Fluid Structure

The End of A World

There are some that prophesize the end of the world in the next few days.  Probably they are not going to be right, as other such predictions have come and gone.  There is, however, something true about the sense that a world is ending. 

From a purely psychological standpoint one could argue that one's world is really a collection of "things I know and expect." Or maybe more concretely "my familiar range of sensation and emotional experience."  Change is clearly upon us.  Financial and employment uncertainties, revolutions and mass protests ... these seem to be the headlines of our times. 

Change can evoke fear, a somatic and cognitive rigidity that often accompanies a fight/flight response in many humans.  Breathing, prayer, meditation, community, and support are often helpful remedies to such a  response.  Anger, blame, judgement, or isolation are other alternatives.

So as our personal worlds transition into new forms, there are those who practice integration strategies.  The personal satisfaction that emerges, the joy and peace readily available in this moment, this could be called "Heaven" by many.  Those of us who feel and indulge the more challenging responses, maybe we are in "Hell" in those moments.

[Photo: Nicholas Roerich "Armageddon"]

Feeling Good as a Moral Compass

Feeling your body/self is wonderfully helpful.  This is the mechanism by which we can know when we need a sandwich to refuel, when we need to a nap to recharge, when we need to move our hand away from the stove to avoid a burn.

Sometimes we decide override impulses in order to serve a higher purpose ... the doctor bypasses an urge to sleep when a patient comes into the ER at 3 a.m., the frustrated mother ignores the momentary urge to lash out against her cranky child.

Developing this conversation with ourselves ... feeling an impulse and considering a need to override that impulse ... is the key to our evolution as a species, and our personal growth. For some it is actually the mechanism of connecting with a Higher Power.

Consider these (ancient) tips on how to avoid feeling bad, and to stay connected with the Source:

1. If you think the world revolves around you, you will probably feel bad.

2. If you curse the beauty and glory in the world, you will probably feel bad.

3. If you don't rest regularly and recharge, you will probably feel bad.

4. If you fight with your family, you will probably feel bad.

5. If you cause physical harm to another, you will probably feel bad.

6. If you are deceptive to your partner, you will probably feel bad.

7. If you steal something that isn't yours, you will probably feel bad.

8. If you lie about someone else, you will probably feel bad.

9. If you focus on someone else's relationship, you will probably feel bad.

10. If you focus on someone else's possessions, you will probably feel bad.