Zonked

Election season malaise is widespread. Some of us feel like we've developed terrible autumnal allergies. I hear people sneezing, blowing their noses. Some of us feel slightly asthmatic and therefore fearful. When you can't breathe, nothing seems OK. Still others are reporting persistent headaches, stomach "flu," dizziness and other annoying symptoms.

I'm not saying every single citizen of Washington DC is feeling ill right now, but you would be surprised how many of us are admitting to being under the weather. It's interesting.

I'm guzzling an herbal tea prescribed by the Sufi acupuncturist, and am scheduled to receive many sessions of acupuncture between now and November 6 (at least, depending on who wins). The tea is meant to make me less reactive to whatever is in the air, both emotionally and physically. I think it's helping, but there is nevertheless still a low-level sense of anxiety I can't seem to shake no matter what. Long walks in the beautiful weather don't help because I am exposed to whatever is in the air. It is not an easy time in the District.

If not the election, what is it? Is it animal, vegetable, mineral or something more ethereal? No one knows, but many of us are suffering. I was at a brunch yesterday with people who are ordinarily energetic and cheerful. We tried, but all of us were subdued, quietly munching our frittatas. We were happy to spend time together but the usual witty repartee among us was not abundant.

My prediction, that this has to do with breathing in the toxicity of the campaign, and will vanish right after the election, is received with more than a little bit of skepticism. Every time I think it or say it, though, it sounds so right.

I guess we shall see. Only five weeks now. I will try to breathe deeply. What else can I do?