WHEN LIFE COMES AT YOU LIKE A LION IN MARCH

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It seems that with the forward of the hour to mark the change in season, there was a flurry of fast forwards for me during the preceding week requiring so much to do and to handle. There were work assignments due; company coming over; personal projects due; learning of the passing of a friend; learning of two tragedies involving young people; a field trip; and a plumbing issue in my kitchen. I was dealing with things against a backdrop of turbulent rain and high winds teasing the continuity of electricity to my house over the weekend. Within 4 days there were so many things due, while I was hit with so much sad news, and trying to navigate the major inconvenience of non-usage of my sink while I await the repair person.

I was not frantic. I kept focused and did what I had to do, while finding breaks in time to relax, be still, contemplate, and sort out what to do next. I literally removed myself to a special space in the house to nurture myself in this way, often, each day.

I can’t say that I was full of joy during these days, but I used the time to contemplate; to trust that all is working out for my good and for those involved; and I just created a way to do light cooking and dishes with minor adjustments while plumbing was not functional in the kitchen.

My contemplation was soothed by beginning the huge task of clearing my basement and getting rid of so many things that are taking up space. Ripping up pieces of paper and tossing them in the garbage bag was therapeutic. The sad events, commitments, flickering lights from the storm, and delays in a repair person coming could easily have created havoc for me, but I used the time to be deliberate in my stillness, moving about in a slow manner, beginning a process of clearing out, and day dreaming as the rain hit the window, and most of all, to meditate and pray.

I was able to complete a major document for one of my organizations; guide someone in need of solace; and complete the field trip with notes needed for tomorrow and I managed to get out of the house for a couple of hours each day of the weekend for me-time.

I see the shift that staying on purpose and knowing that in the chaos, stillness and quiet helps to bring me calm, focus, strength, and effectiveness. Instead of being upset, hyper, irritable, and worried, I was able to be relatively peaceful. It is an ongoing practice.

Dr. Ethel Drayton-Craig