Tyranny Is Here. What Now?

Rosa Parks being fingerprinted after being arrested on February 22, 1956, during the Montgomery bus boycott (Wikimedia Commons).

“I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” ― Rosa Parks

Lately, I’ve had the sense that people in the U.S. are growing tired of reading plain descriptions of what’s unfolding in the country—they can see it themselves. Instead, they want to know how to respond.

So today, I'm sharing my personal, yet universally relevant, strategies that have helped keep me grounded and (relatively) sane—no small feat these days. I started building this routine four years ago, and it’s still very much a work in progress.

Educate Yourself. It is by asking questions and figuring things out for oneself that one outgrows ignorance. The better we understand what we’re facing, the less fear it evokes. Language matters. The first step toward developing the skill of calling things by their true names is to read—thoroughly, voraciously. Dive into books, reliable media, and historical accounts. I came across this tweet the other day: “What a time to have an anxiety disorder, a love of history, and a compulsive need to stay informed.” Couldn’t put it better.

Gather. Protesting is a fundamental constitutional right guaranteed to all Americans—a right denied to people in many countries, including Russia. Whether it’s a “No Kings”-scale protest in a major city or a smaller demonstration in the suburbs, don’t miss the chance to connect with like-minded peers. Expect an energizing, uplifting atmosphere and a strong feeling of belonging: this is what democracy looks like. If protesting feels intimidating, you can experience the same energy and connection at a concert by an artist who shares your views—for me, a Noize MC show in Vilnius did just that.

Find Your Reason. In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl often refers to Friedrich Nietzsche's idea that "He who has a Why to live for can bear almost any How." Knowing your Why is critical. What do you care about—and why? What keeps you going—and why? What do you stand for, believe in—and why? Find your meaning and make it your source of strength.

Take Time Off. Being under stress 24/7 does no good—neither for you nor for the people around you. There’s simply no way to maintain your sanity without intentionally taking brief breaks every now and then. Go for a walk, watch a movie, visit family, or catch up with an old friend over a drink. Consider helping a good cause—some of my most meaningful and enriching experiences come from volunteering. 

Practice Social Media Hygiene. The sheer amount of drivel and outright garbage filling our feeds is outrageous. Never forget that much of it is engineered to spike our anxiety levels and overload our capacity to think. Be mindful of what you let into your headspace, and stay calm. Effective resistance requires a clear mind. 

Take Good Care of Your Health. Mental health is important, and so is your physical health. Whenever possible, make time for exercise. It doesn't need to be anything fancy. A 15-to 20-minute run a few times a week is more than enough. Don’t feel like running? A short walk or a few minutes of stretching works too. Make an effort to eat healthy. Be nice to yourself. 

Find Someone to Look Up To. We’re all looking for inspiration. Think about people you admire—both those you know personally and public figures—and ask yourself: what exactly is it about them that inspires you? Try to follow in their footsteps. One of my key inspirations, for instance, is Timothy Snyder. It just occurred to me that the list approach of this essay draws on his book On Tyranny. I encourage you to read it if you haven’t.

If You Can, Become One. Don’t be afraid to stand out and think independently. Leading by example doesn’t mean gathering crowds or preaching, and it doesn’t even have to be vocal. In fact, quiet actions often speak the loudest. Above all, trust yourself.

Be Kind. Not everyone can be a leader, and that’s okay—we’re all different. But we can each practice compassion. No one has enough power to fight tyranny alone. Mutual support and kindness are what recharge our batteries. Foster a sense of unity: greet a colleague, smile at a stranger, check if someone needs help. Everyone has their own struggles, and at times it might take effort—yet even the smallest gestures can make a real difference. 

Find Your People. Believe me: the world is full of people who share your values and are willing to back you up. They are your people—look out for them. They may not look like you, believe in a different God, or speak a different language—but look in their eyes, and you will feel that connection with one glance, one smile. More on that soon!

We are one humanity.

*The opinions of contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of We Are One Humanity. Submissions offering differing or alternative views are welcome