Greetings Potentia tribe…
I have been away for a few weeks but have not disappeared. If you could see the inside of my brain, you would find 100 blogs swimming around that address or speak to what is going on in the world today, as the major events keep unfolding.
As a life coach and therapist, the question I ask often is, “how can I help”? As a person who also considers herself to be somewhat of an empath, it has become difficult to sort out the extensive range of emotions and thoughts I have on current events. It is a fine line we walk as therapists and coaches because much of our training is to keep our value judgments and opinions to ourselves when working with clients. And for good reason. Allowing clients the space to speak and process freely is one of the gifts we as helpers (should) provide. The basis of trust in these relationships is built in that space.
However, anyone who knows me, knows that I do, sometimes, have strong views and opinions. Professionally, I have decided to be more visual with my presence on YouTube, Facebook, and IG, as well as the many blogs I have written. When you have a platform, it allows you to speak your mind, as many chose to do. However, I find that I am constantly challenged with a sense of responsibility for what is my place in all of this. I certainly have the right to voice my opinions, but are they the most helpful? Does it serve the purpose of my vision and how I want to help others succeed in life?
For today, I am going to say, not entirely.
Current events are taking a toll on everyone. No matter what your opinion, our nation is in a state of unrest. It is very difficult to keep centered in times like these. How do you remain aware of and engaged in these events without losing your center and balance? My client’s issues, goals, relationships, etc.. have not really changed during these times yet it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain focused and hopeful about the future.
At my desk, I have a post-it note with my favorite quote from Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can!” That is what I implore you today. Start with yourself and getting your own house in order. The houses with the best foundations tend to fair better in storms. What is your foundation?
Last month I did a series on mindfulness where I spoke a lot about ways one could be more present with troubling thoughts and how to have a greater understanding of internal belief systems. For today, I just want to say that your ability to remain centered and calm during these times will help build a strong foundation for moving ahead and putting things into perspective. I have created a very brief meditation that you can do any time of the day to help bring you back to your place of center. All it requires is a few moments of your time and use of your breath! Click here to listen, or find below.
Personally, what I am doing right now is keeping my eyes and heart open to what I am watching and hearing. If I were to give any advice, it would be to take a good look in your own heart for your own “truth”. Educate yourself on what you think would be useful to know. Have conversations with people from different backgrounds. What I do not find helpful: Much of the media outlets, politics, and Hollywood input! I tend to avoid rhetoric that groups and stereotypes. As someone who has spent much of their life in the personal development realm, I tend to look for solutions that move things forward. We always find more momentum when we look for what is right and build on that, then when we focus only on ‘fixing’ the problem. The constant focus on the problem is not the best path forward.
Here are two of my favorite books that might be useful during this time. They are oldies but goodies: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, and Man’s Search For Meaning, by Victor E. Frankl
My Ageless Rebel series is coming soon and I will be addressing the importance of meaning in our lives at much greater length. For today, I just want to say, keep looking forward, one foot in front of the other… we will ALL get to a better place. I have not lost faith in the ultimate goodness and beauty & courage of all of those who work, (not just talk) to make this world a better place, but I do firmly believe that this starts within us, what’s in our own hearts, and then what radiates out in circles from that place. What are you radiating out into the world?
I would like to leave you with a poem by Danna Faulds:
When the sun rises in the heart, the only response to life, shouted, sung or whispered, the bridge between what came before and now, the single, simple answer to all prayers, the life-changing voice of spirit says with certainty and strength a resounding, clear, unequivocal “Yes!” to all that is!
Be well,
Jean
