What I learned About Crisis from Hurricane Irma

Sitting quietly, and sometimes not so quietly last week, I reflected nonetheless on my internal process of  bending into discomfort with the impending Hurricane in Southern Florida where I live. I intimately noticed the power and danger of the collective 'panic' energy, (perhaps a topic for another blog?) and its role in stirring the emotions of the masses. However, irrespective of that, I curled up on my closet floor with hopefulness, peace, and essential oil as the storm blew over us. Feeling spiritually and physically safe, I later realized that the process of enduring the storm itself, was not nearly as difficult as the aftermath. And that the process of internal discomfort I went through, was by far more powerful than the external chaos of wind and rain.

We can feel secure in our identity when we remain comfortable in familiar roles. For example, I am comfortable giving in specific roles and receiving from only certain people and circumstances. However, a hurricane generates a community sense and shakes up the patterns of how we interact with others. And any crisis for that matter, alters the comfort of usual roles by creating an opportunity for us to experience our more vulnerable sides. Crisis, which I would define as intense emotional upheaval, challenges our norm of behavior. What we do during that time, defines and reshapes us. Crisis can be a turning point if we allow it. Digging up the pieces of our insecurities and blowing them onto our faces. Crisis is designed to be the snow globe that shakes so knowing how to make it through, in the most peaceful and grounded way, is key. 

Below are the stages of crisis I noticed in myself that gave way to the insight that I was not very comfortable receiving help from friends (ouch!) A lesson that still needs a deeper conversation with not only myself, but with my spiritual guides, and Akashic Record. 

Here are common stages of crisis, how to notice them, and how to meet them with gentleness.... 

Unsteady: The moment we feel unsettled, often triggered by an event, person, or situation. The emotions we may experience here can be shock and fear. This is where we are disheveled and out of sorts. Tip: Be internally still here, notice where in your physical body unsteadiness lives, put your hand there, and breathe consistently.

 

Action: A behavioral expression of preparedness and external movement often in an attempt to soothe the unsteady sense by being busy. The emotions here can be anxiety, panic or irritability and take the form of racing around. Tip: Slow down, talk about your feelings more, don't hold them in, and ask for help. Be encouraging to yourself and find ways to honor the underlying emotions that are triggering your behaviors. 

Release: A verbal, emotional or physical release of energy. It feels like an overflowing pot before, and relief after. This can be crying, exercising, communication or experiencing very intense emotions like anger or grief. Tip: Try to rope in your emotional experience and prevent it from projecting onto others. This is indeed your own emotional manifestation, coming from within you. Claim it and understand what it is saying to you. Refrain from blaming it on someone else.

Stuck-ness: A place of inaction, immobility, or paralyzed decision-making. Emotions in this place can be confusion, hopelessness, and feeling alone. Tip: It is so important that if we are in this place, that we are gentle with ourselves. Engaging in self-talk is important such as, "this too shall pass." Treat yourself with compassion while being hopeful about the future. Stuck-ness is an episode that changes if we don't indulge it. 

Acceptance: A sense of resignation, realization and awareness that often brings feelings of peacefulness and trust that all is well the way it is. This stage is often initiated by our own release of control that gives way to surrender. Tip: Engage your spiritual self, higher power, or spiritual guides. When we are embracing this serenity, we are more clear to hear messages and are more likely to follow divine guidance. 

Awakening: A place of lesson learning, new insights, and union with oneself. In this stage we may feel gratitude, bliss, connection and intimacy. This stage is where we integrate information from our experience and apply it in our lives. Tip: Pay it forward and practice your new skills by teaching or modeling them to others. 

These stages give way to rich human experiences if we give them permission Above all, flow and allow yourself to go through life's natural transitions and experiences with ease. By doing so, we accept our soul's divine inheritance of evolution. If we are to become more trusting and faithful humans, we will need to accept the opportunities like this, in crisis, so that we can be changed. Nothing about our soul's experience is here to remain rigidly the same. Be easy children of the universe and let yourself courageously be changed by life's nudging. It is as if by letting go like a scarf in the wind, we are carried to new places and heights. 

Sitting in my closet with a meditation cushion and groovy gear during Hurricane Irma

If you want to learn more about the lessons hidden in any of your own life situations reach out to me here at Rasa Healing, to make an appointment and explore what guidance may be waiting for you to uncover.