Finding One’s Happy Place
Ways to survive and prosper in uncertain times
So many people are aching right now, trying to figure out how to comprehend the daily doses of disastrous behaviors and what they, as individuals, can do about it. For ideas on shifting one’s energy and emotions, read the post here.
Another related idea emerged at an equine therapy workshop over the weekend. I am blessed to be a co-facilitator for these workshops, which take place at a dear friend’s horse farm in the metro Detroit area. This workshop, titled “Follow Your Heart,” focused on seeking compassion for self and balance in life, to help attendees address the uncertainty of the world these days.
The emotions flowed.
One exercise was a meditation where participants were invited to think about a time when they were overflowing with love and appreciation. Then they were to lock that image in their memory bank and pull out that mini-movie memory in times of stress, to help find a modicum of peace in the midst of chaos and upheaval.
As my co-facilitator shared a beautiful example of tiny shrimp peacefully existing beneath a waterfall, my mind fled to my favorite place on earth — the Au Sable River in northern Michigan. And my imagery was quite specific:
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Every spring, the snow melt-off results in the creation of a small spring next to our cabin, which moves all that water down the hill and into the river. One of my annual joys is to wander that little stream, removing leaves and dead branches that stand in the way of the water’s forward momentum. I immediately leap into the present moment, with no distractions whatsoever. The process is Zen-like, as I watch water battle barriers to the river, then speed down the hill when those barriers are removed.
Further, the sound of the water is mesmerizing — a fine choir of gentle gurgles upstream and bold notes as the water gathers steam and flings itself into the river. Accompaniment from the birds and the breeze make my heart sing. There’s no rush to my work, which shouldn’t be called work; it should be called play. I take a few pictures and videos to remind myself of the wonder of it all, when the stream has dried up, not to return until Mother Nature offers a great big rainstorm. I am at peace.
I slowly returned to the present moment, opening my eyes and glancing at the participants, all visualizing something special and precious to each of them, judging by the looks on their faces. I definitely could imagine myself taking regular mental journeys to that moment in time on my river. That those little visits would soothe my soul in an instant.
Positively, there seems to be a definite shift in many people — from paralysis and despair to finding small ways to speak their piece and take action. Writers are writing. Protesters are protesting. Many are deciding not to stay in the shadows and suffer and instead speak out about how they feel. This last one is important; it’s not easy to stand up and say, “This is wrong. This is illegal,” especially in an environment where the truth is swept under the proverbial carpet, or simply left scattered on the floor with nary a concern.
Further, as I experienced during our horse workshop, there is power in community and connection. As our lead facilitator said, “When we can be present, find our calm, connect with others in community, we are better equipped to handle stresses and feelings of danger. We come together in community to learn, to cry, to express our thoughts, and then how to go forward with our new experiences and tools to make a positive impact on the world…from paralysis to positive actions. Find your heart and your herd.” She then quoted Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Troubling times indeed. But how we will feel better is through taking action. And that starts with getting mind, heart, and soul on the same page. Together, they are strong — and more than able to do just that.
To help kickstart the growth of Soulfight, we are listing the names of our writers beneath each story as a special feature during the next month: Celina Li Chhuon-Romero, C.J. Spaeder, David W Dugas, Betsy Hayhow Hemming, Kirk Wareham, Leslie Gregory, Katie Stuart, Ray Wirth. We encourage you to read and link to each other’s stories.
