Coping with - Enduring and Overcoming - the Ongoing Uncertainty in the World and Finding Balance
by Dr L.S. Spedding
There are so many techniques available to deal with anxiety and fear - yet coping is often an individual matter that many cannot achieve. As an individual living in a very - overly - hectic world where success and achievement are not always assured or often not commensurate with endeavours there is an atmosphere of uncertainty- exacerbated by the Pandemic - in which many question their fundamental principles, goals and way of life.
This uncertainty in the world may seem rather risky - but it is also an opportunity! There is a real opportunity to take a pause and reflect upon the meaning and objectives of our lives so that we can live a balanced life. Since Covid 19 affected their usual way of life many have considered, or reconsidered, priorities, both micro and macro. The fact that a virus could create so much turbulence to plans, policies, projects and livelihoods on various levels has been a trigger for a major review of the past, present and future by many. Legally, the principle of contributory negligence comes to mind when considering the ongoing impacts for the world. Issues of risk management and risk mitigation have been debated in an attempt to decipher what has happened and what can be done. Such questions have created nervous anxiety as people grapple with the contradictions that have been presented on a daily basis for months. Learning from past human behaviour during previous pandemics and applying current state of health and technology knowledge have been issues debated in numerous fora. So much uncertainty for personal and professional lives, so many repercussions for Individual and National and International health- massive implications for trade and business as a whole. One thing is clear - life is uncertain and, in order to achieve optimum health and happiness in this world, self responsibility for health is a must. In this context, while outer events may be seemingly beyond our control, we can look after and manage internal awareness and understanding to become resilient in the face of external uncertainty. Through this approach we can be much more effective, efficient and capable as a whole.
There is a real opportunity in today’s uncertain world to review our approach to our individual life, how we spend our time, our relationships with ourselves and others, our priorities and our goals. Usually people consider an “unexpected” illness to be a trigger for change. This global experience can alert us to take seriously the understanding that our life is a gift to take care of and honour - what can be termed life management. Each of us is born with our individual strengths and weaknesses. We can look at life as if it were an ongoing educational process that can bring out and enhance our talents - and turn our weaknesses into strengths. This serves to realise our potential and become complete, or whole, so that we understand the meaning of our life and purpose. The task of becoming whole is one in which we must face our weaknesses and consciously work to improve ourselves, bearing in mind our core values. Core values help determine what we truly want out of life, while acting as the measure to check whether we are satisfied with our current circumstances and we are living meaningfully. In families it is helpful to support one another and to become compassionate flexible since the real test of our patience and maturity is found in close relationships.
There are, according to traditional health management methods (see further information and guidance at www.Adhyatmik.org) generally four key challenges to be faced during our lives that enable the understanding of - and improvement - to our core character. For many of us, the same challenge is repeated, while others have four distinctly different lessons to learn. The life challenges provide specific lessons to overcome for a balanced life, including:
In order to inspire and help our development, life will often place you in situations that require specific characteristics or circumstances you need to overcome during the course of this lifetime. These will emerge during different periods of your life - except for a main life challenge, which continues throughout the life. As with the four defined traditional stages of life (in essence studenthood, householder with material responsibilities, semi-retired and retired) these challenges may cover rather fluid, general periods of your life rather than specific years. When you review, you can see a pattern of behaviour, such as reactivity, that can help you to work on yourself to achieve a happy and more healthy life, with self responsibility and self empowerment. Life challenges that pertain to one’s core character are present at birth and are generally dealt with using your free will and choices. Certain questions can assist with understanding your core character.
Do you tend toward:
Self questioning at different times in your life can be very valuable and productive. It can provide a review of where you are in comparison with where you may want to be and can allow an opportunity to take steps as needed. In order to find meaning and fulfillment, it is helpful to develop the positive approach to always look forward. Listening to your inner Self from time to time is also very important. Most people have the habit of keeping the mind engaged and busy with outer things and activities. However it is when you are in silence that you can calm your mind, reflect on concerns more meaningfully and attune to lessons from nature all around you.When you have nothing else to do externally, then you may feel that you are “bored” - there is nothing to keep your mind occupied with outer activities.
