Don't Panic: Look at Nature

These days there is an awful lot of manufactured panic going on. I read about a small business owner trying not to feel panic with the knowledge of the recession and how she looks for how it may be effecting her business. I have seen first hand the reactions people have to their lay-offs or the lay-offs of others. As it starts to creep ever closer people are walking on egg shells. Am I next? Is my company okay? Is my spouse's company okay? Am I okay? There are a number of principals you can look toward when you feel the panic creeping in.

First is, live day-by-day, moment-by-moment. If you are really okay - physically - in this moment, then you need to celebrate that, and try not to manufacture fears. The fight or flight syndrome nature has created for us was protective for immediate threats, but unfortunately, somewhere along the way, did not sync up with our advanced brains. We have a great ability to plan and look to the future, but this does not serve us if it puts us in worry, panic and stress.

Second is, you are going to want to control what you can control and that includes your thoughts and your physicality. Exercise, get out, walk in nature, breathe, distract yourself with fun and positive things. I find getting out in nature particularly renewing as it reminds me that the human world is manufactured and that the planet keeps bumping along with all its wonders oblivious to things like economies. While you do that, you can balance it with proactive controls on your finances. If you haven't had to before, now is a good time to start making sure you can weather the storms that life is perpetually filled with (Chapter 3), because they are not going away. Don't scrimp on the important things that are there for your daily/weekly health, but make sure you are saving and not over indulging. This will serve you in all times, not just when things get tight.

Thirdly, you are not alone, never have been, and never will be. Keep nurturing your relationships and friendships. These times hold tremendous opportunities to help one another and form strong communities. And, I'll say it again; asking for help is healthy and gets you on track. It also allows you to help others. In the famous quote by poet John Donne it is often divided into the two most famous lines at its beginning and ending. It starts "No man is an Island..." but it ends, "...never send for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee." Good things start with you because you want to help others. This goes out to Chris in Vancouver and his terrific daily You Tube "Laughter Yoga" reports.