The only way I can be an agent of peace during chaos is: first things first—I cannot give what I don’t have. I become very conscious of my breathing; invoke Prayer of St Francis of Assisi; and ask the Creator “how can I be helpful here?” My reservoir feels a little fuller & based on how intuition leads me, I respond or listen to those involved in the chaos. Restful Labor Day Monday to all.☮️🌻
Some times I need time to ponder over chaotic moments. I need time to go for a walk in nature or talk to a loved one to sort thing out by talking out loud about what is going on. Sometimes quiet prayer or a supportive community such as this helps.
For me, sometimes in the chaotic moment, there is an unexpected change that creates relief. Even if a frantic situation I’ve experienced a welcome shift even if just for a moment. .
This is such an interesting response, Maeve, thank you. As I read it, I had a fleeting feeling of having had that experience as well. I want to reflect on it more. Much energy to be mindful of. 🌸
Sometimes I respond before reading the comments of others, sometimes after. I’m glad I read comments before writing, as all your sharing gave me realizations about some of my habits.
I’m a “fixer” who is working to curb that tendency to help first, ask afterwards if that’s what someone wanted. In a moment of chaos perhaps I’m not the one who should act. Pausing to find peace for myself gives me time to think about what the best next action is. It may be inaction rather than action that the moment calls for.
I’ve had the chance to go whitewater rafting a few times with an expert guide in the boat. That kind of voyage is a form of only partially controlled chaos. Everything happens fast; the river, like life, doesn’t wait for you to know what to do. The guide tells you to “Paddle! Paddle!” when that’s essential to steer around a big rock. At other times it’s best to go with the flow, perhaps with some gentle steering and perhaps letting the water, gravity, and the riverbed take you where you need to go, or take you through the only possible passage in a tight spot.
With this in mind I’ll share a poem James Crews just wrote and shared in honor of the wonderful poet Wendell Berry, who recently returned to the earth he loved so deeply and so well.
The River
after Wendell Berry
Out of the tangle of deadlines
and obligations, out of the mire
of self-doubt and fear, rises
the truest intention, a river
you’ve been called to follow.
But don’t just trace its course
from the safety of the bank—
leap into it, immersing yourself
in the irresistible current, let
your body be carried by clearing
water all the way to the source.
Stay devoted to this allowing,
and learn to swim with resistance.
Come to see each looming boulder
not as a blockage, but a momentary
impediment that invites
the whole river to sing.
I love your analogy
of river rafting
and navigating the currents,
dear Barb . . .
it so perfectly describes for me
the concepts of ‘when to paddle’
and when to ‘go with the flow’.
Thank you for taking the time.
I was sorry to hear of the loss
of another speaker from the soul . . .
Wendell Berry. ♥
Chaos is uncomfortable because it’s super confusing and unpredictable. But I wouldn’t want to react in a knee-jerk way in an attempt to preserve my comfort. Rather, I would want to surrender or relax for a moment to see what this chaos is. For example, inner chaos can be caused by a health problem, and beneath the chaos could be the need to eat, rest, or distract. Emotional chaos can come from a cognitive dissonance or unprocessed feelings. Relational chaos means I can step towards the other(s) and offer approaches for collaboration, or, depending on the situation, gtfo. Creative chaos can be an opportunity for something new to emerge. On it goes. I have trouble generalizing a single chaos. Rather, there are many contexts for chaos, with many possible responses. On a positive note, “one must have chaos within oneself to give birth to a dancing star.” -Nietzsche
Thanks for your reflection, Drea. I think I generalized “chaos” when I answered the question yesterday, but you’ve certainly made me rethink chaos! Great quote to end it with, too!
Very profound,
dear Drea . . .
you have given me much to think about
regarding chaos.
(my husband
was once in a band called ‘Chaos’. 🙂 )
I hadn’t really thought about it this way,
and now I want to go
and have another think.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful insight.
