Day 7: On Caring for Each Other

Our First Annual Lunar New Year Journaling Challenge

Lately it feels like almost everything I engage with - whether it’s an overdue catchup with a friend, reading on Substack, or aimlessly scrolling on social media - is centered on Donald Trump and the declining state of America.

Trump’s words and actions are having a tangible impact on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of so many people. It’s an ugly reality to accept.

And yet, we must go on living.

I am convinced that the only way we will survive this time is by doubling down on our care for each other. It’s easy to lose sight of the goodness that exists in the world when we are constantly being inundated with so many sad and egregious sights. I understand the desire or turn it all off.

But as someone who values trusted journalism, and being an informed citizen of the world, shutting out the news is not an option for me. Rather I am learning how to cope with and navigate what feels like a gloomy paradigm shift.

How do we remain hopeful in all of it? The one answer I keep returning to is care. Caring in this time feels like a radical act of resistance.

Becoming a mother has made me acutely aware of the powerful act of caring for another human being and the ability it has to shape and mold a person; a person who I hope will go on to carry compassion forward and bring it into the world with him.

When I was struggling with nursing my son, Jaad, my father told me the story of how when he was an infant his mother fell ill and was unable to nurse him. Another woman in their small village in the West Bank of Palestine, nursed my father instead. It was a common practice during the time. Women in villages raised children collectively.

A core component of the Pueblo Indian people was marked by the extended family which all lived together. Under threat of colonization first by the Spanish in the 15th century, then later by American settlers, members of the Pueblo tribes would gather in secret societies to preserve their communities and sacred traditions.

In some ways, this radical act of caring for one another is a return to old practices.

My hope is that we can return to it time and time again the days ahead of us. I invite you to our seventh day of journaling together with this Pueblo Blessing.

Day Seven Lunar New Year Journaling Prompt:

✨ Reflect & Write:

• Think about the word care. What does it mean to you? Is it an action, a feeling, a responsibility, or something else? How do you know when you truly care about something or someone?

• Describe a moment when you felt deeply connected to someone or something because you cared. How did that care shape your actions or decisions?

• Finally, reflect on how you balance caring for others and caring for yourself. Do you feel like your definition of care has changed over time? If so, how?

A reminder that you are always welcome to skip the prompts and free-hand journal instead, writing whatever comes to mind. Do what feels right for you. This is your time.

May your days be filled with loving care for each other.

Love,

Summer