This is essential if we are to grow and blossom through the unprecedented changes at every level of society that we are now experiencing at an ever increasing pace. We cannot really take what is happening personally as it is happening all over the planet almost on a daily basis. If our outer world is not in turmoil, then our inner word is.
A key ingredient in responding to the changes we are experiencing is inner stability.
Riding the waves of change is like sailing a boat through stormy seas. The wind pulls so strongly on the sails that we are in danger of keeling over. Yet, if we do not sail close to the wind, we will be awash with mountainous seas. We are all sailors in this sea, facing the forces of unpredictable times, trying to steer ourselves and the craft we have created through increasing turbulence.
Sailors in rough seas need great skill and understanding. They also need to maintain an inner calm. Most of us would rather sail with the sailor who has a deep understanding of his or her own capacities and limitations and an inner resource of calm and peace than with one who only knows techniques for handling a boat. If you have ever sailed you’ll know exactly what I mean.
We know that in the face of complexity, uncertainty, and confusion, inner stability is essential. It allows us to respond naturally without overreacting; it tells us when to relax and sit back and when to be active and dynamic.
Our challenge is not to prophesy how the future will be or to try to keep change under control but to respond creatively to the unforseen when it appears. And we know that it will! It requires AN OPEN MIND. How to respond to what happens is important. The problem with having any sort of fixed plan for our lives is that life never turns out the way we want it to. An open mind allows for a whole range of possibilities to present themselves.
The need for inner flexibility does not conflict with the need for inner stability; each depends upon the other. Being truly flexible we are like a tree in the wind: anchored firmly by its roots yet able to bend with the storm.
We can be masters/mistresses of our own destiny, our own captain of our boat. But to use that mastery wisely; we need to draw deeply upon the creative spirit that lies within us. We need to become conscious creators of our future, steering ourselves carefully through the turbulent seas ahead. We need to manage our future with inner stability, flexibility, and deep creativity.
It has never been so urgent for us to take responsibility for the management of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves.
Becoming a more creative manager (of ourselves) is not just a matter of learning new skills, most people have the skills already. It involves becoming more aware of our own inner processes, adapting a new style of thinking and perceiving, and learning to see ourselves and problems in a new way.
Happy sailing!
Wendie Batho
Wendie has co-facilitated residential programs with Petrea for more than sixteen years. Prior to that Wendie spent over 25 years as a teacher, school principal and was involved in educational leadership and facilitation of school executive groups.
Ten years of this time was spent in PNG where she taught and worked for the government. Wendie has been travelling since the early sixties and is especially attracted to Asian cultures. She holds degrees in Anthropology, Education, Sociology, Theology and Political Science. Her current passions are her grandchildren, travel biographies, exploring Asia, 4×4 driving, reading everything she can get her hands on, and watching movies on the big screen at home.
“A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner”
loved your thoughts Wen. Fair breezes to you.
Bxx