Celebrating America's 250th Like a Yogi

There’s a party going down in your town soon. Much like the infamous Reddit meme, I guarantee it. It’s not every day that America turns 250, and she’s celebrating hard, y’all, with an All-American state fair to end all state fairs, plus fireworks and laser light displays all across this great nation. It’s the perfect time to cut a little loose, responsibly, of course, relieve a little stress and revel in the good stuff. 

However, if your inner yogi bear prefers laid back celebrations to carnivals, you deserve to get in on the fun, too. America’s collective central nervous system could also use a shot of relaxation, hence, this guide to lower key ways to celebrate America’s big birthday in a gentler, quieter, more mindful way.

What Makes a Celebration a Celebration, Anyway? 

I’ve often asked myself this question (laughs in unidentified autistic inner child). Why do people enjoy standing around, often with an alcoholic beverage in hand, simply talking? Especially when those conversations so often morph into arguments? Don’t even get me started on small talk and sensory horrors like unidentifiable foods, irrationally uncomfortable outfits and all the noise, noise, noise, noise associated with most social gatherings.

Wow, you might be thinking, you’re a bit of a judgy Grinch, aren’t you? That’s honestly a fair assessment. I deserve that. 

However, nowadays, thanks to talking to my mat, I know enough to judge that such events simply aren't enjoyable for me. There’s nothing inherently wrong with noisy celebrations themselves. If I don’t like the atmosphere, I’m free not to participate. I pause for a moment of gratitude and humility as I give thanks: I no longer have to fake my way (read: drink my way) through noisy, crowded, impersonal gatherings. Even if I have cultivated the inner peace to do so without a glass of Moscato in hand, parties aren’t my bag, baby—and that’s okay. 

The Beauty of America is Everyone Is Free — to Celebrate However They Wish 

My idea of a perfect celebration these days is hanging out in bed cuddling the kittens. 

Let’s explore that a bit: Is there anything inherently wrong with preferring a low-key celebration? Of course not!

My desire to stay in is only problematic if it keeps other people from going out. But guess what? I can practice non-interference, allowing them to party down while still meeting my own needs. In fact, my beloved and I are having separate celebrations this year. Both of us feel fulfilled, not deprived.

Those who wish to watch fireworks and attend noisy, crowded fairs can do so without me present. They’ll have a better time without a reluctant “party pooper” in tow, anyway! 

All you need for such solutions to work is a little mutual respect and compromise. There’s no need for the going-out crowd to criticize those who prefer to stay in or vice versa. Even in rare dependency circumstances, you can adjust time expectations, so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy their favorite activities without growing overwhelmed. 

What If You’re “Dragged Along” Anyway? Tips for Coping With Uncomfortable Social Scenes If You’re Not a Party Animal

Reality check, folks. No human is an island. Humans live in social groups, and that means sometimes going along with what everyone else in the clan wants, even if it’s not your personal preference. Sometimes, you really might not have much choice in the matter, for a whole slew of personal and pragmatic reasons well beyond the scope of this article. 

Remember, even if you can’t make a given situation perfect, you can often make it better, a bit more tolerable, with a touch of mindfulness. The following tips may not help in every circumstance, but often, that extra nod of self-compassion greases the social wheels by decreasing discomfort. 

1. Single-Earbud It

The single greatest trick I have learned since being late-diagnosed as autistic at age 52 is to wear an earbud at nearly all times. For me, it’s an instant sensory escape. It offers a portable “safe haven” where I can go to switch out of my reactive monkey brain when I sense it starting to rebel and get back to my wise mind, at least somewhat. 

Nearly everyone has music that soothes their inner savage beast. Furthermore, nearly everyone carries their phone everywhere they go, doubling as a portable sound escape. Add an all-in-one carrying case or earbud strap, and you’re set. 

2. Perform Reconnaissance

People laugh at my habit of locating the exits when entering a building, and it is admittedly a trauma response. However, there’s no sin in seeking that which soothes your sensory soul in an unfamiliar environment. Take a few minutes to orient yourself, which may mean:

• Finding the exits, the bathroom, a place to sit, water, and snacks. 
• Identifying who you know—and who looks safe and receptive to mingle with. Yes, approaching strangers is scary, but it’s also much safer when you break the ice. Waiting for someone to chat with you can make you a predator target (or leave you awkwardly clinging to just one person’s side the whole night when they rather you didn’t). 
• Lending a hand. I can’t speak for other neurodivergent folks, but what stresses out my autistic self the most is not knowing what to do or say, leading to me standing around social gatherings awkwardly, wishing I could be anywhere else. I’m much more comfortable if I have a role. I’m acting/masking when I am in public, anyway; finding a way to make myself useful and put purpose to my “lines” eases my social stress by lowering my rejection sensitivity. After all, I can hardly be hated if I’m helping, whether by setting the table or ensuring everyone has the appropriate wristband. 