Well said, Drea. This reminds me of former NBA coach, George Karl, who is very similar to me. He’s a straight shooter. His best days are with the Seattle Supersonics in the 90s. It’s sad to see that franchise dispand into the OKC Thunder in 2008-2009, but that’s a topic for another day. The 90s Sonics were known to play fast with aggressive defense. George Karl calls his “Random Basketball” philosophy “Chaorder.” It’s chaos and order put into one. Applying that to life will certainly help with finding peace within chaos.
No problem, Barb. People come up with interesting words all the time we’re unaware of. It all starts in inner circle. The word of mouth is quite a powerful tool.
I’ve been in more than a few chaotic moments in my life. I’ve always jumped into action and become very focused. The adrenaline kicks in and I go into survival mode. I haven’t been in a chaotic situation in a while, but, I am learning to take a breath. Take a breath and a beat. Try to not let the adrenaline take over completely. Just remembering to breathe. It’s amazing how often I hold my breath.
Now, I’m not sure it’s my job to create peace in a chaotic situation. I’m not even sure peace is what I want in that situation. I can try to remain calm, and that may be helpful.
Taking a moment to identify whether I’m the one whose job it is to create peace–lots to take away from that, Charlie. I tend to be a “fixer” and am trying to learn to ask first whether my help is wanted or welcome.
Charlie, I agree that peace isn’t necessarily the only or desirable option. And peace and calm are different. Thanks for these observations, really got me thinking.
Richard Rohr’s meditation this morning spoke directly to me as does today’s quote and question. I will include the link at the end of this message. First and foremost, I want to thank you all for your loving and compassionate messages to me in reference to my upcoming surgery. They warm my heart and calm my head (monkey mind). All of life is about the importance of relationship with each and every moment, with Mother Earth, with the whole Universe, and everyone and every thing in it whether we come in direct contact or not. Everything we think, everything we do, has an impact. How can we be creators of peace unless we accept the fact that we are creators? I’m coming to the conclusion that my only job is to create, to be the peace I seek, moment to moment. I’m coming to the conclusion that my relationship with Life requires me to trust, to go out on the limb with an open mind and an open heart. The last sentence in Richard’s meditation is: “It is probably necessary to eliminate most doubt when we are young; doing so is a good survival technique. But such worldviews are not true—and they are not wisdom. Wisdom happily lives with mystery, doubt, and unknowing and, in such living, ironically resolves that very mystery to some degree.”
Sincerely, Carol Ann https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-dance-of-faith-doubt/
”To hold the full mystery of life is always to endure its other half, which is the equal mystery of death and doubt. To know anything fully is always to hold that part of it which is still mysterious and unknowable.”
Richard Rohr’s meditation today
is incredibly rich with irony and tension.
I can almost taste the rust.
Thank you,
dear Carol Ann,
for sharing this wisdom,
as it eases for me
a question of faith vs. doubt . . .
I see now,
that there is no ‘versus’ at all . . .
the two weave together
to create a stronger bond with true human living.
I too,
am learning to lean into
what at first
seems like paradox. ♥
I hope you will look back
on your response to yesterday’s question,
dear Carol Ann . . .
I made a terrible mistake
in my response to yours,
and tried to correct it. ♥
Sparrow, I am aware of the correction but please know that I was not disturbed by your first response. I think I know you pretty well and I knew what you meant to say.
Beautiful words: “my relationship with Life requires me to trust, to go out on the limb with an open mind and an open heart.” I feel this is easy to tell myself and much more difficult in practice!
Drea, When I realized that Life is trustworthy and so am I it was a relief. I was such a compulsive doubter. In general, Life is easier for me now but maintaining that open mind and open heart challenges me sometimes and I think it always will. But I truly believe that my willingness to live with an open mind and open heart has opened the channel of Grace that I sought for so many years. I actually can fail at something and not unmercifully beat myself up about it!
Growing my empire is my way of creating peace in chaotic moments. More hobbies and increasing my social circles direct my focus to multiple areas. Attachment is the last thing we need.
