Finding the Opportunity In Uncertain Times

Dear reader,

If you are anything like me, your head has been spinning over how quickly events have been unfolding during the past few weeks. With the spread of the coronavirus, conditions have been changing so rapidly that we receive updates and new instructions on what feels like an hourly basis.

This pandemic is real. It is a generational event, and a global one. I hope you and your loved ones are safe, and well, and following all necessary precautions. The large scale of this event has reminded me (maybe you too?) that we truly are a global family. We are all in this together. Even as we self-isolate and practice social distancing, we are being called on to connect with each other as never before.

One key to not just getting through this situation, but transforming it into a time of incredible growth, lies in how each of us responds to uncertainty.

In this article, I’ll share one crucial mindset shift to make so you can dance with uncertainty, and three tools to help you maintain that mindset.

Take heart

I have been deeply touched by the way I see people reaching out and helping others on a physical level. Teens are offering to buy groceries for those who are vulnerable. Health care workers are putting in long hours in high risk situations, because that is what they do, and they are so, so needed.

I have been delighted by the way people are reaching out on social media to share resources, creativity and inspiration. I see dancers dancing in their living rooms, musicians broadcasting from their bedrooms, and people sharing stories of both caution and hope.

Human beings are inherently good. Through our goodness, we will rise above. Isn’t now the perfect time to unleash your inherent goodness?

Yes, we are seeing fear, and most likely having fearful moments ourselves. It is challenging to find a balance between giving this crisis the absolute seriousness it calls for, and avoiding full-blown panic.

People who are operating from fear right now may have forgotten their own inherent goodness. Remembering, especially in uncertain times like these, takes practice.

The nature of uncertainty

Uncertainty is where it’s at right now.

And for many people, that is very scary. Understandably so. We humans can be habitual creatures, in both our behavior and our thinking. As a result, we often do our best to minimize uncertainty; we feel safer when we have a sense of control. With this pandemic, we are in a situation where we just can’t do that.

My wife Louise and I are currently staying in the U.K. I was supposed to fly home to the States this week, but my flight has been cancelled and I have no idea when or how I will get home. I have certainly been having my own freak-out moments!

Even so, I am doing my best to make peace with uncertainty. I am focused on embracing a state of “not knowing.” And there are a few key things I’m doing that are helping.

A crucial mindset shift

Change can be scary. I have written about it elsewhere on the blog. Fear of change can stop you in your tracks, especially when all of the regular rules are out the window. But it doesn’t have to be that way, not even in times like these. The more you can engage with your inner life, right down to your soul, the more you will be empowered.

And all it takes is one shift in mindset.

Look for the opportunity in this situation.

How can you transform this day for the better? How can you create something good here? And how can you create a powerful way of moving forward long after the pandemic has passed?

When you look for the opportunity in uncertain times, you engage your curiosity, your creativity and your intuition. When you are curious, it’s harder to be afraid.

Looking for opportunity also allows you to make more inspired choices, based on your inner wisdom.  With choice comes a renewed sense of purpose, and control. Wouldn’t you rather approach this global event with that outlook?

Because you can.

You have it in you – even if you don’t feel that way right now.

Three tools to help

1. Focus on being present. Being present means paying attention to your experience, without going on autopilot or trying to “escape from it.” Many of you may know this as mindfulness. You can practice in many ways throughout the day – whether by stopping to take a deep breath, by meditating, or by allowing a few extra seconds to wash your hands. Really notice how it feels; washing your hands can be a beautiful act of self-care. Self care leads to self compassion, which is crucial right now.
2. Use your daily practices. If you are staying home, use the time to go within. Your practices are there for you in times like these, to help you ground, to remember who you are. Whether you journal, meditate or do some form of movement, this is a good time to practice fully. If you don’t have a practice, now is the perfect time to start one.
3. Make a spirited plan. Louise and I have created a “14 day self-quarantine plan” for ourselves, and we are following it – in a flexible way. We are doing our individual spiritual practices, focusing on our businesses, prioritizing our health, having afternoon tea together, going for walks, and eating well. Our plan creates opportunities for discovery, connection, and joy.

Whatever your situation, dear reader, I hope these strategies help. If you are encountering difficulty, trying even one of these tools can make a difference. And I want you to know that if you are struggling, if you do feel fearful, or if you have any questions at all about how to work with the tools I have described above, please don’t hesitate to reach out through my contact page, and I will respond.

Despite the uncertainty of the times, one thing is certain. No matter the distance between us, we are here for each other.

I honor your loving heart,

John