In these extraordinary times,”to bend but not break” seems to be a very apt intention. Lerner believes that if we are able to deeply adapt it will lead to courageous and creative new forms of resilience – and opportunity. It requires us to adopt different ways of being and doing, as well as thinking to realise the opportunity and not see the disruption as an inconvenience.
We can hope that cultures and civilisations will find unanticipated ways to adapt to the ‘perfect storm’ we are currently facing across the globe. We can hope that the said ‘deep adaptation’ does indeed lead to courageous ways of doing things differently to the way we have done in the past. Finding creative new forms of resilience, tapping into a deeper connection with what truly matters.
To step outside the tried and true into the unknown.
It seems we are all living a little closer to the edge of existence – in suspended, liminal time – on the verge of something big. It is now plainly obvious that life does not always go on as usual. And in that truth, are potentially great blessings. Lorna Bevan encapsulates by saying:
“This can be seen not so much as a rapture, but a rupture – a complete deletion of old ways and bifurcation of Worlds.”
A re-balance of things that were out of balance.
I have certainly taken the time to reassess what was out of balance for myself. I have always taken time for physical exercise, so that was fine, and my spiritual practice as well, but I have identified four areas for re-balance:
– Procrastination – not setting aside the time to write, which is a nourishing outlet for me
– Busyness – the distraction of the 3D world of constant communication, emails, texts.
– Connection – with dear friends and family had been pushed aside and
– Reading – all those books I have collected for that “some day when I have time”.
Whilst a kinder way of helping us re-balance and transform would have been appreciated, it has certainly awakened many across the globe. The initial shock at the scale of the ‘dis-ease’ was confronting, and then the rhythm shifted to ‘planning’ and ‘action’ with some leaders demonstrating greater clarity and empathy than others.
At times like this, we often do look to our leaders for guidance. Our acceptance of what they are asking us to do differently, can vary according to the level of trust we have in them having our best interests at heart. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, has, yet again demonstrated her ability to lead in a crisis. She has provided clear and consistent communication, decisiveness, plus deep listening and a genuine sense of caring. At the heart of it, she has demonstrated resilience. And this has flowed through to the people of New Zealand.
Resilience is not something we need to teach people. Resilience flows directly from the deepest human instincts of loving and caring. We ‘instinctively’ seek to survive and help those we love and care for to survive and flourish. In fact, we often care more about others than we do about our own survival. We are seeing this with our ‘front line’ health-workers. – both locally and across the globe. I am in awe and total admiration of their dedication, their commitment, and their willingness to put others before themselves.
The Prime Minister of Ireland has re-registered as a Medical Doctor, and intends to practice one week a month in addition to guiding his country through the crisis. His people trust him. He is adapting to what is needed.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”
Martin Luther King.
To this, I would add: “ What are you doing for your ‘self’”? You have to save your own life before you can save someone else.
A client I was speaking to yesterday said that as a family, they have resurrected board games. Every night they gather together around the table to play and connect. This is a way of deepening your family ties.
Book-ending your day with rituals and routines to ensure you are adapting is essential.
• Connecting with what is important.
• Connecting with who is important to you.
• Connecting with how you want to BE moving forward.
A wonderful quote, I came across encapsulated this moment in time for me:
“And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
Haruki Murakami
This moment in time is giving us precious time to rethink, release, reset, renew and embrace the re-orienting.
What would you like this storm to be about for you?
What needs to be shed and let go?
What needs to be nurtured and developed?
Do not waste it.
Whilst we may feel as though we are in a state of flux, there has never been a better time to take the leap, and deeply adapt. When we have strong roots we have the capacity to Stand Tall, owning our truth.
When you find that place inside yourself that is already thriving, what will get created?
Walking Your Luminous Path
“It takes powerful inner resolve to manifest a deep sense of the rightfulness of existence at a time when we’ve been conditioned to fear it.” With all the chaos, misinformation, or should I say ‘dis’-information distributed from mainstream media sites, plus the overload and misuse of Social Media, it can be difficult to discern the…
The Path Ahead – Finding YOUR Path.
Much has happened since December 2020. For many of us, it seems that monumental changes have occurred, or will do as we continue to navigate and transverse these new energies and indeed different times. Moving countries, moving to gentler environments, relocating to more supportive communities and equitable societies seem to be on the minds of…
Re-tuning to the Energies
“ It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday” John Guare That rickety bridge has felt even more rickety at times during this last month. It felt that possibly a few rungs were missing. Minding one’s step seems increasingly important, especially when the next step is toward…
Winds of Change
“ Honour the space between No Longer and Not Yet” Nancy Levin A friend of mine told me “2020 is best described as being a rickety bridge between Epochs beginning in one Era, and ending in another. It may not feel particularly safe or inviting, but it’s the only way across. I thought that was…
Fight for the things you care about
These times are calling us to take a stand and fight for the things we care about. Twenty years ago, Sydney celebrated the “best games ever”. Well, according to those who attended. Over this past month there has been a literal trip down memory lane, recalling how, as a collective, everyone came together to help…
Conversation – the bigger picture, a bigger purpose.
Conversation – real conversation, where reflection, respect and deep listening occurs is something I feel is needed at this pivotal time in our lives. This has been a recurring theme for me as I, and many of us, navigate these uncertain and yet very opportune times in our respective lives. And then last week, a…
Roots of Connection – Heightened Attention.
“Beware the stories you tell yourself for surely you will be lived by them” – William Shakespeare In these unprecedented times I am noticing how easy it is to get caught in the ‘story’ if one is not operating with heightened awareness. One day can so easily morph into the next and the next. The pulse…
Seeing your shadow as a source for Transformation
Recently I am noticing a lot about ‘shadow’s – most notably my own, but also those of society. Shadows of the past, which seem to be coming up to be redressed and, in many instances, healed. Otto Scharmer, The Presencing Institute states: “What I have learned from various conversations and reflections on our blind spots…
The Path Ahead.
It will have direction and shape – IF you have done the work! “There are times when you have to take bold steps. Make up your mind; know where you are going and never waffle. Many wonderful opportunities are missed by those who are indecisive. In times when you have to take bold steps; take…
The Re-Write
“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather”. Pema Chodron. The past 4 weeks may have seemed like an eternity for some, and for others, a time pressured haze of days. It is all to do with context, personal circumstances and focus of attention. Is your attention on the sky or has…