War, conflict and the anxiety it causes.
As I sit here and write this post, terrible things are happening in Ukraine as Russian forces continue to battle their way into taking control of this country and people who like us, the majority just want to live their lives and be free from tyranny and autocratic rule. While it is all unfolding in a very distant land and another continent, we all feel the implications of these actions by the ruling elite. Having served in the U.S. Army as a special operations trained combatant, I know first hand the horrors of warfare. Throughout mankind’s history, there has always been an intrinsic brutality pitting one tribe against another. Have we not learned anything from our past experiences?
Once again, here we are on the cusp of a potential global conflict. How can this not cause anyone paying attention to be a bit fearful and anxious as to what may lie ahead? How can one not feel a sense of sadness and loss for those who are suffering and the multitudes that will die fighting for what they believe? For me, this has certainly caused some anxiety. But then the question becomes, what shall I do about it?
In practical terms…reality, there is not a lot I can do to alter the course of what’s unfolding in Ukraine. I can participate in demonstrations and seek to support the local Ukraine community here in Sacramento (did you know Sacramento has the largest community of Ukrainian’s in the U.S.) and send donations to help finance the resistance and keep money flowing into Ukraine for all of those in need. I can continue to find outlets for this anxiety–to release the tension and stress in a healthy and productive way.
Sparring this morning with Dirk-san and Andrew-san (our friend from a different dojo) was one amazingly useful outlet. The tension and pent up energy; a bit of anxiety with a smattering of frustration with what is happening in Europe, was released. Not as anger or rage, but raw energy built up from a conflict brewing within. An outlet that affords me an opportunity to train with like-minded peers, get some more sparring time in, and connecting with these men in a place of common interest and challenge while each maintaining control so we can train another day. It is in these experiences I find relief from life stresses and am able to simply be in the moment; and as such, feel the anxiety and stress that comes with it fall away.
May those in Ukraine fight and resist the evil that has been thrust upon them. The Russians may win some battles but hopefully not the war. My dear Ukrainian friends–know our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult and scary time.