Whenever there is inactivity of body you get concerned about keeping the mind busy. Yet the mind is always busy, even during sleep and when dreaming; mind is always working, never rests, always doing something. That is its function.Actually it is a cultural habit to think that you are not doing anything, although a lot is going on within you.
When you are not busy with externals why not try to attune to your inner world, your inner aspects? You can listen to your mind, to your emotions and even your body’s organs, to your chakras and of course to yourSelf. These things never rest. That is why people find it difficult to be in silence. More than that-silence is often perceived as punishment. Silence is actually the state where you can gather energy - where you recharge your battery!. In fact when you are talking, you lose energy - especially when you talk nonsense. When you go into silence during such practices as meditation- listening to yourself as you are - you connect to your true Self. In silence everything is transparent, in silence you have no fear and your mind settles. Almost all health therapies focus on the significance of silence.
In order to cope in an uncertain world and to rise above the external uncertainty it is also vital to have a sense of self worth and esteem, a feeling of true Self confidence. Having a positive and optimistic approach with the understanding that everything is in constant motion and that any difficulties will pass. This can be developed through such simple methods as:
~ a 30 minute walk in nature;
~ practicing deep breaths in a mindful manner;
~ recalling happy and beautiful memories; and
~ reading an uplifting passage or contemplation.
Such methods ensure that negative habits are not promoted. Indeed, taking your life in your hands in this way can be effective throughout one’s life.
By connecting with who you are and relaxing in a mature way you can live life as a whole individual who others naturally are inspired by. It is true that if your words and actions are motivated by the need for approval by others, you will not be able to make the real contribution that you are fully capable of. You may become a watered down - rather than distilled -version of you. In order to cope in an uncertain world it is so important to value each day - each moment. In this context one technique to to work on is appreciating and valuing yourself more so you are not in need of others validation and approval. This is a self worth issue that can be developed throughout life and can reap huge dividends in both one’s personal and professional life so that one’s mental wellbeing thrives and one can cope whatever challenges one encounters (for more information see the Balanced Series at www.Adhyatmik.org).
Waiver: Please note that this article is for educational and information purposes only.The author cannot take responsibility for medical concerns. For any individual medical concerns or guidance please contact your medical adviser or practitioner as the writer cannot be responsible in this respect. If there is any question relating to the information in this article please contact the author at [email protected]
This uncertainty in the world may seem rather risky - but it is also an opportunity! There is a real opportunity to take a pause and reflect upon the meaning and objectives of our lives so that we can live a balanced life. Since Covid 19 affected their usual way of life many have considered, or reconsidered, priorities, both micro and macro. The fact that a virus could create so much turbulence to plans, policies, projects and livelihoods on various levels has been a trigger for a major review of the past, present and future by many. Legally, the principle of contributory negligence comes to mind when considering the ongoing impacts for the world. Issues of risk management and risk mitigation have been debated in an attempt to decipher what has happened and what can be done. Such questions have created nervous anxiety as people grapple with the contradictions that have been presented on a daily basis for months. Learning from past human behaviour during previous pandemics and applying current state of health and technology knowledge have been issues debated in numerous fora. So much uncertainty for personal and professional lives, so many repercussions for Individual and National and International health- massive implications for trade and business as a whole. One thing is clear - life is uncertain and, in order to achieve optimum health and happiness in this world, self responsibility for health is a must. In this context, while outer events may be seemingly beyond our control, we can look after and manage internal awareness and understanding to become resilient in the face of external uncertainty. Through this approach we can be much more effective, efficient and capable as a whole.
There is a real opportunity in today’s uncertain world to review our approach to our individual life, how we spend our time, our relationships with ourselves and others, our priorities and our goals. Usually people consider an “unexpected” illness to be a trigger for change. This global experience can alert us to take seriously the understanding that our life is a gift to take care of and honour - what can be termed life management. Each of us is born with our individual strengths and weaknesses. We can look at life as if it were an ongoing educational process that can bring out and enhance our talents - and turn our weaknesses into strengths. This serves to realise our potential and become complete, or whole, so that we understand the meaning of our life and purpose. The task of becoming whole is one in which we must face our weaknesses and consciously work to improve ourselves, bearing in mind our core values. Core values help determine what we truly want out of life, while acting as the measure to check whether we are satisfied with our current circumstances and we are living meaningfully. In families it is helpful to support one another and to become compassionate flexible since the real test of our patience and maturity is found in close relationships.