These links to the National Today site are a gift, Michele. Thank you! Today is National Read a Book. It’s also Fight Procrastination Day. That must mean that if you’ve been meaning to get around to making time to read, today is the day! 📕📗📘📙📚📖🔖
Sometimes I just want to run away from the chaos. Go solo somewhere in my world. This helps me settle into what is and then, I am able to go about life along with the chaos. Other times, I lean into it, because I don’t always see chaos as a bad thing. Sometimes I find it downright instructive or entertaining. It is part of living for sure.🌺
In chaotic moments, when I don’t know where to turn, I just step aside from the path, pause, observe, and take a break. If that is urgent, I’d follow my instinct instead of spiraling. Peace is in the moment that I allow myself to pause and observe.
A science fiction novel I read recently introduced me to the feng shui concept of leaning aside when something is rushing toward you. That feels similar to what you’re saying, Ngoc.
As the quote says breath deep. I have also started saying a mantra in my head taking some phrases I have heard here and one from the great Maya Angelou.
“This too shall pass, all will be well, and still I rise”
Sometimes I will add her thought of brining all that came before me with me when I really need to feel grounded.
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The only way I can be an agent of peace during chaos is: first things first—I cannot give what I don’t have. I become very conscious of my breathing; invoke Prayer of St Francis of Assisi; and ask the Creator “how can I be helpful here?” My reservoir feels a little fuller & based on how intuition leads me, I respond or listen to those involved in the chaos. Restful Labor Day Monday to all.☮️🌻
Beautiful, Carla, thank you.🌺
Some times I need time to ponder over chaotic moments. I need time to go for a walk in nature or talk to a loved one to sort thing out by talking out loud about what is going on. Sometimes quiet prayer or a supportive community such as this helps.
I so understand and identify with your response. Thanks Robin Ann.
Yes, that is the question.
For me, sometimes in the chaotic moment, there is an unexpected change that creates relief. Even if a frantic situation I’ve experienced a welcome shift even if just for a moment. .
This is such an interesting response, Maeve, thank you. As I read it, I had a fleeting feeling of having had that experience as well. I want to reflect on it more. Much energy to be mindful of. 🌸
Sometimes I respond before reading the comments of others, sometimes after. I’m glad I read comments before writing, as all your sharing gave me realizations about some of my habits.
I’m a “fixer” who is working to curb that tendency to help first, ask afterwards if that’s what someone wanted. In a moment of chaos perhaps I’m not the one who should act. Pausing to find peace for myself gives me time to think about what the best next action is. It may be inaction rather than action that the moment calls for.
I’ve had the chance to go whitewater rafting a few times with an expert guide in the boat. That kind of voyage is a form of only partially controlled chaos. Everything happens fast; the river, like life, doesn’t wait for you to know what to do. The guide tells you to “Paddle! Paddle!” when that’s essential to steer around a big rock. At other times it’s best to go with the flow, perhaps with some gentle steering and perhaps letting the water, gravity, and the riverbed take you where you need to go, or take you through the only possible passage in a tight spot.
With this in mind I’ll share a poem James Crews just wrote and shared in honor of the wonderful poet Wendell Berry, who recently returned to the earth he loved so deeply and so well.
The River
after Wendell Berry
Out of the tangle of deadlines
and obligations, out of the mire
of self-doubt and fear, rises
the truest intention, a river
you’ve been called to follow.
But don’t just trace its course
from the safety of the bank—
leap into it, immersing yourself
in the irresistible current, let
your body be carried by clearing
water all the way to the source.
Stay devoted to this allowing,
and learn to swim with resistance.
Come to see each looming boulder
not as a blockage, but a momentary
impediment that invites
the whole river to sing.
I agree with Sparrow and I love your analogy of river rafting and navigating the currents. Thank you also for sharing the related poem.
Thank you, Barb.
Thank you, Barb. Flowing with water seeking its level. Agua es Vida.
Thanks for the poem.
I love your analogy
of river rafting
and navigating the currents,
dear Barb . . .
it so perfectly describes for me
the concepts of ‘when to paddle’
and when to ‘go with the flow’.
