If we want
to remain in the eye of a hurricane then we cannot stay in one
place. We have to keep moving along with the storm and
allow it to rage around us until it spends itself. We may
have to move through debris, or abandon our external points of
reference, leaving things that are familiar behind.
Staying in
the eye does not mean that we ignore the route of the storm, but
that we move along with it and choose our position. Some
of us choose to fight our way through the storm or dig in our
heels and refuse to be moved, which allows the storm to overtake
and hit us directly. That is when we get caught up in the
storm itself and our vision and perspective, regardless of
experience or ability, may seem to fail us.
Maintaining
stillness of mind in the midst of our struggles means that we
remember who we truly are and do not define ourselves in terms
of external circumstances. It means making a conscious
effort to not take things personally, which can cause us to
attach our sense of self worth to the events of our lives.
It means keeping our inner power intact.
Most of the
time we can no more control the situations that come into our
lives than we can control a hurricane. But we always can
control our response, and choose our position. We can
either participate in or identify with the situation itself or
maintain our stillness of mind. We can get sucked into it,
caught up, or remain true to ourselves.
This can
seem a difficult task because many of us first react to the
emotional content of what is happening. Response requires
thought to gain insight and the awareness to be able to
reconnect with that calm center where vision is clear.
It is
helpful to remember that no matter how fierce a storm can be or
how much damage it leaves in its wake, it does eventually
dissipate. It is temporary. After the storm has spun
itself out, the area that was the eye remains. What was
peaceful, is still at peace. What was still is
maintained. No matter how large or ferocious the storm,
this point within is always present. It can be the
constant in our lives regardless of how outer circumstances may
change.
Gail
Pursell Elliott, "The Dignity and Respect Lady";
Innovations "Training With a Can-Do Attitude" PO Box 552, Roland, IA 50236 515-388-9600 www.innovations-training.com
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