A few months ago, when this whole Covid lock-down thing started, I was hired by an organization to conduct “Mental Health Group Coaching Calls” for its employees.
It was the beginning of March.
Lots of changes were taking place.
People were scared.
I remember facilitating the coaching calls with my colleague, Claudia, and feeling a sense of peace.
I didn’t fully understand what was happening, and had no clue how things were going to unfold; however, I was comfortable residing in the unknown.
There were a few instances when some of the employees wanted more guidance on how to deal with the unknown, i.e….….“What is going to happen to us?”.
I had compassion for them, and at the same time, felt it was important to focus on the present moment….
“I understand that you’re feeling scared about the future; however, the present moment is all that we have – I’m here to support you with the uncomfortable emotions that you’re experiencing right now.”
As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I’ve been experiencing some uncomfortable emotions lately, and feeling scared of what lies ahead.
It seems that decades have passed since the beginning of March, and many revelations have risen to the surface.
None of which paint a clear picture of the future.
Yes, we have historical data that helps us gain a sense of what could possibly happen next.
Is this data helpful? Yes.
It provides a sense of awareness and possible methods on how to prepare, invest, and allocate your resources.
On the flip side, too much data can be a hindrance, as it prevents you from accessing your intuition and making decisions from within; a place of deeper knowing.
Obsessing about the future creates anxiety, just as obsessing about the past creates depression.
So, what does being present do?
And I mean, REALLY BEING PRESENT.
Well….
It allows YOU to focus on your breath.
It allows YOU to be grateful for the things that you have in your life.
It allows YOU to cherish the opportunities that are available for you right now.
It allows YOU to build on previous lessons learned.
It allows YOU to love and forgive yourself.
And, it allows ME to realize that I need to remind myself of these things daily.
