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In any dark time, there is a tendency to veer toward…

“In any dark time, there is a tendency to veer toward fainting over how much is wrong or unmended in the world. Do not focus on that. Do not make yourself ill with overwhelm. There is a tendency to fall into being weakened by perseverating on what is outside your reach, by what cannot yet be. Do…” quote by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
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“In any dark time, there is a tendency to veer toward fainting over how much is wrong or unmended in the world. Do not focus on that. Do not make yourself ill with overwhelm. There is a tendency to fall into being weakened by perseverating on what is outside your reach, by what cannot yet be. Do not focus there. That is spending the wind without raising the sails.”

Clarissa Pinkola Estes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In dark times, we tend to focus on overwhelming problems, draining energy; instead, redirect focus to actionable, hopeful pursuits.

In simple terms: Dwelling on problems drains us; focus on action.

Key Takeaway

Shift attention from despair to purposeful action.

Themes

hope focus overwhelm

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • stress management
  • goal setting
  • creative work

Key Concepts

mindfulness agency resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small action can lift your spirit now?
  • How do you balance awareness of problems with hope?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on positivity can ignore real issues.

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