Election Day: How to Process What’s Next

As Election Day 2024 unfolds, we find ourselves on the precipice of a profoundly unpredictable time. 

Months of relentless political sparring between the Trump and Harris campaigns have been marked by polarized rhetoric, escalating hostility, and fears of what lies on the other side of the ballot box. 

This election is more than just a political decision. It’s a psychological and emotional battlefield, exacting a toll on our collective psyche. For many, the thought of enduring the fallout is both daunting and anxiety-inducing, especially if the results tilt unexpectedly. 

With this in mind, it’s crucial that we brace ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. We must find grounding amid the chaos, a task that requires both practicality and a deeper wisdom rooted in the ancient teachings of Taoism and the I-Ching.

The Emotional Fallout of a Divisive Campaign

The intense months leading up to today have left many people in a state of hypervigilance, apprehensively waiting to see who will take control of the highest office. Both campaigns have preyed upon insecurities and amplified fears, urging supporters to see the opposition not just as adversaries but as existential threats. 

This relentless tension has created a societal pressure cooker, intensifying a divisive “us versus them” mindset. For some, the election feels like an impending cataclysm, while others see it as a chance for vindication, creating a climate where only one side will emerge unscathed.

Psychologists refer to this as “anticipatory anxiety,” where we feel the stress of a threat long before it materializes. The months of worry, sleepless nights, and tension can leave us physically depleted and mentally foggy. 

Whether Trump or Harris emerges victorious, the mere act of reaching this moment has left many feeling worn out, brittle, and emotionally drained. 

This post-election period, then, requires us to tend to our frayed nerves and depleted energies. Now is the time to brace for impact, recalibrate, and reflect on what truly matters, lest we become consumed by forces beyond our control.

A Lesson In Surrender

The Tao Te Ching advises us to “do nothing and everything will be done.” At first glance, this may sound like passivity or inaction, but it is a profound lesson in allowing life to unfold as it will, while we learn to flow with its current. 

In Taoist philosophy, there is a deep understanding that much of life cannot be controlled. The incessant struggle to bend events to our will often results in frustration and suffering. This election, and the fervor surrounding it, serves as a stark reminder of how little we can truly control beyond our own actions and attitudes.

To brace for impact, we must learn to let go. This doesn’t mean ignoring what is happening. Rather, it means releasing our desperate grip on outcomes and surrendering to the reality that events will proceed as they are meant to. 

The Tao teaches that inner peace comes from this state of surrender, allowing us to weather uncertainty with calm acceptance. As the results pour in, consider what you can release. 

Let go of the compulsion to check the news every few minutes. Let go of the need for a specific outcome. Instead, root yourself in the present moment, finding grounding in stillness.

Accepting Change as the Only Constant

The I-Ching, or Book of Changes, is a reminder that transformation is the natural order of things. It suggests that life is a series of cycles—phases of change that we must either embrace or resist. One of the most telling passages states, “When we cease to seek after things, we find contentment.” 

It is a reminder that the only certainty is change itself, and to resist change is to resist life. This is as true for elections as it is for personal transformations.

Accepting that life is changing can help us process whatever is coming. Embracing change doesn’t require resignation. Instead, it invites us to adopt a posture of openness. 

If the results surprise or dishearten us, we must remember that this, too, is part of a larger cycle, a temporary phase that will one day give way to something else. Perhaps it is this very uncertainty that reminds us of the need to cultivate inner stability, rather than looking for it externally.

Practical Grounding Amid the Uncertainty

Limit Media Consumption: After months of election coverage, it’s easy to feel addicted to the 24/7 news cycle, but overconsumption will only fuel anxiety. Set boundaries around when and how you engage with the news. Perhaps check the headlines once in the morning and once in the evening, giving yourself space to process without being overwhelmed.

Stay Physically Active: Emotional tension manifests in the body, causing fatigue, headaches, and stress. Find grounding through physical activities, be it walking, stretching, yoga, or any movement that reconnects you to your body. As the Tao reminds us, the body is a vital aspect of our experience—nurture it.

Connect with Community: Isolation can magnify feelings of despair or anger. Find your support network—whether friends, family, or like-minded groups—to help you process your thoughts and feelings. This is a time to cultivate bonds rather than to sever them.

Meditate on Impermanence: Reflect on the transient nature of this moment. Imagine that this period, however intense, is just a small wave in the vast ocean of time. This perspective can diminish the intensity of any one event, allowing you to maintain a sense of calm amid the temporary storm.

Set Intentions for How You Want to Move Forward: Use this time as an opportunity to ask yourself how you want to engage with the world, regardless of who holds office. What values will you embody? What impact will you strive to make? By grounding yourself in a personal mission, you can channel your energy productively, irrespective of external events.

A Final Thought: Inner Strength in the Face of Outer Chaos

Ultimately, this election is a reminder that we cannot place our peace of mind in the hands of any political figure or external event. The chaos and tension will continue long after today. 

But grounding ourselves in personal resilience, rooted in the wisdom of the Tao and the I-Ching, allows us to hold our center. Let this day mark a turning point—not just for a nation, but for each of us, as we cultivate an inner strength that transcends the ebb and flow of political tides.

As we brace for impact, we would do well to remember Lao Tzu’s words: “When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you.” 

As Election Day progresses, root yourself in this self-respect, knowing that your worth, your peace, and your purpose are not determined by an election, but by how you choose to live—today and every day thereafter.

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