Panic
requires me to take slow, deep breaths
until sanity returns,
but I’ve learned to dear with powerlessness pretty well,
having had a lot of practice.
Panic
never helps.
Like the times my life has been threatened . . .
something in me lets go
and I just wait and see what happens.
Historically speaking,
choosing to either flee or fight
has not been called for in these situations . . .
releasing the appearance of fear,
and sometimes the fear itself–
surrendering,
has diffused the power held over me
and saved my life.
It’s all been about learning how not to panic
in a moment of crisis.
I am otherwise powerless
in many areas of my life,
but usually have time to surrender
with a plan,
taking a pause to weigh my options,
and finding the best way to not fight back,
but to forge ahead through,
using the energy of the power over me
to work for me
rather than against me.
There are always choices . . .
we may not like any of them,
but they are there,
and our choices
can sometimes change the outcome.
When confronted with something I am truly powerless over
I try very, very hard
to choose an outcome that is for the greater good,
and not the outcome that is good for me.
The right answer will be good for me as well. ♥
I feel powerless much of the time. Today I had a choice to fret about cataract surgery or to put my boyfriend’s feet to the fire and remind him that he said he would take me. With my therapist’s aid.
Walks help me see other choices, prayer and sitting in the moment help me see options. Using the word “and” instead of “or” help me realize there are more than two options. Sometimes a goodnight sleep brings clarity.
I can think of what I can control, like my feelings and my actions. I can think of what is possible for me in the moment, what is realistic. I can remind myself of what I already have and accomplished.
The only power I seek, is the power over my own body and mind. And yes, even this can be frustrating. By being mindful and somewhat disciplined, I can make choices about what I consume and what I do with my body and mind. Not 100% of course, but I can gently steer myself in the chosen direction.
The rest of it, like the greed and suffering out in the world , is not something I can control.
I can choose how I participate and I how I contribute.
But seeking power or control over situations or other people, seems to lead to suffering.
Self-compassion and prayer. Psychologically, we humans will contort ourselves emotionally in order to not feel powerless. Yet feeling powerless is also an invitation to love the tender child within, and to hand everything over to the divine.
Nice, Drea. You just expanded upon my idea from my answer on the part of trusting the process and continuing to live life as we always do rather than trying to lift curses.
When feeling powerless, just knowing I have choices makes all the difference. What I choose or whether I choose is on me. And in the words of the good Mr. Rogers…”look for the helpers. There are always people helping.” I can always find a way to help someone, somehow, somewhere.
Katrina, one thing I’ve come to learn when looking for the helpers is to let go of agendas. Especially in the west where the culture is more individualized, it’s easier said than done. Looking for people who align with us can take some time. There are times where we just have to go through incompatible resources first to get to the more compatible ones. Many of us fall under the category of “Right intention wrong action.”
Thanks to Antoinette and a few other voices, yesterday, I had an insight.
To me, it feels like a paradigm shift.
My whole existence is my spiritual life.
I don’t have to wait for the time I set aside for the spiritual.
All of my time is my spiritual life.
My spiritual life is this moment and every moment.
The choice I make in each moment
is to live in regret, worry, or the present moment.
All of this happens in the now.
Despite any bad habits, whether learned or having fallen into,
I can choose to find gratefulness love and joy, in this moment.
My life is my spiritual life.
No waiting is required.
It is all here for me now.
This question is very humbling. It takes me on a trip to memory lane when I had relationship problems. Long story short, I’ve talked about a couple females I met at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind School being the same place I met Paw Mu. One happens to be aggressive and the other one is like Big Island. For the aggressive one, we’ll call her “Rodman” as in Dennis Rodman, the wild Chicago Bulls player in the 90s who was infamous for dying his hair in different colors, partying, kicking a camera man, but at least was real. For the other one, we’ll keep her as “Big Island.” Both happened to be besties with qualities I’m attracted to in a natural sweet voice and long hair, especially Big Island.
