Page 4 - July Aug flipbook

Navigating Sudden Change
You know how it is. You’re flowing along in life’s stream when suddenly there’s a fork in the river and the current forces you into a direction that’s not exactly of your choosing. It’s moving so fast that all you can do is surrender and hold on for the ride. It’s a fact that Life may, at times, push you in a direction you had not expected or decidedly did not want to go. I know it’s happened to me many times before. And it’s happening to me once again.
So, how do you navigate the surprising and sudden turns in your life’s course?
First, stay present with what’s happening. As hard as it may be to stay in the present moment, staying present is essential when life throws you those big curve balls. The worst thing you can do is deny, avoid, or try to escape from what’s happening. Stay grounded in your body and be sure to mindfully (and heartfully) tend to your basic needs.
It may sound obvious, but in times of heightened stress, it can be easy to forget or neglect proper nourishment, rest, and the tools that keep us in balance, such as meditation and exercise. At times of increased anxiety, overwhelm, and confusion, these things become more essential than ever. A good practice is to take a deep breath, bring awareness into your body and ask yourself “What do I need right now?” Then listen and lovingly respond.
by Tina Azaria
Next, allow yourself to feel, express, and release your emotions. Do this in a healthy way, of course - no yelling at the neighbors or kicking computers, please. It’s essential that you honor your emotional state by simply letting yourself feel how you feel, without judging, analyzing,
or fixing. If you feel numb from the shock of sudden events, it can help to talk to someone you trust and with whom you feel comfortable. Or ask them for a hug if you can’t find words. Sometimes hearing yourself say something out loud, or feeling a loving embrace, can thaw frozen emotions.
You can also use writing, art, movement, and sound to help you express and release emotions for which you may not yet have words. The point is, do not stuff, numb, or push away your feelings. Doing so will increase the sense
of pressure and may lead to inappropriate emotional outbursts or somatic complaints such as headaches. If you need help with this, don’t hesitate to find a professional to work with.
Don’t make any big decisions until you’ve clearly assessed your situation. When we
find ourselves at those uncomfortable and challenging crossroads, it’s easy to start acting from a place of urgency and even panic. When nerves get frayed, slow down, breathe, and do something to help you drop into the present moment. (Yep, presence again). Clear-headed assessment can only come after we’ve looked at the situation from all possible sides, felt our
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