Allowing Crisis to Shape Us

Fragility in times like these can make us more open and aware of our feelings, our needs and our priorities. Big circumstances usually bring about Big Perspectives, as they can change how we view things and reorder the priorities a bit. This reminds me of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs we talked about several months back. I agree with him in that in a very short period of time we’ve been thrust in survival mode, worrying about food, shelter and safety, while we hoard toilet paper and protest against the big hit to the economy in my country.

I think it’s important to try not to be blinded by survival, to try to take time to sit, breathe and be thoughtful about how we want our life to be after this is over. Many of us have been hit with the realization that what was so important before the pandemic pales in comparison to actual life or death. Or losing someone. Or the fear of becoming ill. Or the reality of losing your job. This can shine a light on what truly matters. Because, once we peel back the layers of busyness and stress of having and doing, there is the Being. The reevaluation of what we want our lives to look like, and what we have a new appreciation for.

As “This Too Shall Pass”, eventually we may settle into the new normal and slowly forget how crystal clear we were about life being precious, because our brains just put it all in the background again. We move on, distracted by the day-to-day doings. So that is why it’s important that if we can, to commit to reshaping our lives in small but meaningful ways so that we are honoring what matters most to us. Here are some ways we can do that.

1. Turn To Them and Mention: Whenever you have a moment, be sure to turn toward those you love and be as emotionally present as you can. Try to provide empathy, understanding, compassion and encouragement. Notice when others are happy or sad. Tell them you love them and cherish who they are. Text them you are thinking about them.
2. Turn Toward Yourself: As you continue your quarantine, it’s a great time to put thought into taking good care of yourself. Check out the last podcast episode on making time for you – it’s so important to not abandon ourselves, especially during difficult times. Going forward it is the best gift you can give yourself by showing self-love and compassion. By setting boundaries and refueling.
3. Look at What Matters Most: Perhaps this experience has you rethinking your focus. For many, spending more time at home has offered them the chance to refocus on relationships rather than work and busyness. What would you like to change going forward?
4. Get Involved: It’s so much easier to want to volunteer, give money or help out when there’s a crisis. We don’t want to feel that powerless and most of us don’t want others to suffer needlessly. It’s when things “turn back towards normal” when it’s easier to forget. Give some thought to how you want to get involved in your community in some way you can feel good about.

So as you hopefully wind your way back to the New Normal, my hope is that you can focus on what you’ve been made aware of during this time. Going forward, try to make these lessons evident in how you live out your week. Make the most out of what you’ve been walking through. Passion can lead us to purpose as the quote goes…and as we explore on today’s podcast episode.  I think it creates more congruence, helps us be more conscious and therefore feel more grounded – no matter what the next big life event holds for us.