Rodman was easier to heal from, because that trigger was visible. Even for Big Island, I’ve improved greatly but have to develop a lot of backstage skills, ability to navigate delicate balancing acts, and even some networking skills too. A crucial part in the delicate balancing act is being able to play all sides without having to sacrifice anything. Paw Mu was right at the time when she said that I was weak in 2019. Now, 7 years later, there is truth in that. Even though I may be much stronger, there are still the occasional vulnerable holes, especially concerning Big Island.
A prime example is recently on Valentines Day just now. I was having a very good day all along. At night, details emerge on the 2nd being out of all 3 times she broke up with me. On the day before Valentines Day, Big Island cried saying that I was a big jerk who never ever cared for her nor allowed her to spend time with her friends. The teachers easily sided with her, because she has a very cheerful and sweet appearance. And of course, from the beginning, she was besties with Rodman by playing all sides pulling strings to get me out of my life now that I’ve outgrown my naive ways. Her mom said nothing. If she did, she’d spoke directly to me which that never happened. This Big Island story brings me to my answer.
Trusting god helps. The Valentines Big Island story reminds me of how Jezebel used tears against Jesus for manipulation. Gaining an intimate relationship with the lord reduces many burdens and makes me feel understood in ways I’ve never felt before. My 2 main mistakes were trying to lift the Big Island Valentines curse and allowing my mouth to write checks my heart couldn’t handle. As the old saying goes, “Pride comes before fall.” It’s why it’s considered one of the roots of evil. Now, I just trust god and continue to live my life like I always do. Faith makes a huge difference. Shout out to EJP.
I’m a human being, and I’m powerless in many situations in my life. However, that doesn’t mean I have no choice. When I face situations where I’m powerless, I allow myself to have a good sleep. I’m glad that I can do it no matter the time of day. When I wake up with a fresh mind, more choices appear. I thank God that I am able to sleep easily, not everyone can do it. It’s a gift! 📦
My Ngoc, a good sleep makes a huge difference. I find my mind to refresh and feel more peaceful. BTW, extending from my answer about the Valentines Day Big Island trigger at night, I still slept well as usual unlike years past. As mentioned, belief in god goes a long ways. Not only that, having the BosLoc crew certainly helps me feel protected. Even then, also as stated above, it’s always important to be careful of letting our mouths write checks our minds, hearts, and bodies can’t cash.
Gosh, it’s been a while since I’ve felt powerless, and for that I am grateful. I think when I do face hard times/situations, pausing and coming back to my breath always helps. It helps me remember my power and courage and also my faith, knowing I am supported by God/Universe/Source.
Today, this morning, I am powerless about the lack of snowpack in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the mountains that surround our home, San Juans, Sangre de Cristo’s, Crestone Needles, in the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the headwaters of the Rio Grande, known as the Rio Bravo del Norte in Mexico. Our small forage farm is along the Alamosa River, technically a tributary of the Rio Grande. It rarely makes it, due to the small 147 square mile drainage along with water diverted out to irrigate the land. We have had some snow in the hills, very little here. 6.5 inches so far. Last winter it was 51.5″. 2024 – 50″. 2023-31.5″.
What I am not powerless over is to see the beauty and resilience of life during drought. Agua es Vida. Peace. Love & Light.
I really, really hope the snowpack catches up, at least somewhat. If it stays this dry, there will be trouble in the entire Southwest. Hope the coming storm helps.
I see now,
dear Joseph,
why you say ‘agua es vida’ to often . . .
you are indeed in a perilous location.
It makes me anxious for you . . .
true,
there is beauty and resilience in the desert drought.
There is also your livelihood.
I wish for you a glorious deluge of spring rain. ♥
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Talking with trusted family and/or friends. Taking some time to ponder the situation over and not making any rash decisions. Prayers.
Panic
requires me to take slow, deep breaths
until sanity returns,
but I’ve learned to dear with powerlessness pretty well,
having had a lot of practice.
Panic
never helps.
Like the times my life has been threatened . . .
something in me lets go
and I just wait and see what happens.
Historically speaking,
choosing to either flee or fight
has not been called for in these situations . . .
releasing the appearance of fear,
and sometimes the fear itself–
surrendering,
has diffused the power held over me
and saved my life.
