In many ways, the world seems to be spinning out of control. We hear about economic meltdown, peak oil, climate change, over-population, species extinction, and more. We experience the breakdown of relationships, either personally or of those we love. The political arena is a muddle. And the list goes on. How do we cope in the face of such complex difficulties? How do we stare unflinchingly into our present predicament without being completely overcome?
I have struggled with this question for years, and while there are certainly no easy answers, there are ideas that may be helpful. This work is quite personal, and we must move through the question in our own way and time; and yet, this personal work deeply affects the collective.
It took me many years to be able to open my eyes to the state of affairs in our world, and once I did, I sunk into deep despair. The darkness lasted several years and took a toll; however, I believe it was necessary in order to wake me and lead me toward a more expansive worldview. I do not regret those years, but there came a point when I realized that to stay stuck in despair would destroy me, and it wasn’t helpful to those around me. I had to find a way out of it. I had to find a way to a more expansive worldview.
How do I get grounded enough to be able to handle the winds and storms of these tumultuous times? How do I become expansive enough to contain the complexities and paradoxes of these times?
Tune in tomorrow to explore 8 practical ideas for getting grounded. Meanwhile, how has it been for you as you face into what’s going on in the world or your personal life? I would love to hear.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
For me, it has been tumultuous indeed. But in tiny incremental ways, I notice shifts in my ability to hold onto a larger view. Sometimes I’m surprised at how I can feel simultaneously agonized and peaceful, sometimes in different parts of my body. I just wrote a blog post, wondering what does it mean to be good enough? Often my struggle manifests itself through harsh self-criticism.
I love the photos above. LOVE them.
By the way, we made giant prints of your owl photos that look fantastic; now I’m looking for frames. I will have to send you a picture of them once they’re framed and positioned on the wall.
Thank you for sharing your insights & keeping it brief – that makes posts so much more user friendly and the photos are a bonus… Whenever I need to get grounded I go outside and spend extra time with my dogs & horses.
Like you Carla my awakening took me into dark despair, a true giving up of hope. It felt like arriving at a true dead end where nothing was possible. It was a profound connection with mud that drew me back and in small increments I have been coming home to my own self and my own creations ever since. I do not have dominion over the larger world or the choices of others but I do have dominion and choice over my own. I find there is lots of rich good work to do there. I seem to have laid to rest the glasses that only see what is wrong and instead my present glasses see much beauty in the world and a peacefulness that comes from believing I am co-creating in my small corner of that world
Staying in the present is the best tool for fighting that dark despair. Finding peace and beauty in this moment.
Thank you for your comments, All.
Jen, I’m sure many can relate to your blog entry. I hope folks will click on your name above and read your thoughtful words. And I would LOVE to see a photo of the framed Owl photo. So exciting to me!
Vivienne, I’m glad you are able to see the beauty in the world. There is so much there and I love how you celebrate that beauty in so many ways.
Marcie, I agree with you, finding peace and beauty in the moment is necessary and you do a wonderful job of that in your photos. I hope folks will click on your name, too!
Dogpackmomma, I, too, am grateful for the animals in my life. They bring so much joy and richness. I’m glad you have your horses and dogs!
Thanks to you all for your support!
I find drink and drugs to help incredibly. It doesn’t work for many, but I know my limit and I pick the time and place. Continual intoxication is not helpful and indeed makes things worse, but a cocktail or two on the weekends and a joint or two during the week, certainly help to keep me sane and provides an alternative viewpoint to ponder the problems through.
In the end it is activity that is the catalyst, if you only stew over the state of the world, it will make you worse off. Instead plan for the worst, implement your plan, and then hope for the best. The world will go to hell on its own, with or without us, it is best to remove yourself from the most dangerous and unreliable places, both physically and mentally, and then try to build a sustainable lifestyle, however modest it might be.
Manual labor helps to clear the thinking and removes the propaganda imprinted by the powers that be. Turn off the TV, step outside the media circus, read only good books, enjoy the best the world holds and remember it is all transitory, as are we. We are merely guests in this world and our time is limited, make of it what you will, but try to be happy.
It is lifes job to destroy you, it is your job to resist.
The game goes on until it doesn’t.
Enjoy the game.
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