We manage election stress, pick up trash, and boost self-awareness.
|
|
Hi there,
The last month has been increasingly hectic. Halloween is right around the corner, and I’m getting ready to attend parties and events with great anticipation. I’ve also been busy with parenting while suddenly finding myself more involved in my own parents’ lives and care, and with this, there’s joy and frustration.
The backdrop to all of this, of course, is what’s happening in the world and what’s happening with the upcoming election. I cannot count the number of texts, emails, and phone calls I’ve been getting every day asking me to donate money or time (and threatening me with what could happen if I don’t). The election stress I have been feeling is increasing, and I know that I’m not alone in feeling it.
This month’s article is on election anxiety, including how to recognize and manage it. If you’re experiencing election anxiety (or know someone who is), I hope it can help.
And if you need support on this topic or anything else, please reach out to us. You can contact us via email at info@takeroottherapy.com or by phone/text at (323) 388-5578.
Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
PS One of the things that has helped me with election anxiety, and anxiety in general, is confronting my own mortality. My beloved meditation teacher, Shawnta Valdes, is also a death doula and is hosting a class to help us cope with and confront death. You can learn more about it here.
On The Blog
What’s Going to Happen?: Acknowledging and Managing Election Anxiety Outline
During the last big election cycle, I spent time with my friends and their parents (perhaps the loveliest parents of adults I’ve met). We talked about the upcoming election and the stress we were feeling, and I asked if they had felt similarly during elections when they were younger and had young children. I had often wondered about this as a middle-aged adult…
How to Help
Echo Park Trash Club
Echo Park Trash Club is a group of community volunteers whose mission is to help keep our neighborhood clean. Due to the sensitive and complicated issue of houselessness in Los Angeles, there is a large degree of trash buildup around encampments in our city.
There is also a large degree of neighborhood debris that is separate from encampments.
Our mission is to step in where the city of Los Angeles currently is not, and to clean our neighborhood while treating the unhoused folks living here with the respect they deserve.
Echo Park Trash Club was founded in July of 2020 by Erin Fein. Today, it is a thriving group of civic-minded individuals who love the neighborhood. It belongs to everyone who volunteers and the Echo Park community at large.
WHEN:
Every Sunday
10 AM – 12 PM
WHERE:
Sign up here for location and details
Fountain Community Garden Volunteer Days
Located on Fountain Avenue near the iconic 101 Freeway, Fountain Community Gardens (FCG) was founded June 6, 2009 by the City of Los Angeles to create a beautiful and peaceful oasis in East Hollywood for organic community gardening. FCG provides a diverse, inclusive space for anyone interested in growing their own fruits and vegetables. We have volunteer days every second Saturday of the month. Join us for a fun-filled day of gardening at FCG! Our volunteer days are a great way to give back to the community and connect with fellow green thumbs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, everyone is welcome to lend a hand.
From turning our compost piles, spreading mulch, to weeding and cleaning up boxes, there’s always something to do in our garden. You’ll also have the chance to chat with other gardening enthusiasts, share tips, and make new friends.
No prior experience is necessary, as we will provide all the tools and guidance needed. Just bring your enthusiasm, energy, and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor work. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
WHEN:
Saturday, November 9
10 AM – 12 PM
WHERE:
Fountain Community Gardens
5620 Fountain Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90028
Community Events
Neighborhood Music School
Our Outreach Vision is to introduce, explore and inspire community through hands-on introduction, engagement, and education of music and musical concepts.
Join us for special group class programs at our partner location, Art in the Park! All classes are tuition-free through support from the Department of Cultural Affairs, LA County Department of Arts and Culture, and California Arts Council.
Early Childhood Music and Movement (ages 3-6, 3:15-4:00pm)
Come sing, dance, explore instruments and movement! Learn melodies, rhythms and other foundational musical skills through games and activities with other children.
Beginner’s Music Jam (all ages, 4:00-5:00pm)
Ever play an instrument before? Come try out drums, keyboards, guitar, and percussion with us. Explore sounds, find a groove with others, and jam by ear for the first time.
WHEN:
Hermon Park
5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Free Film Screening “Art Along The River”
Join us for a special screening of our short film “Art Along the River” on October 27, 2024.
Directed by Eric Viilicana, this short documentary features interviews with local artists and residents, exploring the vibrant art community and life in Elysian Valley/Frogtown.
Enjoy art displays from some of the featured artists.
Refreshments will be served.
We look forward to sharing this artistic journey with you!
WHEN:
Sunday, October 27
7- 9 PM
WHERE:
Blake Lofts
1901 Blake Ave LA 90039
Enter from the LA River Bike Path
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Celebrate life and honor the memories of our loved ones at our Dia de los Muertos celebration!
Folklorico, Mariachi, Tamborazo, DJ. Plus, enjoy games, delicious food, unique vendors, bar, and a beautiful community ofrenda.
WHEN:
Saturday, Oct 26
5 – 11:30 PM
WHERE:
Pico Rivera Sports Arena
11003 Sports Arena Drive Pico Rivera, CA 90601
Featured Publications
These 20 Questions Can Help You Boost Your Self Awareness
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
3 Key Differences Between Intimate Friendships and Romantic Relationships
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
