A Reflection on These Times

I wrote this blog post early in 2025, in response to questions posed to me by patients, but I never sent it out. Unfortunately, this topic still rings true, and I hope it helps you as we head into 2026.

You don’t need me to tell you that 2025 has been a tough year. I’m often asked if I have any tips on navigating these times we’re in. The truth is, I am figuring it out as much as anyone else, as these are - let’s all say it together - “unprecedented times” we are living in. All I can share is how I’m navigating these times for myself. We are all different, walking different paths and with different roles to play, and I don’t believe we should all be doing the same thing. If something I share resonates with you, please pick it up and take it with you. If something else doesn’t, please leave it behind. We are all doing our best, even when it looks like we’re not, and one of the best things we can do is muster grace for ourselves and each other. 

Stay aware of the present moment.

For me, mindfulness practice definitely helps: being aware of the present moment as it is. E.g., to be aware that my house is not burning, bombs are not falling on my neighborhood, I have food, water, all the basic needs and more. 

Avoid porous self-boundaries.

I have compassion and empathy for those who are in a different boat right now, and I’m very aware of Interbeing - that we are all interconnected. I see many around me, however, who seem to feel that because others are suffering, they have no right to be happy or ok, or that their problems don’t matter. When compassion and empathy slip into over-identification and despair, it helps no one.

Be realistic about what you have agency over. 

We have many beautiful means of cultivating compassion and loving kindness in Buddhist practice, including Tonglen and Metta meditations. I have noticed, however, especially among those who care about a better world for all - social justice, climate resilience, peace - that we can feel that it is our responsibility to make this happen. While we can all aspire to have a positive impact in the places we have agency, feeling responsible for things we have little to no agency around can be debilitating. We can feel like we can’t be happy, can’t be free, unless and until everyone is free. This would take innumerable lifetimes, and actually creates more despair and hopelessness in the world. 

Don’t become terrorized by the news. 

I do believe we are being manipulated to be fearful and anxious. I have stepped away from news for periods of time, and when I come back with rested eyes and consciousness, I am struck by the clickbait and headlines seemingly designed to incite anger and fear. It has been and continues to be a challenging balance of how to be an engaged citizen, while not submitting to the forces that control our attention and consciousness in ways that harm ourselves and do not benefit anyone else. We can feel like we’re being responsible citizens by taking in the news, but often we just become more fearful and angry citizens. 

Find means of regulating your nervous system.

When we are dysregulated in this way, we are not helpful to ourselves or others. Rephrasing Resma Manekem, a regulated nervous system is one of the most important things we can provide to our communities and the world right now. Speaking of tumultuous times, Thich Nhat Hanh said, “When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked, all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centered, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive.”

Allow and accompany feelings.

Be with grief, with suffering, with feelings as they arise - in yourself, in those you care about and are around you. Pushing away and ignoring feelings doesn’t really ever work - as the title of Bessel van der Kolk’s book, “The Body Keeps the Score,” reminds us - what we bury in our consciousness still hangs out in our tissues. The only way around the emotions that arise in us is through. But we can get help and support, we are not alone in our difficult emotions. We can join or form formal or informal circles to share what’s real and true for ourselves, and listen to and witness others. I have heard many wise people say that learning to truly grieve is the work of our times. 

Nourish happiness, love, and community 

Thich Nhat Hanh says, “suffering is not enough.” In order to have the resources and wherewithal to deal with the difficulties around us, we must fill up our wells. We do this by practicing gratitude, connecting with that which inspires awe (being in nature, being moved by art and music, etc.); loving, laughing, cooking, dancing, and just being with community and loved ones. We are not in it alone.

As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the next year, I'd like to share with you my favorite news recap of the year, which is of creative acts of resistance in our country and beyond. Remember that where our attention goes, our qi flows.

In this winter season, I wish you much warmth, rest, reflection, and regeneration. I look forward to practicing and working with you in the new year. 

In community,

Prajna

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