take firm action against injustices wherever my voice or actions might make a difference.  I can use whatever skills I have to advance love, compassion, and justice in this world – especially in working with youth and the disadvantaged, all while maintaining a positive outlook and affect.

Finally, I can take care of and nurture the health of my body, mind, heart and spirit so that all are strong and ready and able to be extended to others in helpful, sustained way, and pray for the wisdom to know how and when to “be the change I wish to see in the world.”