Lately, I’ve spent nights combing the interwebs to get the updates on the latest tragedies and political attacks in the US and abroad and it has not served me well. Especially, with the attempted assassination of long time human rights activist and friend, Brandon Lee, I’m reminded of the serious tasks ahead of us fighting empire, defending the land and people. I’m staying centered as much as I can.

After a month or so on this sabbatical, I’m more and more clear that my role right now out here is to build up new muscles because, to be real, I’m a bit flabby and weak in some areas. I’m actually pretty good at responding/reacting, grinding at work, letting guilt and judgement get the best of me, burning on fumes and sacrificing my mental, social, physical, and emotional health. I’ve definitely gotten better through the years and have learned through each burnout moment but I’ve been flexing these muscles for a long time.

Some say it takes at least a month to unravel, get into a routine, and “detach,” so I think this is what is suppose to happen. Regardless, after many years of this, there is a lot of unlearning to do. How do I learn to unsacrifice my health for greater resilience? How do I support others when I return?…