How to Lean into Love in Times of Collective Crisis: Especially for Women and Non-Binary Folks 

From environmental disasters and systemic oppression, to legislative attacks on bodily autonomy and escalating anti-immigration policies, 2025 has been marked by cascading crises. Sadly these compounding, collective crises are causing acute and recurring trauma on many we serve. And, it’s only February! 

Women—especially Black, Indigenous, and undocumented individuals—grapple with reproductive rights attacks, economic exploitation, and caregiving burdens amid climate collapse. Transgender and non-binary individuals are having their identities erased after years of ongoing fights for recognition and rights.

In Los Angeles, This is Jane Project’s homebase was devastated by the Palisades and Altadena/Pasadena wildfires. Team members and the Janes we serve were impacted. For some, that impact and trauma persists today.

 

Uncertainty and Long-term Effects of Acute Trauma

Each community is facing uncertainty of acute and long-term effects like flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, dissociation and more. Yet amid collective crisis, through intentional acts of care for ourselves and our communities, we can lean into love. 

Sometimes slowly, perhaps with trepidation. Others fully, leaning in with trust that, as Audre Lorde reminds us, “survival is the greatest gift of love”.

Now more than ever love isn’t just self-care—it’s radical resilience. Here’s how to cultivate it.

Mindful Self-Awareness: Grounding in the Present

Mindfulness can be a lifeline when the world feels chaotic. By observing thoughts and sensations (without judgment, Jane), we create spaces to process trauma, be in our bodies, and reclaim agency during crisis. Mindfulness is proven to reduce PTSD symptoms, foster emotional regulation and interrupt cycles of rumination. For many in our community, incorporating trauma-sensitive cannabis consumption can help. Below are tailored grounding phrases and techniques for marginalized communities navigating these layered traumas:

For Women Facing Systemic Oppression

Context: Women—especially Black, Indigenous, and undocumented individuals—grapple with reproductive rights attacks, economic exploitation, and caregiving burdens amid climate collapse and systemic oppression.

Grounding phrases:

  • “My breath anchors me here. My voice cannot be erased.” (Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6)
  • “I am rooted in generations of resistance. My survival is sacred.” (Press palms together, feeling the warmth of your hands)
  • “I release what I cannot carry; I honor my limits with love.” (Visualize placing burdens in a stream and watching them drift away)

For Non-Binary/Transgender Communities

Context: Gender-affirming care bans and misgendering policies fuel dysphoria and isolation.

  • “My gender is my power. No law can dim my light.” (Trace your collarbone or another affirmed body part)
  • “I am more than a binary; I am infinite possibility.” (Name three colors you see, grounding in the present)
  • “My body is mine. My joy is resistance.” (Wrap arms around yourself in a self-hug)

For public microaggressions:

  • “Their ignorance cannot shrink me. I am whole.” (Squeeze a stress ball while repeating internally)

For Undocumented Individuals

Context: ICE raids, U/T visa revocations, and family separation policies perpetuate chronic fear.

Anchoring phrases for safety:

  • “I belong to myself. My courage outlives borders.” (Press feet firmly into the ground, imagining roots deepening)
  • “I am here. I am enough. No paper defines my worth.” (Clench and release fists rhythmically)

For Black Communities

Context: Environmental racism, police violence, and healthcare disparities compound intergenerational trauma.

Resilience-rooted affirmations:

  • “My ancestors’ dreams live in my breath. I breathe for them.” (Place a hand over your heart, syncing with its rhythm)
  • “My joy disrupts their lies. I am unbroken.” (Hum a freedom song or spiritual)
  • “We rise together. My liberation is tied to yours.” (Visualize linking arms with a crowd, feeling collective power

Conscious Cannabis: A Tool for Trauma Relief

Emerging research highlights cannabis as a potential ally in PTSD management. THC-rich cannabis can reduce hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts, offering relief when traditional therapies fall short. Veterans in clinical trials reported significant symptom reduction, with self-titrated dosing mirroring real-world needs.  

Guidelines for Safe, Trauma-Informed Consumption

  • Consult healthcare providers to balance benefits and risks.  
  • Prioritize strains with balanced THC/CBD ratios to mitigate anxiety.  
  • Keep a journal on how certain strains, terpene profiles, and consumption methods affect you.

While not a cure, conscious consumption—paired with therapy and other healing modalities—can ease the grip of PTSD symptoms. Join us at one of our monthly Healing Happy Hours to learn about alternative modalities. 

 

Vulnerability in Safe Relationships: Healing Through Connection and Community

Isolation fuels trauma, but safe relationships heal. Vulnerability such as sharing fears, needs, and joys without judgment can rewire neural pathways damaged by systemic harm. Trauma-informed therapy or trusted communities can provide co-regulation, helping survivors rebuild trust during collective crises.  

PS: Boundaries Empower Vulnerability. As vulnerability researcher Brené Brown notes, the most “compassionate people uphold boundaries fiercely—they’re gateways, not walls”. 

  • Clearly communicate limits: “I can listen, but I need to pause if I feel overwhelmed.”  
  • Protect your energy by distancing from relationships that dismiss your identity or needs.  

Self-Compassion: Rewriting the Inner Narrative

Internalized oppression thrives on self-criticism. Self-compassion—treating yourself with the kindness you’d offer a friend—disrupts this cycle. Studies link self-compassion to lower PTSD severity and greater emotional resilience. Now, more than ever, women and non-binary individuals need self-compassion.  

Try This, Instead of That  

  • Replace “I’m failing”* with *“I’m doing my best in an impossible situation.”  
  • Write a letter to yourself acknowledging systemic barriers: “You’re navigating storms not of your making.”  
  • For non-binary individuals facing invalidation, self-compassion is resistance: “My identity is valid, even when the world denies it.” 

Collective Love: Advocacy as Radical Care

Individual healing thrives alongside collective action. Join mutual aid networks, advocate for gender-affirming policies, or amplify marginalized voices. Community solidarity can become armor against intersecting oppressions.

volunteers checking in attendees at compassionate cannabis event
Photo by: Jessica Gray

Small Acts, Big Impact:  

Donate to organizations supporting communities being impacted. This is Jane Project is but one. The Social Impact Center, Somos Famila Valle, The ACLU, and The National Immigration Law Center are other trusted organizations. Share stories of resilience to counter harmful narratives or shed light on a dark situation like in TIJP’s I am Jane campaign. Provide mutual aid to those impacted by natural disasters and facing systemic harm.  

 

 

Love as Liberation 

Leaning into love isn’t passive—it’s defiance. By nurturing mindfulness, embracing vulnerability, and demanding justice, we transform survival into thriving. As Audre Lorde also wrote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” So, let love be your revolution in 2025, Jane.

For resources on trauma-sensitive support and virtual community spaces, compassionate cannabis access, and healing arts workshops, visit thisisjaneproject.org

To support the work of This is Jane Project, 501(c)(3) make a tax-deductible donation here.

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