I must admit that, at least in the US, it seems like anger is much more of a go-to response these days particularly because many US leaders themselves have condoned - and embraced for themselves - contentious impulses to slam down anyone in opposition.

And I’ve even noticed some new tendencies in myself as well to react in anger to situations rather than having a much gentler response. I’ll snap at people and then, a few moments later, feel shocked at myself for a reaction that was likely uncalled for. It becomes a scary thing when you don’t recognize a part of yourself but see it reflected in some of the worst pieces of society. It’s definitely true that all the stress and fear in this world is making storms inside many people out there. I’m still hoping for calmer waters for myself and others as we try to navigate this changing, even as it’s declining, world.