Unstick your Story with Susan Shehata

Cognitive dissonance can make it incredibly difficult to accept information that contradicts our already established beliefs. We have to be very alert of this human tendency during this time period.

Some things demand to be said, regardless of if they can be heard by the recipient. They are said not to impact who ​THEY are, but so that we don't lose who WE are.

(4 of 4) A great way to stop adding to political noise is to post from a responsive place vs. a reactive place. It's not easy. Be careful out here. Many use these spaces to discharge big feelings and that can be addictive and contagious.

We need more responders and less reactors right now.

(3 of 4) Responsive is cognitive. Responses happen after big emotions discharge and our nervous system settles. Responses come when we move from our amygdala into our prefrontal cortex---our more rational brain. This is where you want to make decisions and act from, unless you are in acute danger.

(2 of 4) Reactive is emotionally based and is typically bumping into old wounding. Often includes the "big" feelings: anger, fear, shame, disgust, etc. May or may not be trauma based and trigger trauma responses. Reactions are happening in our amygdala or the threat detector of the brain.

(1 of 4) Reactive vs. Responsive is the name of the game right now.

Much of what is happening politically is meant to get us to REACT and to not EVER respond. If we stay in react mode, it prevents thoughtful, effective responses like political resistance, organizing etc.