Perhaps you have been feeling the same way I have since the election.  I find myself swinging back and forth between the desire to sell everything I own and crawl into a hole for the next few years (or move to Costa Rica), and resolved determination to fight back and actively resist whatever Trump and his unfolding rogues gallery of cabinet appointees throw at us.

This weekend I experienced two things that encapsulated this dichotomy, and brought a clearer focus on the path forward.  I was in Vancouver, WA to attend the 50^th anniversary of Washington Tilth.   Tilth is an organization that brings together farmers, gardeners and eaters to create a more sustainable food future.

The night before the conference I spent the night in a hotel, and did something I rarely do – watch television (we have not had cable TV in nearly 30 years).  Unable to sleep, I found myself binging on cable news, stunned by report after report of why Trump won, what might happen next, and the parade of unqualified and dangerous lunatics he is surrounding himself with to enact his agenda.  After several hours of this, I found myself depressed and despondent, ready to sell the farm, liquidate our assets and flee the country as soon as we can.

Then I arrived at the Tilth conference.  As the day (and weekend) unfolded I found myself energized by the presentations I heard and the conversations I had.  Here was a community of people of all ages from throughout Oregon and Washington who, while not ignoring the larger political/social context, were committed to working together for a better future.  They were committed to farming sustainably, to feeding their communities safe, nutritious food, and to engaging in the grindingly slow process of political and social change.  I left the conference feeling energized, and with a long list of things I need to do to be a better farmer, teacher and community member.

So, what did I learn from this process?  First, to quote the lyrics of a Lucas Nelson (Willie’s son) song, “turn off the news and plant a garden”.  Mainstream news thrives on conflict, which translates into fear and paralysis.  Don’t get sucked into the rabbit hole.  Be a savvy news consumer.  Don’t spend too much time in that world. Look for reputable sources across the political spectrum that provide well-researched, thoughtful analysis.

Second, spend most of your time doing things that give you energy, physically and emotionally.  Make more time to walk, run, hike or exercise in whatever way works for you.  Science is clear – physical activity reduces stress.  Spend more times with friends.  Science also tells us that social connection helps maintain and improve mental health.  Seek out, support and get involved with organizations that you believe in.  Collective action is not only individually empowering, but our best chance for social and political change.

Its easy to go through life on auto pilot when everything is going well.  Things are definitely not going well, and to ignore that reality or let it demoralize and paralyze you is dangerous, individually and collectively.

In whatever way works for you, vow to become part of the resistance. It won’t always be easy. But we need each other, now more than ever.