The Buddhists teach us that life is impermanent and that
all things that we perceive are merely constructs of the mind.
Uncertainty in these times is the only certainty. That which
has a beginning will end.
Buddhism offers centering and
meditation practices that keep one "in the moment" and in a
state of mindful awareness so that we don't get "caught up" in
the negative effects of the world as we see them.
These concepts may seem lofty especially when we are "in
the trenches" with our lives and our businesses. We can seem
quite removed from the concept of mindfulness.
In my own life, many years ago, a business decision to take
on a partner nearly ended in disaster. A business man
approached me, to take a children's project that I had
lovingly fostered for over a decade, "to the next level."
After spending seed money on a website, a complicated
infrastructure, manufacturing, a television commercial and
publicity, www.angels4kids.com
was born. At the end of it all, when I wrote the checks,
there was no capital left over for marketing and my business
went down like a house of cards. It was obviously time for me
to learn the lessons of trust and faith.
Many people in my position would have declared bankruptcy
and in fact, friends encouraged me to do so but I "knew" that
was not the route that I was to take.
Scared (terrified would be a better word) though I was, I
ripped open my heart and stepped into the fire and said, "God,
you and I are in this together. I will follow your lead and
get through this situation. I will not back away from this
crisis - I will move into it and I will learn from it."
Though fear and panic gripped my heart I knew that the only
way to survive was to keep a clear head and "move into the
moment." The universe delivered right away. Deposits that I
had made on accounts were used to pay down account balances
with suppliers. Checks started to appear out of nowhere - old
accounts receivable that I had forgotten were outstanding
appeared in the mailbox. People lined up for personal
consultations and to augment my business the minister of my
church called and asked me to fill in as a part time
secretary. I had barely enough money to survive but some how
my food, my shelter and my needs were all met.
Soon it was Christmas and with all the bills coming in I
didn't see how I would have any money for gifts.
I'm a Scot. It's in my nature to be resourceful if not
thrifty! In my condo building, down in the basement by the
recycle bins, there's a shelf. People put items on the shelf
that they no longer want. That shelf bore much fruit in the
weeks before Christmas. One day I looked into a tattered box
on the shelf and spied a very tarnished sterling silver tea
strainer. I polished it up and presented it to my sister with
a nice bag of Oolong tea for her Christmas gift. Another day,
I found a wooden tea trolly which I painted bright blue with
huge yellow sunflowers - for my daughter. I could see the
potential in each found item, my creative juices were flowing.
Then one day there was a single item on the shelf that caught
my eye - a small blue plaster plaque with the words "give us
this day our daily bread" embossed over a pair of praying
hands. I knew this was the ultimate message. To be given the
manna for the day - not for the long term but to be supplied
that moment, then and there.
I got through those times, they passed. The nightmare
lasted over a year. I came through it with flying colors. I
honored all my debts. My credit rating remained impecable and
I reached out for support to all I knew. I never gave up.
Through that time, life showed me that I would be supplied.
The catalytic experience of going into free fall showed me the
powerful hands of the angels had me in their grasp.
Each person needs to learn this lesson for themselves. In
fact, I feel that the lesson of trust and faith is a daily
commitment and a daily discipline and perhaps these turbulent
times are instructing us all to do just that.
Thoughts to ponder when you are going through a rough
ride:
Turn your life over to the universe - practice the
art of surrender.
Eat properly - don't collase into
the addictions of consuming too much sugar or alcohol to numb
feelings
Sleep - get into bed early and let the
angels minister to you. Sleep restores the body and helps you
to tackle the next day's challenges.
Don't drink coffee
- it further jangles fragile nerves.
Reach out
to your friends and family members - talk things through.
Listen to the wisdom of others.
Don't over spend. If
the purchase isn't necessary don't make it.
Practice using
positive affirmations. My favorite "the way is smooth"
repeated over and over again - even if it isn't.
Use
Bach Flower Rescue Remedy - calm in a bottle.
Breathe - the power is in the present moment.
Miracles happen when we are present.