There are, according to traditional health management methods (see further information and guidance at www.Adhyatmik.org) generally four key challenges to be faced during our lives that enable the understanding of - and improvement - to our core character. For many of us, the same challenge is repeated, while others have four distinctly different lessons to learn. The life challenges provide specific lessons to overcome for a balanced life, including:
- materialism;
- lack of independence or self empowerment;
- skepticism versus faith or trust; and
- resilience and flexibility.
In order to inspire and help our development, life will often place you in situations that require specific characteristics or circumstances you need to overcome during the course of this lifetime. These will emerge during different periods of your life - except for a main life challenge, which continues throughout the life. As with the four defined traditional stages of life (in essence studenthood, householder with material responsibilities, semi-retired and retired) these challenges may cover rather fluid, general periods of your life rather than specific years. When you review, you can see a pattern of behaviour, such as reactivity, that can help you to work on yourself to achieve a happy and more healthy life, with self responsibility and self empowerment. Life challenges that pertain to one’s core character are present at birth and are generally dealt with using your free will and choices. Certain questions can assist with understanding your core character.
Do you tend toward:
- insecurity or arrogance?
- overbearingly persevering or giving up and conceding?
- blaming others or blaming yourself?
- cup half full or empty?
- being the victim or controller?
Self questioning at different times in your life can be very valuable and productive. It can provide a review of where you are in comparison with where you may want to be and can allow an opportunity to take steps as needed. In order to find meaning and fulfillment, it is helpful to develop the positive approach to always look forward. Listening to your inner Self from time to time is also very important. Most people have the habit of keeping the mind engaged and busy with outer things and activities. However it is when you are in silence that you can calm your mind, reflect on concerns more meaningfully and attune to lessons from nature all around you.When you have nothing else to do externally, then you may feel that you are “bored” - there is nothing to keep your mind occupied with outer activities.
Whenever there is inactivity of body you get concerned about keeping the mind busy. Yet the mind is always busy, even during sleep and when dreaming; mind is always working, never rests, always doing something. That is its function.Actually it is a cultural habit to think that you are not doing anything, although a lot is going on within you.
When you are not busy with externals why not try to attune to your inner world, your inner aspects? You can listen to your mind, to your emotions and even your body’s organs, to your chakras and of course to yourSelf. These things never rest. That is why people find it difficult to be in silence. More than that-silence is often perceived as punishment. Silence is actually the state where you can gather energy - where you recharge your battery!. In fact when you are talking, you lose energy - especially when you talk nonsense. When you go into silence during such practices as meditation- listening to yourself as you are - you connect to your true Self. In silence everything is transparent, in silence you have no fear and your mind settles. Almost all health therapies focus on the significance of silence.
In order to cope in an uncertain world and to rise above the external uncertainty it is also vital to have a sense of self worth and esteem, a feeling of true Self confidence. Having a positive and optimistic approach with the understanding that everything is in constant motion and that any difficulties will pass. This can be developed through such simple methods as:
~ a 30 minute walk in nature;
~ practicing deep breaths in a mindful manner;
~ recalling happy and beautiful memories; and
~ reading an uplifting passage or contemplation.
Such methods ensure that negative habits are not promoted. Indeed, taking your life in your hands in this way can be effective throughout one’s life.
By connecting with who you are and relaxing in a mature way you can live life as a whole individual who others naturally are inspired by. It is true that if your words and actions are motivated by the need for approval by others, you will not be able to make the real contribution that you are fully capable of. You may become a watered down - rather than distilled -version of you. In order to cope in an uncertain world it is so important to value each day - each moment. In this context one technique to to work on is appreciating and valuing yourself more so you are not in need of others validation and approval. This is a self worth issue that can be developed throughout life and can reap huge dividends in both one’s personal and professional life so that one’s mental wellbeing thrives and one can cope whatever challenges one encounters (for more information see the Balanced Series at www.Adhyatmik.org).
Waiver: Please note that this article is for educational and information purposes only.The author cannot take responsibility for medical concerns. For any individual medical concerns or guidance please contact your medical adviser or practitioner as the writer cannot be responsible in this respect. If there is any question relating to the information in this article please contact the author at [email protected]