Given the recent adversities facing our communities, our nation, our world, and even our universe, it all can feel so big. I liken it to trying to eat an elephant, or here at Kripalu, a bushel of kale! How do you do either when they are so big? Simply put, ONE BITE AT A TIME! A perfect time to practice mindfulness—wouldn't you say?
I am confident that this is not the first time that you, me, WE have experienced adversity. I am also confident that we all have tools and strategies that we have used in the past that have helped us overcome these adversities. To explore, know, and become aware of how to navigate this ever-changing world, we must get still, feel grounded, open our hearts, minds, and inquire within. We must consider without judgment and we must respond vs. react.
I'd like to share a little wisdom I learned from one of my most favorite teachers, Gregg Braden. If you are not familiar with Gregg, he is a scientist who has spent most of his career helping bridge the gap between science and spirituality. In one of his books titled "The Turning Point," published shortly after the fall of our economy in 2014, Gregg explained that the unpredictable climate changes that we are experiencing now are not the only time in earth's history that this has happened.
He supported this finding by describing thousands of year-old ice found in the arctic. When drilling down into this ice and analyzing the layers, researchers found the formation of bubbles that prove our earth has experienced these changes in temperatures hundreds of times before.
Of course, we must take responsibility to help mitigate the climate problem, but what if surviving or even thriving in this change begins with changing the question?
Gregg suggests a new way of being and existing in this changing world. Instead of saying, "what can I get from the world," perhaps it's time to shift and say "what can I offer, give, share or contribute to this ever-changing world?"
Gregg shares a story of a construction company located in New Mexico. For several years this company was very successful in building new homes, however in 2008 -09, amidst the fall of the housing industry, they were forced to reinvent themselves.
This facility was filled with thousands of dollars in materials and employees without work. They could have closed their doors and filed for bankruptcy, but instead, they decided to use their materials and staff and build self-contained, growing boxes to support people who desired fresh, organic food but didn't have land to plant their gardens. These boxes started as 4x8 sold in their community. But word got out, and soon, these boxes began increasing in size and being shipped all over the nation and world. They became in-demand products, especially in urban communities, where people were creating rooftop gardens of their own.
You see, times of change can bring many opportunities and possibilities if we can change the focus away from fear to LOVE.
Consider the real question to be, "what do people need today, and how can I support them, the world, the universe? What can I offer? What can I share? And contribute, through the nature of cooperation." By offering and sharing, you actually receive back in a very powerful way.
Consider the real question to be, "what do people need today, and how can I support them, the world, the universe? What can I offer? What can I share? And contribute, through the nature of cooperation." By offering and sharing, you actually receive back in a very powerful way.
This is about thriving in a new normal and finding strategies in a time of resiliency.
So, I ask you to consider, when faced with adversities, what tools are in your resiliency toolbox?
I encourage you to grab your journal, a piece of paper, or even a sticky note and make a list of your resiliency tools. Think of what you have to offer yourself and those around you. Be sure to keep them close by so you can visit and practice them regularly. Notice the shifts that happen as you remember these tools and then begin to use them.
I am not a psychic, but I do predict that it will get tougher before it gets easier. My friends, don't wait till you are buried in the muck to start applying these tools, start practicing today, your resiliency depends on it!