The nature of life is to learn and grow. Life is not a placid ocean. Life brings change, discomfort and pain along with joy, love, peace and good times. The first thing is to accept that this is the nature of life. If we convince ourselves that life is always smooth and calm, we are fooling ourselves. Sure, society has created some safety for us, but life can be harrowing at times.

Tumult and challenges can bring us to our better selves. They can sharpen our insight and develop our wisdom. They can make us stronger mentally, emotionally and physically. We learn as we ride the waves and soon can master them. That process develops us. Often, there is no better way to grow. Once we are back on solid ground, we can see how we have changed and sometimes are surprised how strong we have become.

Movement is necessary in life. Waves are always in motion and they carry us. We can move ourselves, be carried by them without choice or be pushed into them. As waves come, it is our choice which type of movement we want to make. Best to move by consciously riding the waves. It gives us some control and lets us set our own direction. Tumult doesn’t have to be chaotic. We can make the energy of tumult work for us.

Navigating

Here are some suggestions for riding the ups and downs of life while we are experiencing them:

• Bring ourselves to the present moment. It is only from there that we can figure out what is going on.
• Get support if we need it. Support comes in many forms. It may be having someone listen. Or having someone be with us for the ride.
• We may be weakened initially, but can rally by strengthening ourselves for what lies ahead.
• Set a clear direction. Know where we want to go.
• Value and develop resilience.
• Realize we do not have total control, as the waves are carrying us. Allow that we can control ourselves and how we respond to the waves beneath us.
• We are out of our comfort zones. Find new ways of dealing with challenges we face. Don’t rely on what we did before within our comfort zones. It won’t work.
• Create context. See ourselves as taking a ride that will allow us to grow. Face what comes up with courage and have faith that eventually all will be well.

Period of Calm

Calm will return. The waves will be gone. Relish these times when they come. They are part of the rhythm of life.

Still riding the waves but I have a handle on them now. I know where I am and that I will be able to ride this out!

photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen, unsplash.com