February 2014
Welcome --
"I always tried to turn
every disaster into an opportunity."
(John D. Rockefeller)
Let's play with the
difference of one letter again, like we've done before, (8/13 and 11/12), shall we?
Consider the possibilities that dealing with an emergency can create: It brings priorities into very clear focus, it allows us to draw on our wits, and it can be a streamlined path to emotional growth -- coming into one's own, if you will.
(I'm purposely setting aside what we so often call an "emergency", which begins when our "plans" are redirected or thwarted in some way -- resulting in upset and undue mind chatter.)
What might be extreme responses in an emergency? -- two characters in "Gone with the Wind" come to mind: Prissy, who dissolves into tears and becomes immobile when Melanie goes into labor; and Scarlett, who rises to many daunting occasions and becomes, surprisingly, an extremely capable woman.
Now let's bring it into reality. Where do You tend to be on the spectrum? A "tower of smoke" or a "brick"
in a crisis?
Do You immediately step out of the moment and let fear and worry guide You? or do You stay present and focus on what's needed?
I'd like to offer up a quick practice to help ground You and allow You to move through an emergency with a
bit more grace and ease -- and yes, you can do this in a matter of moments, if need be:
Stop
Breathe
Remind Your Self: This is just an
emergence ….
Ask Your Self: "What's really needed
in this moment?"
Listen well
Then -- act on your Deep Knowing
In the final analysis, an emergency is just another chance in which to evolve, isn't it? -- not unlike a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
"A disaster is where marble
has been substituted
for imagination."
(Ada Louise Huxtable)
