How to Cope with Uncertainty

There will come a point at which you will be

forced to make a decision; to act in a way that

allows you to transcend your circumstance or

succumb to it. This is a moment of grace.

Brianna Wiest

The Buddha famously described how part of the human condition is that we are constantly trying to fix our discomfort and that many of us experience discontent a great deal of the time. This leads to cravings and seeking contentment outside of ourselves. One antidote for this is to sink into and accept life as it is. When we wholeheartedly embrace the present moment so often life becomes rich and less distracted. Personal transformation arises and we focus on the life we have been given and commit to that rather than constantly seeking a ‘way out’. What does it mean to focus on our life right now? For me, it means not getting too caught up in thinking ‘oh I would love to do this’, or ‘this is a great business idea’. Yoga teacher Sarah Powers describes this as ‘re-arranging the furniture’ of your life rather than ‘living in the room’. In other words, at some point, we slow down enough to accept this is my life and I’m going to live it, rather than constantly trying to change elements or rearrange them to be a little bit better.

Let me give you an example. I have a friend who wanted to run her own business after working in corporate roles for many years. She is now doing this successfully and is currently providing helpful marketing services for wellness businesses. But she is still not sure this is what she wants to do ‘ultimately’ and she often wonders if her work is making a true difference to people’s lives. Should she look to do something else that may be of greater service or should she sit with what is? Ultimately only she can answer this question by consulting with her intuition. However, if we are not careful unrest, which is part of the human condition, can stop us from doing our best work in the world. Sometimes the answer is to be still and to dig in. To live in the room, so to speak.

Resources to cope with uncertainty:

* Dive into the energetic and emotional benefits of essential oils with this incredible book: ‘Gifts of the Essential Oils’ Adam Barralet and Vanessa Boscarello Ovens.

* Listen to this podcast which will help you face uncertain times with grace and ease.

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-goop-podcast/id1352546554?i=1000440569728

* Lean into the support of ancient Buddhist wisdom (seen through a contemporary lens) with the book ‘The Places That Scare You’ by Pema Chodron.

Oils and energy work recommendation to deal with uncertainty:

Magnolia essential oil – represents self-love and the 'grandmother energy' which is much needed in times of uncertainty. In Sydney right now we are in the very short seasonal window during which Magnolia blossoms.  It's so beautiful! Magnolia is the oil of solace that balances overwhelm. It is one of the oldest flowers on earth and as such holds energy of ancient wisdom. Apply abundantly to your wrists, behind ears, and décolletage. Or cut some magnolia branches and place them in your home as a centrepiece.  Look at the beautiful spring arrangement a dear friend did this week!  This inspired me so much.  Nature's beauty and abundance is all around us - and it's free. 

Brave and struggling living in the blast
zone of trauma and fear one day it will
be quietly astonishing to notice what
time and an absence of in-crisis
survival mode allows for. The state of
our minds and souls and the people we
are with colour our every experience.
In each step a path of clear, warm sunlight.

Holly Ringland