There is deepening darkness and gloominess among the scientific community. I try to distance myself from negativity. However, people and flashing news draw me to focus on the negativity around me. Many scientists I spoke with expressed similar concerns of uncertainty. So many rapid changes are happening at the level of NIH and other funding agencies. No one is certain about the future of funding, the direction of academic research, universities, and education.
Change is a stress factor for most of us. The stress is amplified when such changes happen suddenly in all facets of society. I believe that the success of democracy depends on strong opposition and a free press. Opposition seems out of ideas and almost non-existent in the US now. I am not sure about the press. It seems meaningless to read the news. What is the point of reading all the negativity?
The uncertain time calls for mindful moments to balance out. Living in the present, focussing on things I control, is the only solution I can think of. Ultimately, we are not in a dictatorship; we are just facing an unfamiliar governing style. It is true that unelected individuals have a huge influence in governing and controlling personal data. Well, I truly hope this situation is temporary, and everyone has good intentions. However, I would much rather read about these times in history books than live through it. Well, let me do the best I can and focus on what I can.
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