Finding Our Bearings In A Storm

Strength

Strength is an obvious element of finding our bearings in a storm. When the storm arrives, we are tossed around and can lose our mental and emotional orientation. The force of the storm seems large and insurmountable, but we must survive. Familiar guideposts are gone. In the midst of this, we have to collect ourselves, so that we can figure out where to go next.

Where does this strength come from? It is something that is developed through our experiences. To develop strength through experiences, we must do so consciously. Being tossed around does not develop strength. Righting ourselves and effectively dealing with the storm does. Our inner resources for dealing with adversity get stronger.

Strength must match the circumstances. Brute force will only unbalance us. Imagine trying to stand alone against a 40-foot wave! A key element of strength in difficult situations is resourcefulness – having the ability to assess a situation and the level and nature of strength you need. Sometimes flowing with a 40-foot wave is the way through.

Courage

Courage is another element of finding our bearings in a storm. In many ways, we have no choice but to have courage. A situation is upon us and we must deal with it. We humans like safety. When the perception of safety disappears, we must bring up our courage. It is our courage that allows us to stand in the reality of the present moment. Courage helps us see our way through the storm.

Courage, alchemically, allows us to grow. With courage we face new and difficult situations, learning in the process. Sometimes we can feel our courage rise and transform us. We are better able to handle the situation. Our actions have meaning for us. We have what we need to endure and make it to the other side of a situation.

Courage comes as we center and face what is happening. We can pull on inspiration from others or from our past. We must find ways to calm our fears. Gradually expanding our comfort zone (taking risks, challenging ourselves) helps too. Understanding our resistance to adversity and not allowing it to take us over, frees us to be courageous.

Always Centering

If we picture ourselves on a ship as a storm arrives, we know we must find our bearings and set our direction. We may be dealing with huge waves or winds. Damage may have been done to the ship. But first, we must establish where we are and how we can keep the ship afloat. We check our instruments and the ship’s condition and proceed accordingly.

It is similar with our personal storms. First, we find our bearings by getting fully present to what is occurring. What has changed? Where are we and what is affecting us? Who and what is involved? What do we want, as far as an outcome? What resources are available to us? And finally, how can we move forward and get past the storm?

In so many areas of our lives, centering and knowing how to come fully into the present moment are the best tools we have. Our compass is internal. We need calmness, not worry or anxiety, to muster our strength and courage and to make good choices. We must deal with what is, not what was or what may lie in the future.

I see now that as I face storms in my life, I am the one in charge. I must develop my ability to handle the storms to come and stay present to them. That is my navigation and triumph.