Original Magic: The Rituals and Initiations of the Persian Magi - Michael M. Hughes 2018

Self-Care and Resilience

Let’s admit it—activism is not easy. As an activist, you’ve chosen to dedicate substantial time to making the world a better place—time you could be spending sitting on your couch eating popcorn and watching cat videos instead of working a phone bank, marching in the cold and rain, and getting dragged out of your congressperson’s office.

And you had better get used to losing. If you are called to do warrior magic in defense of the earth, its animals and plants, and its oppressed, marginalized, and persecuted humans, you are choosing (or have been chosen for) a lot of failure, discomfort, disappointment, and loss.

Why would you subject yourself to that?

The answer is simple: because you know you are ultimately on the winning team. Team Evolution. Team Justice. And when you do win—and you will win, sometimes big victories, sometimes small—it makes all the effort worth it.

What is the alternative—watching the world burn?

Nonetheless, you do need to take care of yourself. I’ve seen activists burn out, fall into depression, and give up. There are a number of pitfalls for those who dedicate themselves to resistance—and most are the result of imbalances. Not getting enough sleep. Not eating well. Drinking too much. Spending too much time marching, leafletting, organizing, and demonstrating and not enough time doing joyful things with people you love.

As in every other aspect of life, balance is the key to staying sane, healthy, and focused.