Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican Bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. I had the opportunity to hear him speak years ago and remember him telling the huge crowd, “I read the paper every morning, so that I know what God wants me to take care of that day.”

Admittedly, up to that point, I had avoided reading or watching the news because I found it overwhelming and too negative to process. Archbishop Tutu inspired all of us in attendance that day to “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” 

If Desmond Tutu were still alive today, I imagine he would be sharing the same message. One of his most famous quotes is “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

So how do we take action and still maintain a balanced life? How do we do our little bit of good without moving into overwhelm? How do we cultivate compassion instead of being consumed by hate and rage? How do we get the elephant off the mouse’s tail without turning to violence ourselves?

To begin with, we need to read or listen to the news in moderation. Currently, there are enough action items presented in each newscast that you don’t need to watch, read or listen for more than a half hour. Choose one area that you feel passionately about or in which you have a level of expertise.  Decide how you can add value to those affected by the situation and make a plan to take action. Then turn off the TV or the radio and do something to balance your ingestion of bad news.

For every thirty minutes of news, do one hour of walking, yoga, meditation, singing, chanting mantra, baking, playing with your kids, dogs or grandchildren or any other activity that lifts your vibration. The higher your vibration, the more easily you will be able to take action. Not only will your level of energy increase but you will have more clarity and may even access some out-of-the-box thinking about how to best offer help.

My boys used to say, “Yoga, yoga, yoga…. Mom, yoga isn’t the answer to everything!”  They were right. There are many ways to the same goal. Yoga, meditation, mantra and walking are my go-to solutions for raising my vibration, but they don’t have to be yours.  Do whatever makes your heart sing and boosts your ability to then “do your little bit of good” for the world.

This is not the time to bury your head and ignore the situations that are unjust. This is not the time to yell at the TV, or take your frustration out on your co-workers, kids, neighbors or friends. This is not the time to complain and rant on social media unless you are also taking action to right those wrongs that anger and upset you. Reach out to groups who are disenfranchised and see how you can help. Speak up in positive life-affirming ways. Join others who are working towards positive, peaceful solutions.

Tutu’s faith-based theology mirrored that of yoga, resting on the supposition that we as individuals are inextricably connected in a common web of being. By lifting each other up in love and compassion, we can accomplish much more than we can by tearing each other down. Remember, “it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Are you local to Tacoma, WA and want help shifting out of overwhelm and into action? Here are a few ideas for you to consider. 

Indivisible Tacoma is a volunteer organization that represents the broad and beautiful diversity of Tacoma. Their mission is to defend democracy, support universal healthcare, and advocate for humane immigration policies. They promote social, racial, economic and environmental justice through a lens of equity for all communities. More Info on how to help

Need help finding balance so you can help others?                                                                                          Consider joining me for a Level I drop-in yoga class on Thursdays from 5:30-6:45pm at Source Yoga Tacoma.                                                                                                                                                                    If you prefer a Restorative Yoga class, join Sandi Koch and I for a Restorative Thai workshop on March 16th from 3-5pm.                                                                                                                                                              I am also offering a 6-week series called Movement, Meditation and Mantra in which I share the yogic tools that have helped me manage stress and feelings of powerlessness. This series is appropriate for all levels. Modifications will be offered as needed.