The War on Ukraine
As I am sure everyone is aware, Russia invaded Ukraine beginning on February 24, 2022. The impacts of the invasion are absolutely heartbreaking. Even if you don’t feel like you can do anything about this situation, there are things that take a small amount of time and effort that can have real impacts. The first thing you can do is write to your Representatives and Senators and urge them to support sanctions against Russia and other measures to support the people of Ukraine (whatever you believe in be it humanitarian aid, weapons, money, etc.). You can also donate to help the people of Ukraine through humanitarian means. I recommend the United Nations Crisis Relief Service.
If you are into video games, Awkward Silence Games has created a contemplative experience called “A Community Garden Outside Kyiv.” In it, you can plant a virtual sunflower (the national flower of Ukraine) and water flowers that other people have already planted. You can check back in later to see the garden grow.
If you want to learn more about the conflict, the Kyiv Independent is a local English-language newspaper in Ukraine that provides current information on the war. I also recommend Frontline’s documentary “Putin’s Revenge” as a way to gain a little more insight into what makes the Russian President tick.
War is always a tragedy in which the people least involved in political machinations pay the steepest price.
Be safe.