Troubled Times = Intentional Action

Lately, I have been struggling to write. I feel deeply overwhelmed by everything unfolding in the world around us.

Around this time last year, in the aftermath of Trump’s election in the United States, I found myself consumed by the chaos and instability that were already taking hold. Now, in 2026, those harms continue to accumulate. We are witnessing an erosion of women’s rights and a growing global disrespect toward women—fuelled by leaders and followers who openly glorify misogyny in one of the most powerful countries in the world.

In the face of the degradation of our environment, the steady dismantling of human rights, and the persistent rise of white supremacy, many of the things I was once involved in suddenly felt insignificant.

As a Caucasian woman, I believe it is my responsibility to actively support the fundamental rights of all people, and particularly the rights of women. This responsibility requires that I continually examine my own biases and acknowledge the privileges and blind spots that come with my comparatively advantaged life as a white woman.

Over the past year, I have immersed myself in DEI learning and have been deeply moved by several powerful books, including We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib, Things I Don’t Want to Know by Deborah Levy, Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy, and Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein. I invite you to do the same—to engage in critical thinking, to explore your own blind spots, and to reflect on how each of us, regardless of race or culture, may contribute to systemic oppression.

In a world that can feel oppressive, overwhelming, and frightening, it is essential that we find ways to regain a sense of agency and to centre ourselves.

Here are a few practices that I have found helpful:

1. Get involved in community action.In Sudbury, there are many organizations working to make our city a more just and compassionate place. These include the Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury, Sudbury Community Garden Network, Myths and Mirrors Community Arts, N’Swakamok Indigenous Friendship Centre, Rainbow Routes Association, and Black Lives Matter Sudbury.

2. Cultivate your spiritual life.I have deepened my Buddhist practice by connecting—through Substack—with Buddhist thinkers around the world who dedicate their lives to “right action” and “right livelihood.” Many are actively engaged in demonstrations, activism, and politics to bring about positive change for all beings.

3. Strengthen connections with friends and family.Bring people together from diverse backgrounds and with differing opinions. Create space to listen, reflect, and offer thoughtful feedback. True connection requires deep listening, even when we disagree. In times as polarized as these, this is not easy—but it is vital.

4. Make room for joy.Laugh with children. Play games. Share hope and joy with the generations to come. Encourage young people to get involved in volunteer work and activism, grounding change in both compassion and optimism.

5. Seek out positive news.Join online spaces that highlight progress, kindness, and solutions. A few helpful resources include Good News Network and The Optimist Daily.

6. Practice self-care.This is not optional—it is essential. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, dentist, and mental health providers. Move your body in ways that bring you joy, whether through yoga, running, walking your dog, snowshoeing, or intimacy. Care for yourself as you care for the world.

One of the most profound lessons Buddhism has taught me is that everything is impermanent. Even the atrocities we are witnessing now will change.

There is more good in the world than we sometimes allow ourselves to see. There is love. And we must continue to believe in the transformative power of love and connection.

Love and Peace to you all.....Betty Ann xo

May all sentient beings experience happiness and the causes of happiness.

May they be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

May they never be separated from great happiness free from suffering.

May they dwell in equanimity, free from passion, aggression, and prejudice.

—The Four Immeasurables.