By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
We like to think of ourselves as being somewhat in control of our lives. But events and circumstances often conspire to set us off course. In periods of economic crisis, war and political chaos, and widespread cultural change, uncertainty and insecurity make our journey feel ever more stressful and dangerous.
Magazines and websites still publish listings of the “safest cities” or the “safest vacation spots” but we know there is no guaranteed safety anywhere. That is why spiritual teachers from all traditions counsel us to let go our need for control as we learn to deal with whatever shows up in our lives. They also warn us to realize that despair is a natural part of the human drama and is as commonplace as hope. We need to honor the unknowable as part of our adoption of an all-inclusive perspective. Being grateful to be part of the mystery is a path that offers a way through a period of great anxiety.
Spiritual practices can help us change our habitual ways of dealing with uncertainty. They can give us valuable experiences of living with different attitudes and understandings. This turbulent period of history is a very good time to work with these practices.
Recovery programs say that it takes three weeks to break a habit or establish a new practice. So this e-course is designed to run daily for three weeks, but if you wish, you can also schedule the sessions to be mailed to you at less frequent intervals. You will receive 21 emails, each with a teaching from a spiritual book about how to live with uncertainty plus way to practice that idea.
We invite you to welcome big mind, build safety into your life, outlast despair, hold your expectations lightly, be generous, and adopt other strategies for living fully without fear in our world today.