Hello, everyone. Before I begin, let’s take three slow, deep breaths. Sit back in your chair, close your eyes, and relax everywhere. Breathe slowly and deeply, three times, allowing your breath to travel lightly and loosely.
See? That feels a bit calmer. Let’s keep doing it periodically throughout the day. As I remind my clients, slow deep breathing is Nature’s Xanax. Staying calm and grounded is important right now.
The state of our country (and the world) is dire, but there are some actions we can take in service of those who might need help. In my work as an activist I’ve learned that when everything feels out-of-control on a grand scale, it’s important (and soothing) to focus on smaller issues that are happening at the micro level in our community. Taking smaller actions can help us step up to bigger ones, and we can keep up this pattern going forward
Accordingly, I’ve been raising money for two orgs that I believe in. One is the Black Lives Matter Seattle Freedom Fund, which raises bail money for Black and Indigenous folks. In the wake of recent protest events in my city, there is a great for this assistance. If you can afford to, I’m asking all my Seattle and WA state community to consider matching my $50 donation HERE
The other org I just learned about today is Rachel Cargle’s Loveland Therapy Fund, which provides financial assistance nationally to Black women and girls seeking therapy. Their goal is to provide 1,000 women in 2020 with financial support for 4-8 therapy sessions. If you can afford to, please consider matching my $60 donation HERE
In addition to these orgs, some others that I regularly donate time and money to are (click each one for donation links): Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL, the ACLU and Working Washington.
Our actions matter. Our fellow citizens need our help. I hope you will join me in these actions!
My very best to all, and please stay home and stay safe.
-Alicia