Surviving the Chaotic Unknown
As an Emergency Room doctor practicing for over ten years, I’ve gotten accustomed to being in that space of the unknown…not knowing what situation will come into the ER next. I think its human nature to be uncomfortable and sometimes fearful of the unknown. ER work has led me to seek stability and balance within self so that I may remain calm in the setting of chaos. I define this as RESILIENCE. (No one wants their ER doctor freaking out! I certainly think better and more clearly when I am firmly rooted and grounded within self.)
Here’s how I survive the chaotic unknown:
1. CLEAR the clutter of the Mind- leads to higher clarity of any given situation
a. Writing in a journal or typing on a computer- I like this best for me as it really removes the thoughts in my head, allowing the space to clear. The book or computer holds the information without transferring any of my concerns onward to others.
b. Talking with others- this works for some however I’ve been finding in this situation sharing stories of fear or angst has just snowballed my own angst.
c. If talking works best for you, try talking to a plant or inanimate object. I used to use my pet dog when I was growing up but I now understand that they too will feel the angst if I transfer it to them. You can even record yourself (though I wouldn’t listen to it until years from now:)
2. GROUNDING myself- pulls me out of my mind and back into my body. The mind can sometimes feel so controlling that I can forget about the rest of my body
a. Connection to nature is one of the greatest ways to ground. Feeling the earth below my feet. Observing a bug or small creature. Watching the clouds pass. Appreciating all the spring blooms and buds. Climbing a tree. Running my hands through the dirt. Watching the birds dance. Tending to the needs of my indoor houseplants.
b. Meditation- comes in all forms: silent, active (OSHO style), mindfully walking, dance and all the things above in connecting to nature can be meditation if they take your focus to that one flying insect you save from the pool of water in the empty pot outside.
c. Movement practice- Yoga. Exercise. DANCING! Even better when no one is watching. Or have a ‘Zoom” dance party with your favorite dance friends.
d. Cooking a new recipe- infusing the food with love and intention-hearty stew, root vegetables and red/orange vegetables can be really conducive to grounding…and then mindfully enjoying spoon by spoon.
e. Creating art- building furniture, etc. I love seeing what I can create from whatever is around, particularly what I had considered to be trash.
f. Sensual, sexual play- this is a for sure way to pull me into my joyous body state:)
3. Finding the FLOW within the chaos- It’s much easier to see how to flow down a river but when it’s a turbulent pool it can be harder to know which way to flow. Flow for me is the state of ease that exists when I am able to observe myself and what is happening around without getting caught up in the emotional state. Flow happens when the mind is balanced with the body. When I am grounded the flow is easier to feel because I have confidence that I can handle it…it’s the inner stability that creates an external resilience to events outside of myself.
The result when I stay committed to this practice: I feel CALM despite what is happening around me and I can truly show COMPASSION to myself and others.