ARE YOU GOING WILD?
You might have read my August newsletter when I shared I grew up terrified of the dictators who ruled my home country of Brazil. The jitters I felt then are back, as I witness another wannabe tyrant “neck-and-neck” with democracy – this time here in the US. Whoa! Is that driving you wild too?
FEELING THE TWITCHES?
- Do you feel twitches just thinking about the election?
- Do you find yourself itching for political news?
- Too much chocolate lately? or Tequila?
- Is your “to do” list getting longer than a roll of toilet paper?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you and I share the same diagnosis: Campaign Crazies!
TOP TIPS TO SANITY!
I thought I’d share with you some tips on how to stay sane for the next 10 days (even if barely) and take the loving actions that will most likely cure your condition:
1. Meditate on Your Roots: as soon as your mind gets flooded with those “sticky thoughts”, don’t try to fight them (they will knock you down!). Bring your attention to their “roots” instead – the felt sense in your body. Sending your breath there might even disentangle those roots and loosen up your sticky thoughts.
2. Take a Whiff of Some Oils: When your digits are reaching for another news fix, put your nostrils into action instead: ask your sage, mint, or rosemary plant permission to pluck a few leaves, crush them with your fingertips and inhale the oils deeply. Repeat a few times and notice what happens with your nervous system!
Caveat: Don’t do this in front of your neighbors’ kids, you might freak them out. (forget Halloween!).
Want more? Keep essential oils handy.
3. Vent with Friends: preferably, those who are onboard with saving our democracy, freedom, and planet – that way, you won’t have to face the temptation of chopping their heads off.
4. Practice R.A.I.N. to Ease Election Stress:
Recognize that Campaign Crazies are arising. You might name them gently. Crazies, crazies…
Allow them to be fully there – with twitches and all.
Investigate: where do you most feel the Crazies in your body? Fire in your throat? Bloat in your belly? Fists clenched (in tyrant-punching-position)?
Nurture: Imagine receiving all the loving you can get: from Buddha, Jesus, Quan Yin, Mohammed, Moses, Mother Mary, Mother Gaia, and the Universe. Let yourself bask in that loving!
5. Talk to Voters
Now that you’re filled up with that loving kindness energy, it’s time to practice “Power With” – instead of “Power Over” – by connecting warmly with voters!
CURING CAMPAIGN CRAZIES
I spent 90 mins calling about 20+ voters… nothing made me feel more empowered about the election than to have kind, helpful, and motivating conversations with folks about their voting plans.
Check out my tips on how to make this work, helping you fall in love with the person on the call and inspiring them not only to vote but also to commit to enrolling others too.
Let’s cure our Campaign Crazies by turning off campaign news and instead focusing on self-care, democracy-rescue, unity-building, freedom-rising and planetary-healing.
TAKING LOVING ACTION
Join us in generating a sea of freedom votes across the US!
TIPS ON CALLING VOTERS:
1. You can get brief training on How to Call Anytime for Harris / Walz
2. Once you feel ready to make calls, check out the Call Crew Guide
3. Watch this amazing video from Mitch Meyers , with 16 years experience phone banking.
4. The emphasis now is just Getting Out The Vote (GOTV), which means talking to Harris’ supporters, asking them for a commitment to vote, helping them make a voting plan, and inviting them to ask 3 friends or relatives to commit to vote (also with a voting plan).
5. While the calling system will guide you to follow a script, I advise to do so loosely , as people yearn for real connection and not just someone who is reading to them.
SAMPLE CHAT WITH A VOTER:
Here is how a typical conversation with a Harris-leaning voter might go. The most important points? Be yourself, be warm, kind, and practice mindful deep listening.
– Hi, can I please talk to Michael?
– Who is calling?
– I’m Sylvie and I’m volunteering for the Kamala Harris campaign. Are you Michael?
– Yes
– Will you vote for her, Michael?
– Yes.
– Fabulous!! It’s easier if you vote early… and early voting in ____ (his state) ends on _____(ex. Fri)! Do you have a plan to vote yet?
– No, I’m not sure…
– No worries! I’m here to help you, do you happen to have any questions I might try to answer for you?
– Is there a website to find out early voting polls locations?
– Absolutely. Here is the link _____. You can also call at (—)___- ____
– Thanks.
– Thank YOU!! Can I ask you a small favor from you that will have a BIG impact?
– What?
– I’d like you to ask 2 to 3 people close to you (that you’re not sure will vote) and have them commit to vote for Kamala Harris, can you do that?
– I think so, yes.
– Great, here is the deal. Don’t just have them say… “ok, I’ll vote”. Actually ask them to text or call you once they DID vote . Just keep nudging them. You’d be making a huge difference.
– Sure, I’ll try that.
– Awesome! It was SUCH a pleasure connecting with you! Thank you for being a voter! Warmest wishes to you and your folks!
KEY POINTS WITH UNDECIDED VOTERS:
With the same kindness, warmth, and respect, bringing up these points can bring needed perspective:
– Do you remember Trump’s refusal to accept defeat and then instigating Jan 6th violence ?
– He’s much more dangerous now, after the Supreme Court ruling that he has criminal immunity . Does that concern you?
– He’s been now saying that he’ll use the military to arrest his political opponents and journalists. How do you feel about that?
– His former Chief of Staff John Kelly – a conservative Republican – just revealed that Trump said he liked Hitler multiple times. How does that land for you?
PS1. If that doesn’t make you leap on your chocolate or tequila, I don’t know what will!
PS2: Deep bow of gratitude to Carol Blaney who has generously shared many of these tips with me and others!
Let’s now focus on inspired vision and goodness!
JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT!
To Save Democracy, Freedom, and our Planet
In this remaining time, let us:
- volunteer
- make calls
- donate
- energize friends
- share videos
- do something, anything!
Together, let’s go wild and save our future!
Wishing you nature, love, and freedom!
Sylvie Rokab
Nature-Mindfulness Mentor / Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker
