Living Bravely with Uncertainty and Change.

‘The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.’

Alan Watts

I thought I knew a thing or two about uncertainty and change until this pandemic hit. And I realised how much I’d taken for granted. Sure, I’ve had many challenging times, some utterly heartbreaking. Yes this time we find ourselves in has challenged me in new ways, as it has all of us - to find my peace, to keep my calm, to be strong and positive and embrace change with my bravest self.

I’ve been reading a book by Pema Chödrön, a Buddhist nun, called Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change.

My favourite paragraph right at the start goes like this:

"As human beings we share a tendency to scramble for certainty whenever we realise that everything around us is in flux... but in truth the very nature of our existence is forever in flux. ... So this is where we find ourselves: right in the middle of a predicament. How can we live wholeheartedly in the face of impermanence knowing that one day we're going to die? What is it like to realise that we can never completely and finally get it all together? How can we make friends with unpredictability and uncertainty - and embrace them as vehicles to transform our lives?"

I love this sentence about scrambling for certainty because I notice how much I do this right when things begin to go pear shaped or in a direction I didn't expect. I start worrying about money or health and future events I cannot predict or control - desperately looking for ways to fix things in place. And what I'm learning is, to be kind to that fearful part of me, embrace the change and step boldly into the flow.

And so I have been moving, physically and mentally, to occupy this new place. Watching how sunlight falls across the hills and brightens the whole room. Appreciating the simple beauty of the natural world. Listening to inspiring podcasts and reading books that stimulate me, inspire me and motivate me to fulfil my goals, deepen my creative practice and be the best human being I can be.

I’ve worked on my mindset so I can stop it overwhelming me, I’ve limited my news consumption and my social media. I’ve made time to connect with people who inspire and motivate me, whether virtually or in person - for walks and times outdoors. When I sit into the car, I choose from my happy podcasts and turn off the news. I fill myself with motivated empowered people and any drive for any prupose becomes a joy.

And when I can, I donate money to the charities working on the frontlines in places where Covid is just another challenge and potentially less life threatening than what they were already facing. This helps me feel connected to the bigger picture and keeps me rooted in gratitude.

Keeps me counting my blessings and then gradually the uncertainty feels less present. I become grateful for the tiny moments, the hold of a child’s hand, a sliver of moon peeking out from the clouds. Just being here.

‘It is what I was born for –
To look, to listen,
To lose myself
inside this soft world –
to instruct myself
over and over.’

Mary Oliver

Podcasts I’ve enjoyed listening to recently -

Brené Brown, Unlocking Us Podcast

Mark Nepo interviewed by Chloe Goodchild – VOCE dialogues Podcast

Elizabeth Gilbert interviewed by Fearne Cotton - Happy Place Podcast

Books that have been useful –

Pema Chödrön - Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change

Brené Brown - Braving the Wilderness - the quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone

Elizabeth Gilbert - Big Magic