When we freak out, it's often because we have distorted views we're not very conscious of. Even when we're unaware of these views, they profoundly shape how we think and feel; in fact the less conscious we are of them the more likely they are to be affecting our experience. Bringing those views into the light of conscious awareness can help us to find more emotional balance, because it allows us to change the way we look at life. ~ Bodhipaksa
I'm currently taking a course by Buddhist teacher Bodhipaksa called "Stop Freaking Out," which seems timely. Today schools, public offices and many businesses are closed because we are expecting more severe storms (hail, lightning, tornadoes). I am trying to prepare rather than freak out. But like the badger, I tend to be better at fiercely defending rather than hiding in my hallway. It feels far too passive for my tastes, but I have no choice. The Picasso Jasper's quote comes from Dale Partridge and reflects my inner conflict:
Remember, confrontation is about reconciliation and awareness, not judgement or anger.
Again, awareness is underscored rather than trying to fight or rewrite reality. This weather frightens me, and the unending pounding we've taken in the last few months has been exhausting. But rather than going into battle mode (or flipping out), I'll try to take Bodhipaksa's words to heart: "We can't just "uninstall" our old assumptions and upload new ones, and both the old and the new perspectives exist in the mind simultaneously. Instead, we slowly train the mind to see the world and ourselves in a different way by consciously putting more energy into the new and more helpful ways of seeing things. In doing so, we're actually rewiring the brain."
*Note to all my blogging buddies: I don't know if I'll be able to access the computer after this post as the storms have already started. I apologize for my lack of comments on your blogs, but hope to catch up later. Please send some good thoughts out for those in the line of these storms. Thank you!
My dear Bev please take care and be careful. And please don't feel you have to apologize for life getting in the way (again)
ReplyDeleteComforting hugs
Ellen
We've made it through two storms with one more wave coming later this evening. So far so good! :)
Deletewhat if the confrontation is always with self?
ReplyDeleteNews of the moment, at this moment there are no pieces of your home or Carolyn in my lawn at the moment. Always much to be grateful for, even when assailed by others or our self.
I think we can train our brains to see from a new perspective (think in new ways), but the self will always prefer the same old routine, so it will take some work. But yes, there is much to be grateful for!
DeleteSorry to hear this is happening again. I can't imagine what you and your community are going through. Stay safe please and 'see you' soon xxx
ReplyDeleteHanging in there. Mother Nature seems to be taking it easy (compared to the other storms) so far, though those slightly north of us have taken a wallop.
DeleteI didn't know about the turn in your weather until after I emailed you. O_o YIKES! When you asked me to send you some of our rain, this is NOT what I wished for y'alls. You guys hunker down and stay safe. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWe lost power for 24 hours in the first storm (which meant throwing away all of our refrigerated food and some in the freezer), and I'll be hauling out the chainsaw today to deal with the tree debris. But yesterday's storm (other than the INTENSE lightning) took it much easier on us. Glad to see the sun today!
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