This past weekend I had the pleasure to be at a beach in Delaware for a few days. It was cold, sometimes rainy, and mostly very windy during our time there. But the ocean always has a restorative effect on me. It is stormy and calming, turbulent and soothing - all at the same time. The ocean captivates me. I can walk for miles on the shore and sit and merely watch the surf for hours.
Stormy Seasons
Just as every wave is new and unique, there are many unique seasons to our lives. Each of us weather storms that are difficult to navigate. We may be swept about and wearied by circumstances and have difficulty with even seemingly simple tasks and responsibilities.
At these times, well-meaning others in our lives may try to be helpful reminding us to look for the positive. Or they may try to “cheer” us up by telling us it is not so bad, or other people have it worse. Those things are true. But are they helpful?
Intrinsic Truthfulness
I recently came across a blog that mentioned that many “affirmations” fail. They may even make us feel worse, perform more poorly, and have worse outcomes for whatever we may be trying to accomplish. A very interesting perspective.
The blog did not directly discuss this, but I couldn’t help but think that this may be because our “soul” or “being” intrinsically knows when something is patently untrue.
Maybe it is more important to be more fully open and accepting of the negativity, seriousness, sadness or whatever is unique and deeply valid for your season of difficulty. And then be there in the reality of you at that point in time. This may be much more helpful. Because it resides within the intrinsic truthfulness of the situation.
Being there will most likely not change your circumstances. But it may give you just a little more space to care for yourself a little bit better in a time of trouble. And that may give you just a little more space to handle something in a way you are ultimately happier with.
Live Your Storm and Calm
Just as the ocean is turbulent, unpredictable and sometimes very destructive, we also see the entrancing beauty and calm.
Maybe this week, as you encounter a difficult situation, you can acknowledge the turbulence of your storm – AND – also find just a little bit of your calm. Live your life, walk your miles, even the difficult ones, with your reality, beauty and calm.
Thank you for reading! What are your thoughts? Please Comment and Share.
… more thoughts from the forest in the coming days …
Lise, your newsletter was the first email I opened this morning? I have to ask you. How is it that your newsletter contains all the words to open my eyes to my particular issue? Ebb and Flow. My finger typed a "G" Ebb and Glow :) The Beauty of Turbulence. Yes, the beauty of it. A bit of turbulence in my life these past few days after a dreadful stay in the doldrums. I am grateful my readers get to read Another Way by Lise. Blessings of turbulence and calm.