3. Get in Sync

Anxiety levels can peak when you’ve reached the end of your physical/emotional rope but can’t escape. 

In the days before smartphones, people used to “synchronize their watches.” Everyone knew where to meet and when. While communication is easier than ever with modern tech, folks sometimes forget it works better with human partnership, not as a substitute for it. 

Before you head out, ensure everyone’s devices are charged and you all know how to navigate to preselected meetup locations. Agree on a basic gameplan, such as how often you’ll check in with one another. Create codewords—at least one that means “I’m done, emergency, I need to leave now,”—and any others you find useful. 

4. Uniquely Prepare 

Yes, I needed accurate diagnoses to learn how to drive my body human right. That doesn’t mean it is the rest of the world’s responsibility to cater to my sensitivities. 

An earbud is part of the puzzle for me. I’m also extremely sensitive to heat and cold, so dressing appropriately and bringing comfort extras, like a sweater or even a blanket, is a must. A water bottle, snacks, a book to read (or pretend to), puzzle books and fidget toys can all provide havens of quiet joy if, like me, you consider traditional loud, noisy celebrations more of an endurance contest than something you look forward to attending.

Socializing Productively: Acts of Loving-Kindness for Your Community Benefit Your Spirit and Your Country 

There are also low-key ways to celebrate America’s big birthday socially without the noise and excitement of parties and fireworks. Consider connecting with one of these ideas. It might ignite your sense of national pride as much as funnel cake. 

1. Comfort Fellow Souls in Need

Performing an act of community service is an awesome way to show your love for your nation, even if you don’t own a single red, white and blue outfit to sport on July 4th. Find something that suits your passions. For example, if you’re not a fireworks fan, guess who else finds all that noise unsettling? Shelter pets, so if you don’t have your own puppy or kitty to cuddle, consider comforting one at your local shelter or Humane Society. 

2. Clean Up Your Environment

Events need volunteers to help with setup, maintenance throughout the event and cleanup afterward. If you’re trying to build your reputation in your local community or connect with work opportunities, now is your perfect opportunity for reaching out and building those connections. That temporary volunteer gig could lead to something more than a dopamine boost. 

3. Be a Designated Driver 

Some people party a little too hard. If you drive for Uber or Lyft, you might already sense that sweet extra moolah to be made this coming weekend. However, if you simply want to be the hero of your friends and family group, volunteer to serve as designated driver. 

Be mindful. Some folks in recovery might appreciate the extra responsibility as an incentive to stay sober, while others find the pressure triggers demand resistance, increasing the urge to have “just one.” Don’t. 

Spending Time in Mindful Reflection and Meditation 

Who says you have to head out at all? You might feel called to honor this tradition with quiet reflection instead of noisy fanfare. That’s okay, too. 

In fact, that’s how I’m planning to spend America’s 250th. I don’t like crowds, I don’t like noise, and I avoid driving unless it's an absolute emergency. However, I can offer a virtual “sensory space” where folks can stop by for a restorative yoga break throughout the day. I’m still hammering out the details, but so far the stars have aligned to open this option up for others who prefer to share in a more quiet community in between firecrackers. 

What better time is there for meditating on your role in society than America’s birthday? So many of us mistakenly believe that we don’t matter at all, but everyone makes an impact. Ask yourself what changes you would like to see in our society. What could you realistically do to bring that vision closer to reality? What non-violent, non-divisive actions can you take today to work toward a brighter tomorrow for yourself and others in your community?

So often, too, we become paralyzed when the problems we face seem too overwhelming, but the truth is, lasting change comes from a series of tiny actions compounded and repeated over time. Earthquakes might transform the landscape in seconds, but they do so too quickly, causing untold destruction. Fortunately, your job isn’t to change the world. It’s to make one phone call, write one email, uplift one friend in need — contemplate what small first step you must make to start shifting your life force energy in the direction you'd like it to go. 

Celebrate America’s 250th Yogi-Style 

America’s 250th birthday promises to excite the nation with celebrations aplenty. This day traditionally brings to mind fireworks, apple pie and ferris wheels. 

A little serenity break brings contrast, letting you enjoy the festivities more fully when you do join in, should you so choose. Consider this article your permission slip to honor independence by partying your way. It’s okay, regardless of whether you are first in line at the tilt-a-whirl or enjoy yourself a bit more quietly than the rest of the crowd. 

What better way to honor a nation founded on the ideal of individual freedom than by simply coming home to yourself?