I was on Facebook the other day and came across a posting someone made in big bold colors about how miserable they are given the current situation in the U.S.:
There were 132 “likes” and 102 comments when I saw it.
A few of the comments:
“I’ve been a mess ever since the election. I don’t like feeling so angry all the time. And the reality of Trump’s return to office is so much worse than I could even have imagined. It’s hard to cope it really is. What is going to happen to my country, to the world?“
“Anyone not angry or otherwise emotional right now must not be paying attention.“
“I’m gutted and pissed that I have to just exist and do daily stuff when the world is burning.“
“It’s been horrible. I’m snippy. I’m scared. I’m worried as hell. It’s all disturbing, disgusting, despicable, and disgraceful. I’m exhausted.“
“Anxiety is over the top for me.”
The weight of these emotions – fear, anger, exhaustion – feels inescapable, pressing down like an unbearable heat that refuses to relent. It’s as if we are all being tested, thrown into something beyond our control, forced to endure without a clear way out. And there’s a word for it – a “crucible.”
What is a crucible? And why do we care?
The term “crucible” describes a difficult or inescapable situation that must be endured until its conclusion.
I want to underscore that it: must be endured until its conclusion.
The heat of facing Anxiety in a crucible
In today’s political turbulence, shaped by the unfolding of Trump-era politics and its ongoing disruptive influence, many Americans feel as though they are trapped in such a crucible. I would call this a collective crucible.
Many may not be aware of the definition of “crucible.” But I believe it will be helpful to offer some insights.
As an emotions therapist, I work with many who are in personal crucibles… for example:
- A person who’s going through a divorce or breakup of a long-term relationship forcing them to rebuild their life and self-identity.
- A person experiencing a spiritual emergency, leading to turmoil and redefinition of values.
- A person who’s raising a child with a severe illness or special needs that tests emotional resilience and patience
- A person struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues that demand inner strength and self-discovery.
As you can see from these examples being in a crucible is something you must endure completely before emerging on the other side. Surviving a crucible requires acknowledging its existence and understanding its impact.
Importantly, a crucible is more than just a difficult situation. It can be a transformative experience that forces individuals to confront their deepest fears and beliefs.
Trump-era politics is reshaping America’s political landscape – fueling extremism and intensifying public anxiety with threats to democracy, attacks on marginalized communities, and the erosion of long-standing institutions.
For many, this means recognizing how Trump’s rhetoric and policies have created an atmosphere of fear and instability that can act as an emotional trigger for deeper feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. The first step in surviving this collective crucible is to confront the reality of the situation, rather than avoiding it.
We know that fear thrives in uncertainty and misinformation. Knowledge and awareness can counteract its hold. Research into the psychological impact of political stress shows how these external events trigger our deep unrest – so navigating this collective crucible requires resilience, perspective, and action.
A path toward emotional liberation
How do we get through this, together?
First off, isolation breeds fear, making difficult situations seem far worse than they are, especially for those already overwhelmed by daily stress. Handwringing and obsessing doesn’t help anything.
I always recommend engaging in community and support networks – find like-minded individuals, through activism, local organizations, or simply friendships, this can help counteract feelings of helplessness.
You know why? Because this is our “collective” crucible – we need to get through it together – so supporting one another provides both emotional relief and practical action steps.
I strongly recommend having a personal process that helps you access the deeper layers of your emotional struggles in order to resolve stored trauma patterns, build resilience, and awaken your intuition.
And, saying that, the timing of this opportunity couldn’t be more perfect …
I’m about to teach a transformative 7-week course with the Shift Network — designed to guide you through this exact journey. This is your opportunity to step into deeper healing, strengthen your inner wisdom, and unlock the clarity you’ve been seeking in order to navigate what can often seem like insurmountable challenges.
Join me on this powerful journey and take the next step toward profound healing, resilience, and intuitive awakening.
With Love,
Becca
P.S. I’m a little behind with all the prep work for this Shift Network course. I will share my latest installment of 69 and Counting in the next few days!
Thank you for this Becca, at first I experienced all of the above feelings but realized as you say, we have to build strength and resilience to be ready when the pendulum starts to swing the other way. Exercise (doesn’t have to be strenuous but it helps) and pranayama/breath control practices are paths to explore.
David, you hit the mark – thank you for, as ever, your classy insights ❤️