Facts as Facts
As easy as it is to speculate on what might happen in our lives, when we are devastated by illness, financial ruin, divorce, politics, and so on, it seems best to stick with the facts. “Facts as Facts,” is a maxim of Japanese Psychiatrist, Dr. Shoma Morita. Of course, it is natural and even helpful to look ahead, like the Stoics, to have some options in our back pocket. We just don’t want to linger there, putting our lives on hold. Thus, the advice to rein our minds in, when they go galloping through the fields like wild stallions, is useful. Of course, this can be easier said than done.
However, one of the ways that has consistently proven to be helpful when we are suffering from angst, fear, uncertainty, and discouragement is to do physical things. We are better off to work in the garden or clean a cupboard than tackle paperwork. Moving our bodies is a way to release adrenaline and when we have the satisfaction of bagging all those fallen leaves, we have the extra bonus of surveying our beautiful handiwork. And when it is one of those crisp, clear, blue-sky kind of days – well, that is a bonus. When the going is tough consider the things, you can do that require you to move.
This Also is True
Today, I am thinking of the state of the world and as painful as it gets, it is still true that there is so much to be grateful for. For myself, early this morning, I enjoyed listening to my Grandson practice his piano; I was so grateful for the people who came and picked up the garbage and the quiet of Emma’s Forest Bathing Studio. All these things are ordinary, yet, when I remember and acknowledge the simple fact that they are also true, also part of this crazy world, I regain perspective.
Let’s use our steadying sail to keep our boats from capsizing. We continue to learn a lot about being human and living in this amazing world. I wonder how we might use our eyes to see differently.
Consider this:
Be the Calm One on the Boat
When the crowded refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked, all would be lost. But if even one person stayed calm, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive. –Thich Nhat Hanh
Enjoy these end of autumn weekends. I wish for you loads of time outdoors. Warmly, Trudy
