How do you stay prosocial during war and times of crisis?

“A lot of Americans aren’t used to crisis, lack of water or food or war on their soil. How do we not fold into ourselves, but stay prosocial and aid our fellow citizens during war, crisis or revolutionary times? (For instance, there was some pressure to take a boat to a war-torn country to deliver aid, where soldiers often shoot at civilians.) I’m having a lot of trouble not ‘protecting number 1’ and hiding and doing right by my fellow citizens. I am having my nodal return in Aries in the 3rd house, I’m not doing well at all.”
                                                           – Anonymous Person

What a complex, interesting question. I admire you, tremendously for asking it. No matter what you’re currently doing, you have common sense, perspective and a lot of heart.

Assuming what you describe, manifests, Americans can take a lesson from other groups of people who have suffered through times like this. You fare best by cooperating with at least some, “others”.  You’re going to have to trade, eventually. You’re not going to be able to do that, if no one knows or recognizes you.

There is also only so much time in a day.  My neighbor’s and I, do this now: “I’m going here, can I pick anything up for you?”  My neighbor swings by some store, to pick something up for me; I hand them fresh vegetables from my garden?

Consider a situation like this next to, doing everything alone, all day, every day.  There’s no question which is preferable, never mind, the day will come when there will be something you cannot do alone.

You can’t do this with everyone, or just anyone.  You’ve got to be a decent person and find other decent people. Just reasonably decent! This is why I’ve been imploring people to bond with their neighbors, now.

Your answer may be this simple: ultimately, you can best protect number one, by co-operating with others.  You may be stuck, thinking if you help at all, you have to help everyone, without discrimination.  This is the not the case.

Just think about having X to share.  Your snobby jerk neighbor needs it, as does the neighbor who has been trading or cooperating with you for years.  There’s no question who’ll get the commodity.

I’m taking my husband for surgery in city some distance away, next week. Our neighbor will come by and let our dogs out, as many times as needed.

What would we do without these neighbors?  Stress about our dogs stressing, that’s what. Instead, it’s handled.

I highly recommend, you connect with others. Not everyone, but people in your sphere, who are reasonably sane and understand give and take.  Once you do, cherish and maintain these connections.

Understand, you don’t have to be best friends.  You want to have some kind of understanding; you’re working together in some capacity. You say, “Let me know if you need help with something,” and you mean it.  When you get tapped, keep your word.

Most people won’t take advantage of this. They will reciprocate in some way. But if they do, tap you again and again; revealing themselves to be takers, only, then easy peasy.  Tell them you’ve had sufficient and move on.

Do you network with others? Are you generally, reciprocal and cognizant of how energy is exchanged?  Do you tangibly express appreciation for people who assist you and contribute to your quality of life?