It’s all been about learning how not to panic
in a moment of crisis.
I am otherwise powerless
in many areas of my life,
but usually have time to surrender
with a plan,
taking a pause to weigh my options,
and finding the best way to not fight back,
but to forge ahead through,
using the energy of the power over me
to work for me
rather than against me.
There are always choices . . .
we may not like any of them,
but they are there,
and our choices
can sometimes change the outcome.
When confronted with something I am truly powerless over
I try very, very hard
to choose an outcome that is for the greater good,
and not the outcome that is good for me.
The right answer will be good for me as well. ♥
I feel powerless much of the time. Today I had a choice to fret about cataract surgery or to put my boyfriend’s feet to the fire and remind him that he said he would take me. With my therapist’s aid.
Walks help me see other choices, prayer and sitting in the moment help me see options. Using the word “and” instead of “or” help me realize there are more than two options. Sometimes a goodnight sleep brings clarity.
I can think of what I can control, like my feelings and my actions. I can think of what is possible for me in the moment, what is realistic. I can remind myself of what I already have and accomplished.
The only power I seek, is the power over my own body and mind. And yes, even this can be frustrating. By being mindful and somewhat disciplined, I can make choices about what I consume and what I do with my body and mind. Not 100% of course, but I can gently steer myself in the chosen direction.
The rest of it, like the greed and suffering out in the world , is not something I can control.
I can choose how I participate and I how I contribute.
But seeking power or control over situations or other people, seems to lead to suffering.
“But seeking power or control over situations or other people, seems to lead to suffering.”
I think so too,
dear Charlie. ♥
Self-compassion and prayer. Psychologically, we humans will contort ourselves emotionally in order to not feel powerless. Yet feeling powerless is also an invitation to love the tender child within, and to hand everything over to the divine.
Well said,
dear Drea . . . ♥
Yes Drea, I don’t think much change can happen, until we surrender. Giving up the fallacy of control and power.
Nice, Drea. You just expanded upon my idea from my answer on the part of trusting the process and continuing to live life as we always do rather than trying to lift curses.
When feeling powerless, just knowing I have choices makes all the difference. What I choose or whether I choose is on me. And in the words of the good Mr. Rogers…”look for the helpers. There are always people helping.” I can always find a way to help someone, somehow, somewhere.
Katrina, one thing I’ve come to learn when looking for the helpers is to let go of agendas. Especially in the west where the culture is more individualized, it’s easier said than done. Looking for people who align with us can take some time. There are times where we just have to go through incompatible resources first to get to the more compatible ones. Many of us fall under the category of “Right intention wrong action.”
Recently I have noticed if I take the stance of “walking with” instead of “I have to overcome”, I relax and feel calmer.
Love this!
Thanks to Antoinette and a few other voices, yesterday, I had an insight.
To me, it feels like a paradigm shift.
My whole existence is my spiritual life.
I don’t have to wait for the time I set aside for the spiritual.
All of my time is my spiritual life.
My spiritual life is this moment and every moment.
The choice I make in each moment
is to live in regret, worry, or the present moment.
All of this happens in the now.
Despite any bad habits, whether learned or having fallen into,
I can choose to find gratefulness love and joy, in this moment.
My life is my spiritual life.
No waiting is required.
It is all here for me now.
🙌
Yes!
Mary, the butterfly affect is amazing. Just a difference in 1 move in the present moment can have quite the wripple effect in the long run.
This question is very humbling. It takes me on a trip to memory lane when I had relationship problems. Long story short, I’ve talked about a couple females I met at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind School being the same place I met Paw Mu. One happens to be aggressive and the other one is like Big Island. For the aggressive one, we’ll call her “Rodman” as in Dennis Rodman, the wild Chicago Bulls player in the 90s who was infamous for dying his hair in different colors, partying, kicking a camera man, but at least was real. For the other one, we’ll keep her as “Big Island.” Both happened to be besties with qualities I’m attracted to in a natural sweet voice and long hair, especially Big Island.
