Self-care and Shantideva for the Election

Shantideva, Bodhicittasangha.org

Recently, I’ve been mulling over what to write about the Big Election. After I voted, I realized that I was going to be reading every day about what the early voting results mean, the horse race in the polls between the candidates and was brought back to some advice from the great Indian philosopher, Shatideva.

In paraphrase, “if there is a situation about which you can do something, what is there to worry about? If there is a situation about which you can do nothing, why worry?” Usually, I use this as reminder for the innumerable times when I get flustered over something someone has said or when coming to terms with upsetting news. 

Shantideva wasn’t saying we shouldn’t be upset, but he nudges through the rest of his work the Bodhisattvacaryavatara or the Bohisattva’s Way of Life, that what needs to change is our overall sense of grasping at the ephemeral and the generation of genuine compassion and an ethics based on that.

All of this helps maintain a sense of a larger continuum in which we find ourselves at local levels and within ourselves. If I work more on generating compassion, I am less likely to be reactive and judgmental. That said, one of the ways in which being concerned about “that about which we can do notihing” is imminently sensible is that, depending on which way this election goes, the ramifications for each of us within the United States and for much of the world, will be extensive. 

It is easy and reasonable even, to get upset. Yes, Trump is a liar, a hypocrite, a felon, and a senior citizen exhibiting signs of extreme mental decline. That the media has played softball with him until relatively lately is also reasonably galling. That his party has fallen into lockstep behind him, either out of cowardice or a desire for power, is execrable. 

I could go into what I feel are the darker and more dangerous aspects of a Trump win. Obviously, many in the Republican Party are aware that Trump is likely to become more of a figurehead and that it will be more of a Vance presidency. This would mean a full enactment of Project 2025’s plans for the country and the solidifying of oligarchs as rulers; think Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos. 

It is difficult to imagine what this means in any concrete terms. Trump has stated that he would turn the military on citizens, rid civil service appointments of everyone but loyalists, enforce tariffs which will cost Americans far more than any taxes, and likely abolish the Affordable Care Act, dismantle education, do away with Social Security and Medicare, and of course, further oppress women, and all non-cis heteronormative communities. 

It’s parroted repeatedly that most Americans are not in favor of the Trump Doctrine, but that we are so close to it, is chilling. It is upsetting. And it is troubling. 

We also know that Trump and his followers are already fighting election results and unlike four years ago, they are now funded with deeper pocketed donors so legal fees will be less of an issue and there may be enough lower courts stacked with Trump loyalists to ensure gridlock and to retard any simple, straightforward counting of votes, declaration of a clear winner, and to sow deeper doubt into the electorate, again, mostly the loyalists, but likely others not so clear about issues. That said, even if this is an overstatement or exaggeration of what might happen, it’s daunting to think that if any decision rests with the Supreme Court, the ruling might favor Trump if the margin is small enough.

There’s also the Electoral College that few are discussing, but that’s another area where, absent a significant margin, the tide might be in Trump’s favor.

There are some who still hold that a Trump administration won’t be able to do as much damage as many think. This time around, I’m not so sure. The question is going to be what wil the country look like in the event of a Trump win. It’s at this point that Shantideva’s words provide some calm, some support, even. I would suggest attempting to maintain some degree of equanimity in the face of such an outcome and try to remain as calm as possible while determining what your next move should be.

A slight silver lining is that in the event of a Trump win, there’s likely to be more of a bifurcation among the country. States will likely need to exercise “state’s rights” to stave off federal legislation that will negatively impact populations at risk and quality of living. I don’t know that this is something Trump or his gang have thought about, but it might well be the last hurdle on the way to destroy democracy. The idea, though, from the Trump side might be to push governors that don’t agree with the administration to bend a knee or risk punitive measures.

We can assume that a Trump administration wouldn’t be averse to withholding federal funds, or not deploying relief in the event of a catastrophe. It is possible that sending federal troops into states might also be on the docket. 

But the fact is, we don’t know. 

I want very much for Harris to win. Dealing with doomsday scenarios is exhausting and I’ve abstained from writing about this election because so many others are. 

The media or at least, the larger media outlets, have proven craven and ridiculous. It is ludicrous to equate Trump with Harris in any meaningful way and while, yes, I do have issues and will have issues with a Harris administration (as i do with all of them), the more pressing matter is what will a Trump win look like if it happens and this cannot be ignored from consideration. 

It is not unreasonable to upset, but I also don’t think it’s unreasonable to hope. If we can, can we even find it in ourselves to continue to care for one another as some may be more affected by anxiety than others?

My behavioral changes are minimal but effective. Less time on screen. Avoid - yes, avoid poll results. Review headlines but don’t get lost in rabbit holes. Continue concentrating on what’s going on in other parts of the world to remind myself of our common humanity and that the U.S. is not the only country on the planet.

And yes, I’ve been spending a bit more time meditating and working on some pieces for friends of mine. Drawings, mostly. 

When I do have to confront the uncertainty before us, I try to do so with as level a heart and head as possible. I don’t want to close off from what’s before us, but i also don’t want us to be defined by it, either.