Walking the Middle Way

Do you ever reflect upon the past? Try to make sense of it? Or, maybe connect what happened then to what is happening in the present moment? I know that I do. 

Last week I read through some blog posts from over a decade ago. In retrospect, 2010 was a chaotic year — both personally and weather-wise. I accepted a new position, my mother died, a series of extreme weather events happened, wildfires ravaged the US west…and there was more. It was a chaotic year.

Fast forward to 2021. There’s a lot of uncertainty this year. A lot of calamity happening — geopolitical issues and storms triggered by climate change. These external extremes have such a big impact on us internally. Sometimes I feel pummeled by all this change. I find myself wondering, “what do I do?” Do I erect physical/emotional/mental/spiritual barriers to keep the worst of the upheaval away from me? Sit in blissful ignorance about what is happening? Or, find a middle ground?

I am a proponent of the middle ground. For in that space I wake up — really wake up to the insanity of the world. I can feel how it is battering me. And, in those moments I accept that I am helpless to do anything. In that middle space, I anchor in myself. Anchored I am aware. In this awareness I let the waves of chaos wash over me. As they wash over me, instead of being overwhelmed, with awareness, I ride each wave into a place of understanding.

I mentioned being anchored. Anchoring is the ability to stay in the movement — not get pulled away by externals. When you are anchored, you are balanced and in control of yourself. Less likely to react from your triggers. More likely to notice when you are impacted by the world. You have empathy but are not overwhelmed by it. In fact, you are more likely to turn your empathy into compassionate action.

Back to the waves. I ride those waves not only through the power of my connection to self but also through the power of my silence. No, I do not spend my days in total quiet, not speaking to anyone, not watching television, not surfing the internet, or not having any external contact. No, I train my mind not to get lost in the minutia that pulls me from the moment. I learn from the times that I am overwhelmed by the uncertainty int he world.

As I ride the waves, I gain a new perspective. That silence, well, it quiets the chaos in my mind. I see, with all my senses, more clearly. And, I can choose to respond or, in moments of reaction, choose how to shift and minimize the impact of my reactions.

So, what do we do? We wake up. This means that we accept that while the world will always have uncertainty, the only way to ride  the external chaotic waves is to calm the waves within. 

Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is an intuitive-coach-catalyst. As a contemplative coach, she uses mindfulness practices and intuition tools to create strategies for navigating those scary places. The result? Creating a blue print for your life through a deeper connection to your intuition. She is a professional speaker & author who weaves inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are available @ www.wildefyrpress.com. Her most recent book, As Natural As Breathing: Being Intuitive, is available on Amazon. Contact Vanessa for life coaching, intuitive consultations, keynotes, and programs.

Website / LinkedIn Profile / Facebook / Twitter: @fyrserpent / ©2021