TGIF | Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: Balancing Tragedy and Joy
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Dear Community,
I'm writing to you today with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. This week has been a wild ride – a beautiful, soul-nourishing weekend followed by the jarring events. It happens often when we are aware of current events - a whiplash that throws us off balance, a stark reminder of the world's capacity for both immense beauty and devastating pain.
This experience resonated deeply with a conversation I had with a colleague recently. We discussed the constant barrage of tragic news stories, readily available at our fingertips. It feels relentless, doesn't it? Like peace is a fleeting luxury, constantly threatened by the next headline.
The Paradox of Information
Here's where things get interesting. Imagine a traditional maypole, a symbol of community and shared celebration. People from a small, close-knit group gather around the maypole, connected and united. Now, compare that image to the vast sea of information we encounter daily. News feeds, social media, and the constant churn of the internet expose us to stories from all corners of the world – a giant, global maypole, if you will.
The problem? Much of this information isn't meant for our immediate circle. It can trigger anxiety, overwhelm us with negativity, and disrupt the peace we've cultivated in our own lives.
Acceptance and the Power of "Not Knowing"
One of the most powerful lessons I've learned is that we aren't meant to understand the "why" behind everything. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do tragedies strike? The truth is, there are often no clear answers. There's no formula, no way to predict the randomness of life.
This lack of control can be unsettling. Remember my freak car accident on a random Tuesday? It's a perfect example of how life throws curveballs. But here's the thing: we can't control these events, but we can control how we respond.
Holding Space for Both Joy and Sorrow
So, how do we navigate this emotional tightrope? How do we hold the knowledge of suffering in the world while also cherishing our own moments of joy?
The answer lies in acceptance. We accept that heartbreak and fear are inevitable parts of life, just like joy and magic. It's like grief – a wave that washes over us, a tender spot in our hearts that aches sometimes. We acknowledge the pain, feel it fully, and then let it pass.
This acceptance allows us to experience the beauty around us without feeling callous or insensitive. Finding joy in our own lives isn't a betrayal of empathy; it's a testament to our resilience. We can witness the sunlight filtering through leaves while acknowledging the suffering of others.
Protecting Your Inner Peace
Here's the kicker: in today's information age, we have a responsibility to curate what we consume. Is the information we're taking in:
True?
Relevant to our lives?
Beneficial or helpful?
A constant stream of negativity can erode our inner peace. Instead, let's focus on our own "maypole" – our closest communities, loved ones, and the immediate world around us. By directing our attention there, we cultivate resilience and a sense of groundedness.
Finding Strength in Our Communities
Remember, this doesn't make you disconnected from the world. It simply allows you to manage your exposure to negativity and maintain a sense of control. We can still be informed, engaged citizens while prioritizing our own well-being.
Let's use this conversation as a springboard for further exploration. Share your thoughts and experiences and let me know. How do you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the world? What are your personal strategies for finding peace and joy?
Here's to a journey of resilience, balance, and holding space for both the beauty and the pain that life offers. You’re never alone. We’re ALL in this together <3
And this week’s TGIFs…
TOOL—Here’s the podcast episode I referenced. In general, this podcast has many tools for processing the reality that life is “brutiful.”
GRATITUDE— Imagine this moment: all attendees at a Soldier Field concert leaving singing Three Little Birds… “Every little thing is going to be alright” - 60,000 people in unison. It was a magical experience that I will remember many, many times with a lot of gratitude.
INNOVATION—Non-duality is not a new concept. If you want more, I suggest Rumi, Alan Watts and Ram Dass.
FEELS— We are so close to launching our revised Elevated Intensive Reset program. I’m so excited to share with you this revitalized vision, 3 years in the making based on a lot of research and practicing with hundreds of clients. Now, it’s bigger than just me as our team trains upon these experiences as we formally launch our uniquely developed SUMMT method. We’ll share more so soon!!