Thank you for taking the time.
I was sorry to hear of the loss
of another speaker from the soul . . .
Wendell Berry. ♥
Ooh, that’s a good poem. A river you’ve been called to follow. Something about that phrase alone relaxes me.
Chaos is uncomfortable because it’s super confusing and unpredictable. But I wouldn’t want to react in a knee-jerk way in an attempt to preserve my comfort. Rather, I would want to surrender or relax for a moment to see what this chaos is. For example, inner chaos can be caused by a health problem, and beneath the chaos could be the need to eat, rest, or distract. Emotional chaos can come from a cognitive dissonance or unprocessed feelings. Relational chaos means I can step towards the other(s) and offer approaches for collaboration, or, depending on the situation, gtfo. Creative chaos can be an opportunity for something new to emerge. On it goes. I have trouble generalizing a single chaos. Rather, there are many contexts for chaos, with many possible responses. On a positive note, “one must have chaos within oneself to give birth to a dancing star.” -Nietzsche
Amen, Sista!🌸
Thanks for your reflection, Drea. I think I generalized “chaos” when I answered the question yesterday, but you’ve certainly made me rethink chaos! Great quote to end it with, too!
Fight, Flight, Freeze or “gtfo”. Thanks for the descriptive acronym, Drea. Still chuckling.
Very profound,
dear Drea . . .
you have given me much to think about
regarding chaos.
(my husband
was once in a band called ‘Chaos’. 🙂 )
I hadn’t really thought about it this way,
and now I want to go
and have another think.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful insight.
And I love the quote from Nietzsche. ♥
Such a wonderful perspective, Drea. Thank you!
Thanks Barb!
Well said, Drea. This reminds me of former NBA coach, George Karl, who is very similar to me. He’s a straight shooter. His best days are with the Seattle Supersonics in the 90s. It’s sad to see that franchise dispand into the OKC Thunder in 2008-2009, but that’s a topic for another day. The 90s Sonics were known to play fast with aggressive defense. George Karl calls his “Random Basketball” philosophy “Chaorder.” It’s chaos and order put into one. Applying that to life will certainly help with finding peace within chaos.
I like the term “chaorder”. Thank you for introducing me to it, Loc!
I like the term too! Thanks Loc.
No problem, Drea.
No problem, Barb. People come up with interesting words all the time we’re unaware of. It all starts in inner circle. The word of mouth is quite a powerful tool.
I’ve been in more than a few chaotic moments in my life. I’ve always jumped into action and become very focused. The adrenaline kicks in and I go into survival mode. I haven’t been in a chaotic situation in a while, but, I am learning to take a breath. Take a breath and a beat. Try to not let the adrenaline take over completely. Just remembering to breathe. It’s amazing how often I hold my breath.
Now, I’m not sure it’s my job to create peace in a chaotic situation. I’m not even sure peace is what I want in that situation. I can try to remain calm, and that may be helpful.
Taking a moment to identify whether I’m the one whose job it is to create peace–lots to take away from that, Charlie. I tend to be a “fixer” and am trying to learn to ask first whether my help is wanted or welcome.
Charlie, I agree that peace isn’t necessarily the only or desirable option. And peace and calm are different. Thanks for these observations, really got me thinking.
My go to is to reach out in a form of a phone call, text, card, or doing a creative activity.
Richard Rohr’s meditation this morning spoke directly to me as does today’s quote and question. I will include the link at the end of this message. First and foremost, I want to thank you all for your loving and compassionate messages to me in reference to my upcoming surgery. They warm my heart and calm my head (monkey mind). All of life is about the importance of relationship with each and every moment, with Mother Earth, with the whole Universe, and everyone and every thing in it whether we come in direct contact or not. Everything we think, everything we do, has an impact. How can we be creators of peace unless we accept the fact that we are creators? I’m coming to the conclusion that my only job is to create, to be the peace I seek, moment to moment. I’m coming to the conclusion that my relationship with Life requires me to trust, to go out on the limb with an open mind and an open heart. The last sentence in Richard’s meditation is: “It is probably necessary to eliminate most doubt when we are young; doing so is a good survival technique. But such worldviews are not true—and they are not wisdom. Wisdom happily lives with mystery, doubt, and unknowing and, in such living, ironically resolves that very mystery to some degree.”
