Finding Certainty in a Time of Uncertainty
Finding Certainty in a Time of Uncertainty
“When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life.”
Eckhart Tolle
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected each of us in different ways, yet there’s one thing we all have in common from it. We’ve had a crash course in how it feels and what to do when the rug of your life has been pulled from under you; because much of what makes up a life, and gives us a sense of security and comfort, comes from things outside of us. Our job, health, routines, time with people outside of our household, volunteer work, hobbies, celebrations like graduations, weddings, birthdays. All these things help us to feel rooted.
In short, we often look outside of ourselves for certainty. In moments of considerable uncertainty, you have to look within for that calm and stability when it’s lacking outside of you. You read correctly… the source of many certainties lies within you. You may not be used to looking there, but it’s there. And what’s fantastic is that it will always be there for you no matter what is happening around you.
Ready to find it?
The next time you feel that uncomfortable, shaky feeling, tell yourself that those feelings are coming from your focus on what’s outside. hen turn your attention inward. We’re now going to tap into what is known for you, what is certain for you. Your answers will anchor and guide you as you move forward, during the pandemic and beyond. This is what it means to live powerfully, masterfully at a heightened level where you are the source of your happiness, not events around you.
Think of your life as it is right now. Ask yourself,
What am I sure of? What do I know is true for me right now?
You want to get down to the nitty-gritty here. To bring to awareness, clearly and specifically, all that you know is constant, that endures. Nothing is so small as to be insignificant or silly. A solid foundation gets its strength from many small parts accumulated, right?
To get you in the frame of mind, it sounds like:
I can breathe.
I can swallow.
I can eat.
I can move my body (walk, roll, run, stretch, play my favorite sport).
I have a roof over my head.
I can use my mind, body, skills, experience to earn money so that I have enough.
I have (a wife, husband, son, daughter, mother, sister) to love, and who love me.
I have friends (students, a pastor, coach, coworker) to care for and who care about me.
I have faith in…. connect with the source of your spiritual strength and beliefs.
Notice which statements you make are most powerful for you, to have them in the future. This is a fantastic journaling exercise to start your day, a daily reminder of all that is true, all that you’re grateful for.
Some other strategies that may work for you could include:
Routines: maintain them! Engaging in familiar behaviors grounds us in sameness.
Be physical. Using your body anchors you in certainty: exercise, cooking, a COVID-19 version of a hobby. I hear a lot of people have been playing board games with their kids. I love it! Great way to reinforce what endures. If you’re familiar with my work, you know I’m going to bring up music and getting out in Nature here, right?
Meditate – the Mother of all Centering Practices
If you love animals, triple up your time with them. Research on the benefits of human-animal interaction backs me on this. When one of my favorite things, walking my dog, came to an end when he died at the beginning of COVID-19, I started borrowing 2 of my neighbors’ dogs and have been walking them. That’s why I’m so passionate about the power of what you choose to do right now; I know the value.
Connect with Intention. Are you making a point of contacting people who leave you feeling better off, “filled up”? Even if social distancing is in place, look for opportunities to ground yourself in how you are with others. I realized the power of this the other day. I noticed how I felt after looking into the eyes of a stranger, above our masks. A simple exchange of “Thank you” and “How're you doin'?" got me straight to the feeling of "we got this; we're going to be fine." Those are thoughts of certainty. That will connect you to what's lasting, that what matters is already here, regardless of a pandemic.
If you're looking for additional reading, I highly suggest checking out: https://www.talentsmart.com/articles/11-Ways-Emotionally-Intelligent-People-Overcome-Uncertainty-1596789451-p-1.html
Remember that it's ok to not always feel ok. We all have days when we feel like "we've got this," and other days when the stress feels overwhelming. This is where a gratitude journal can be so powerful. When you feel the distress building, take a moment to reflect and get re-centered.