Hey my friends,

I’m covering a few things in this email, so it’s a bit longer than my usual fare. But I think this week’s length is worth it.

First, I wanted to share some reflections on my own journey over the past month, that I’ve been emailing about.*

Since January 6, I’ve attempted to break my technology habit, started to re-build my imaginative and creative capacities, and started to re-focus on human connections and cultural patterns.

A big part of what I take away from this month is that, while my individual actions are important to adapt for myself (moderating my screen use, etc), I can also see that none of us exist in a vacuum. Cultural groups and environments shape us - and we shape them too, of course!

These places and groups are what they are because of what we do in them. Our collective actions are underpinned by particular values, even if it’s not always obvious to us.

For example, maybe it’s a regular habit at your workplace that people join team meetings through their computers, even when they are on-site with other people - these collective actions say something about what everyone values (or doesn’t value), and has implications for how people continue to engage in the environment.

If everyone in your neighbourhood hops in their car to drive to the store 2 blocks away (that’s easily walkable) - these collective actions also say something.

The places where we exist - the cultural groups and environments - are not fixed and inflexible. We have agency, and can shape those places and groups.

So, do you want to see things done differently? What’s your vision of the world you want to live in? Go live it! Live it as if it already existed. As best you can.

My second item - Trump’s inauguration and recent American events

I also wanted to share some thoughts about the unfolding events in the United States. While I’m not American - meaning I’m not a resident or citizen of the United States - I am a North American. I have American relatives. I live in the country next door, and the new President keeps “joking” about overtaking Canada as the 51st state. My family members have also lived through totalitarian regimes.

Needless to say, I am very upset about what is happening. The word “upset” is obviously too mild, but that’s all I’ve got at the moment.

I won’t list out all the inconceivable and awful changes that are underway. I’ll assume that you have some sense of them (and if not, I encourage you to seek them out).**

For this newsletter, I’m going to focus on how I’m trying to make sense of it all, and things to keep myself level and useful.

First, I’m seeking good sources of information. Good information from reputable sources will act as a keel for us all to weather the storm. I recommend following Robert Reich on Substack, who is the former US Secretary of Labour under President Clinton. I also like American political historian Heather Cox Richardson.

My information sources are CBC, BBC, The Guardian, DemocracyNow, The Globe and Mail, and The Toronto Star (those last two will require a subscription for certain articles - consider supporting local journalism as you are able). Seek out reputable information sources from where you live and internationally.

I found this Robert Reich post to be very useful, where he also lists some very good sources of information. In the post, he also gives some practical things Americans can do to help each other. But even as an international reader, I found his post helpful.

Second, I’m trying not to diminish the shittyness, while also not totally dwelling on it. People’s lives are going to get worse - in so many ways, and across the globe. So if you are also upset, don’t discount your reaction. It’s legit - don’t gaslight yourself. That said, see my note above about finding good sources of information. And also my very first point in this email about living the change you want to see in the world. BUT ALSO my point below about taking care of yourself and others.

Third, I’m trying to take care of myself and others. While the shittyness is real, you will be of no help if you are drowning in it. Take a break. Eat as well as your budget allows. Get your 8-hours of sleep. Do things that bring you joy. Notice and make beautiful things. Support the arts. Notice when your body starts to flutter, or moves into anxious-mode, and practice things that ground yourself. Do this with and for others. Feel free to disengage from people who are initiating contact with insults or belligerence, or not engaging in earnest.

Some final thoughts

20th Century German-American philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote about verlassenheit - which is often translated as loneliness. But it’s more than an internal feeling, it’s a kind of social isolation of the mind. Your thinking becomes closed off to the world and develops a sense of being abandoned to each other. It’s the kind of social breakdown that we’re all experiencing, and what Arendt suggests is required for totalitarianism to take hold.

I share this about verlassenheit not to be dire - but to suggest that we do not have to be fixed to this. It’s not a done deal forever. We can resist, by being clear-eyed and open-minded. We can stay connected to good information, to each other, and to ourselves and our own personhood.

A few weeks ago, I shared a link to Rebecca Solnit’s article in The Guardian where she suggests that hope is the ultimate resistance to cynicism and despair. Here it is again, in case you missed it.

Sending goodness, my dear friends.

Julia

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Notes for this email:

*If you missed the earlier emails about my January Reboot/Combat/Capacity-Building, you can find them here:

​Welcome 2025 - My Reboot/Combat/Capacity-Building!​

​Week 1 Update - How’s that tech break going?​

​Week 2 Update - building those creative and imaginative capacities​

​Week 3 Update - cultural patterns anyone?​

**Re: Trump administration’s actions, I share this post by Canadian-American Dr. Jen Gunter about the larger implications of the recent US government’s actions on science and medical research, women’s health, and people’s lives generally.

**Here is a post from Robert Reich about billions in funding cuts from the Trump administration, which have local and global implications

**If you prefer audio, here is the January 25, 2025 Coffee Klatch, with Robert Reich and Heather Lofthouse

**Also, here is a Reel by American writer, musician and scientist, Stuart Rojstaczer that might give some perspective.

​

Julia Gray, PhD

​Website | Instagram | LinkedIn​

• award-winning writer, researcher, teacher
• mentored hundreds of students & clients
• playwright, theatre creator
• chocolate devotee, Mum of 2, ex-bun-head

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