Sincerely, Carol Ann
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-dance-of-faith-doubt/
”To hold the full mystery of life is always to endure its other half, which is the equal mystery of death and doubt. To know anything fully is always to hold that part of it which is still mysterious and unknowable.”
Richard Rohr’s meditation today
is incredibly rich with irony and tension.
I can almost taste the rust.
Thank you,
dear Carol Ann,
for sharing this wisdom,
as it eases for me
a question of faith vs. doubt . . .
I see now,
that there is no ‘versus’ at all . . .
the two weave together
to create a stronger bond with true human living.
I too,
am learning to lean into
what at first
seems like paradox. ♥
I hope you will look back
on your response to yesterday’s question,
dear Carol Ann . . .
I made a terrible mistake
in my response to yours,
and tried to correct it. ♥
Sparrow, I am aware of the correction but please know that I was not disturbed by your first response. I think I know you pretty well and I knew what you meant to say.
♥
Beautiful words: “my relationship with Life requires me to trust, to go out on the limb with an open mind and an open heart.” I feel this is easy to tell myself and much more difficult in practice!
Drea, When I realized that Life is trustworthy and so am I it was a relief. I was such a compulsive doubter. In general, Life is easier for me now but maintaining that open mind and open heart challenges me sometimes and I think it always will. But I truly believe that my willingness to live with an open mind and open heart has opened the channel of Grace that I sought for so many years. I actually can fail at something and not unmercifully beat myself up about it!
I too,
have learned
that failing
is a part of the learning process,
dear Carol Ann. ♥
Growing my empire is my way of creating peace in chaotic moments. More hobbies and increasing my social circles direct my focus to multiple areas. Attachment is the last thing we need.
Focusing on the breath.
https://nationaltoday.com/today/
These links to the National Today site are a gift, Michele. Thank you! Today is National Read a Book. It’s also Fight Procrastination Day. That must mean that if you’ve been meaning to get around to making time to read, today is the day! 📕📗📘📙📚📖🔖
I’m happy to pass along a ‘little delight’ – when there are more than one Nat’l Day that are good I just post the whole link rather than choosing, LOL
Ah,
dear Michele . . .
a celebration
of our beloved books. 🙂
I knew that would be a good one📚💗
Sometimes I just want to run away from the chaos. Go solo somewhere in my world. This helps me settle into what is and then, I am able to go about life along with the chaos. Other times, I lean into it, because I don’t always see chaos as a bad thing. Sometimes I find it downright instructive or entertaining. It is part of living for sure.🌺
fight or flight, are natural reactions!
I just kind of shut everything out, except for the things I really need to survive.
Put your own oxygen mask on first!
I pause, focus on my breath, and recenter myself.
If it’s particularly chaotic, I will do a specific pranayama practice to sooth my vagus nerve.
Happy Sunday ☀️
In chaotic moments, when I don’t know where to turn, I just step aside from the path, pause, observe, and take a break. If that is urgent, I’d follow my instinct instead of spiraling. Peace is in the moment that I allow myself to pause and observe.
A science fiction novel I read recently introduced me to the feng shui concept of leaning aside when something is rushing toward you. That feels similar to what you’re saying, Ngoc.
NGOC, You speak wisdom.
My Ngoc, trusting our intuition helps with urgency. It’s what it’s there for.
As the quote says breath deep. I have also started saying a mantra in my head taking some phrases I have heard here and one from the great Maya Angelou.
“This too shall pass, all will be well, and still I rise”
Sometimes I will add her thought of brining all that came before me with me when I really need to feel grounded.
Your last paragraph makes me feel strong just reading it, Deann. I have not heard that before. Thank you.🌺