The election has come and gone, and for many, the results feel like a gut punch. For some of us, that gut punch has been a rallying call.”We may be down, but we’re not out!!” our political leaders have told us. Some are still deeply shocked, deeply discouraged and not at all ready to move forward toward the midterms. Perhaps you too are grappling with disappointment, fear, or even anger about the direction of the country. I hear you. Let me say that whatever emotions you are experiencing, they are real and valid. You are not too sensitive, too negative, too anything! You are where you are. What I’d like to present is the idea that moments like this are precisely the time to lean into our practice with compassion and presence.
In the aftermath of the election I returned to an article written by David Loy, The Bodhisattva Path in the Trump Era In the article, he retells a story where a Zen student asks a teacher,”When times of great difficulty visit us, how should we meet them?” The teacher answers,
“Welcome.”
This reminded me of something Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron said in her book, Welcoming The Unwelcome:Wholehearted Living in a Brokenhearted World.
“Every challenge presents an opportunity for spiritual growth, whether it's a small irritation or when everything you’ve known falls apart.”
Two Buddhist teachings I think this points to are:
Everything is impermanent
It’s how we respond that matters.
Responding In Difficult Times
1. Begin with Compassion for Yourself
The first step in facing disappointment and responding skillfully is acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Zen practice teaches us to be with what arises, even when it’s uncomfortable. Allow yourself to feel sadness, frustration, or grief, but do so with gentle awareness.
In the same way, when our inner world is stormy,it’s helpful to anchor ourselves. This could take the form of meditating, offering Metta to ourselves and the world, journaling our feelings, talking to our teacher or another trusted friend.
2. Disappointment as a Teacher
In Zen, our practice is to see challenges as opportunities for growth. When we feel disappointed by the state of the nation, it’s a call to examine our values and actions. How can we align more deeply with our core values?
Norman Fischer offers this insight:
“Disappointment is the doorway to clarity. It shows us what matters.”
Rather than disappointment turning to despair, let it clarify your priorities. What does your heart call you to protect, support, or create?
3. Care for the World by Caring for Yourself
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of societal issues. Zen reminds us that tending to our own well-being is not selfish—it’s essential. In fact, it’s healing medicine. Without grounding and self-care, we cannot engage meaningfully with the world. Practicing mindfulness - being in the moment is a good way to stay grounded and practice self-care.
Sister Chan Khong – A Vietnamese Buddhist nun and teacher in the Plum Village tradition said:
"Each step we take in mindfulness is a step toward healing. We are the ones who can bring peace to ourselves, to the world, and to future generations."
4. Transforming Pain into Compassionate Action
Disappointment and compassion are deeply linked. When we feel pain about the state of the world, it’s because we care deeply, Let that care guide you toward action. Volunteer for causes you believe in, write letters,join with organizations you align with in your community, or simply be a kind, attentive presence for those around you.
As the Dalai Lama reminds us:
“Compassion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the human race to survive.”
Action doesn’t need to be huge or recognized by others. Small, steady efforts, rooted in love and patience, create lasting change.
5. Stay Present and Keep Practicing
In Zen, we’re reminded again and again to return to our practicet. This is the practice of being in the present moment, and taking the Sacred Pausse. Worrying about the future or regretting t the past clouds our vision and drains our energy. Take time to be still,, breathe, and notice what is happening right now.
Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, in Living Buddha, Living Christ:
“The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment..”
My Zen teacher. Daiho-roshi used to tell me, “Just do what’s in front of you to do.” This present moment is the one we have.
Disappointment is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new.
Closing Thoughts
The election may not have brought the results we hoped for, but the story is far from over. The state of the nation reflects the state of our collective mind, and by tending to our own hearts with compassion, clarity, and care, we contribute to healing and transformation. The ripples really do go out.
Disappointment is not a barrier—it is the very ground of our practice. Sit with it, be with it, but learn from it, and let it inspire you to act with wisdom and love by remembering and practicing the Sacred Pause. This moment in history is our call to embody Zen in action, to meet the world’s challenges with courage and compassion. One breath, one step, one act of kindness at a time. You are not alone.
Gassho
Kyoji
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