There are some days when something happens that takes your breath away, leaves you in a state of panic (maybe terror would be more accurate) and frozen.
Take heart. That moment won’t last forever.
Here are some keys that will keep you going to the challenge, through the challenge, and beyond it.
First, BREATHE! Panic, shock to the system, even good news, will make us hold our breath.
Right now, breathe. I’ve talked about this before, but it is the best, most useful and comprehensive way to de-stress that I know of. Like anything else in life, it bears repeating.
So breathe your way through the initial shock, upset, anxiety, worry, fear or panic.
Breathe yourself through the amazing news that you got a promotion, the job, or your wife is pregnant! Breathe your way right into the now, that moment where all healing and courage arise.
Next, I do what I call a mini future projection. During my years, I have had lots of opportunities to practice what I call the “visualization of champions.” In the midst of the dark, hold the image of yourself wiser, happier, and stronger as a result of having faced the uncertainty in front of you.
For some, that may be the thought that you need to close the doors of your business and get a job. For others, it may be that you lost your job. Yet others may be facing retirement, the decline of their 401K, and watching their “golden retirement” funds going down the drain.
It doesn’t much matter, the “cure” is the same. Take heart, find courage. Interestingly enough, the word “cour” in French has to do with the heart. So taking heart also means taking stock, evaluating, and acknowledging what is present. In that moment, is the power. In that moment, you can go deep inside and find the courage to keep going.
Negative expression will tell us to give up, give in, succumb to the inner victim and blame others.
No! Stop, breathe some more, and find the gift in the midst of the challenge. To take heart is to take stock of all that is good, all that is loving, all that is uplifting. Within every upset lies the seed of great growth and goodness.
So breathe, take a walk, take a break, and know, really KNOW, that this, too shall pass.
May the Light that dwells in our Hearts light the way through the most challenging of times. If you can’t see it in yourself, surround yourself with people who will hold your vision when it grows dim. Practice gratitude for all you have that is present in your life right now. It’s the best antidote to panic that I know.
A dear friend used to say that “If it is funny in five years, make it funny now.” So, I challenge you to make it funny, distance yourself from blame, shame, upset, worry and anxiety. Smile, even if it hurts… Mutter “Joy, Joy, Joy” until it makes you smile for real. Pick yourself up, get yourself going, and know, in your heart of hearts that “All will be well. In all manner of things, it will be well.
For more information about Dr. Lin, go to www.linmorel.com