Rodman was easier to heal from, because that trigger was visible. Even for Big Island, I’ve improved greatly but have to develop a lot of backstage skills, ability to navigate delicate balancing acts, and even some networking skills too. A crucial part in the delicate balancing act is being able to play all sides without having to sacrifice anything. Paw Mu was right at the time when she said that I was weak in 2019. Now, 7 years later, there is truth in that. Even though I may be much stronger, there are still the occasional vulnerable holes, especially concerning Big Island.
A prime example is recently on Valentines Day just now. I was having a very good day all along. At night, details emerge on the 2nd being out of all 3 times she broke up with me. On the day before Valentines Day, Big Island cried saying that I was a big jerk who never ever cared for her nor allowed her to spend time with her friends. The teachers easily sided with her, because she has a very cheerful and sweet appearance. And of course, from the beginning, she was besties with Rodman by playing all sides pulling strings to get me out of my life now that I’ve outgrown my naive ways. Her mom said nothing. If she did, she’d spoke directly to me which that never happened. This Big Island story brings me to my answer.
Trusting god helps. The Valentines Big Island story reminds me of how Jezebel used tears against Jesus for manipulation. Gaining an intimate relationship with the lord reduces many burdens and makes me feel understood in ways I’ve never felt before. My 2 main mistakes were trying to lift the Big Island Valentines curse and allowing my mouth to write checks my heart couldn’t handle. As the old saying goes, “Pride comes before fall.” It’s why it’s considered one of the roots of evil. Now, I just trust god and continue to live my life like I always do. Faith makes a huge difference. Shout out to EJP.
I’m a human being, and I’m powerless in many situations in my life. However, that doesn’t mean I have no choice. When I face situations where I’m powerless, I allow myself to have a good sleep. I’m glad that I can do it no matter the time of day. When I wake up with a fresh mind, more choices appear. I thank God that I am able to sleep easily, not everyone can do it. It’s a gift! 📦
Yes, Ngoc. You are lucky.
“I’m a human being, and I’m powerless in many situations in my life. However, that doesn’t mean I have no choice.”
What a wonderful observation,
dear Ngoc . . .
a reminder
that even though we may be powerless,
we always have choices.
Thank you for this. ♥
My Ngoc, a good sleep makes a huge difference. I find my mind to refresh and feel more peaceful. BTW, extending from my answer about the Valentines Day Big Island trigger at night, I still slept well as usual unlike years past. As mentioned, belief in god goes a long ways. Not only that, having the BosLoc crew certainly helps me feel protected. Even then, also as stated above, it’s always important to be careful of letting our mouths write checks our minds, hearts, and bodies can’t cash.
Gosh, it’s been a while since I’ve felt powerless, and for that I am grateful. I think when I do face hard times/situations, pausing and coming back to my breath always helps. It helps me remember my power and courage and also my faith, knowing I am supported by God/Universe/Source.
Sunnypatti, we share the same line of thinking rooted in humility based on our answers.
I can always return to my breath.
Today, this morning, I am powerless about the lack of snowpack in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the mountains that surround our home, San Juans, Sangre de Cristo’s, Crestone Needles, in the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the headwaters of the Rio Grande, known as the Rio Bravo del Norte in Mexico. Our small forage farm is along the Alamosa River, technically a tributary of the Rio Grande. It rarely makes it, due to the small 147 square mile drainage along with water diverted out to irrigate the land. We have had some snow in the hills, very little here. 6.5 inches so far. Last winter it was 51.5″. 2024 – 50″. 2023-31.5″.
What I am not powerless over is to see the beauty and resilience of life during drought. Agua es Vida. Peace. Love & Light.
I really, really hope the snowpack catches up, at least somewhat. If it stays this dry, there will be trouble in the entire Southwest. Hope the coming storm helps.
I see now,
dear Joseph,
why you say ‘agua es vida’ to often . . .
you are indeed in a perilous location.
It makes me anxious for you . . .
true,
there is beauty and resilience in the desert drought.
There is also your livelihood.
I wish for you a glorious deluge of spring rain. ♥