PEBBLE
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.
~The Lorax (Dr. Seuss) shared by LaToya in Bel Air, MD
BOULDER
When life feels chaotic, acting on our values, even in small ways, can restore a sense of direction. Not because circumstances improve, but because we remember who we are within them.
~Pninit Russo-Netzer, shared by Kelly in Grantham, NH (via Greater Good)
PONDER
Kelly made an insightful comment when she submitted today’s Boulder: “In times that feel like a spinning free fall (from turmoil, trauma, confusion, chaos, suffering, grief and mystery, etc.), acting on our values is something we can control…and it does make a difference! Remembering who we are in such times is like the spinning dancer who sets their focal point to avoid getting dizzy and falling down.”
Whenever the world, or your particular little corner of it, feels like it is spinning out of control, see if you can pause long enough to take a deep breath (HERE on the inhale, NOW on the exhale) and identify a focal point that might help steady you in the middle of the chaos. Maybe it’s a specific task that needs doing, or choosing a particular person or cause to focus your energy on.
I’ve consistently found that narrowing my focus for a while can help me notch a few small wins in effort and accomplishment. That often restores a little confidence and direction, giving me enough steadiness to wonder, “Okay, what can I do next?”
We don’t have to stop the spinning or fix everything at once. Caring a whole awful lot can become overwhelming if we try to care about everything at once. But when we give that care somewhere specific to go, it becomes action. And even a small act can help us remember who we are, what matters, and where to place our feet next.
We got this, we do.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Speaking of Dr. Seuss…did you hear about this goofy little tune released this summer? It was inspired by a never-before-seen Dr. Seuss Story!