Sunday Musings - October 15, 2023
I am sure for most of the population of the world our minds and hearts have been heavily burdened with the news. Wars, including the one in the Middle East, the one being waged by Russia, wars in many other parts of the world, abject poverty, the matter of the contentious election of a speaker in the United States House of Representative which is necessary if any appropriation or other bill are even on the agenda, the definition of free speech on college campuses and on social media, inflation, and the day to day responsibilities and struggles of even those who appear to be living in relative safety and abundance compete for our attention.
We have often been reminded to choose our battles wisely. Perhaps we need to also be reminded to choose our worries or existential concerns wisely. Otherwise, we risk sinking into existential despair which closes the door to hope. Hopelessness can then lead to numbness; an inability to do anything about those limited issues over which we do have some control. Of course, most of us know that falling into the trap of despair and/or acute anxiety can, given the six degrees of separation, have significant effect on the universe. We know that negative energy is contagious spreading as quickly as misinformation or conspiracy theories on some social media sites.
In we are going to choose our worries or existential concerns wisely how shall we make those decisions? Perhaps there are some simple steps we can take. These steps might include:
In short it might be helpful to remember the wise words of the serenity prayer.
Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the original version of the serenity prayer which reads:
“God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen”.
One can easily adapt this sage reminder to not include a God or the God of one’s understanding. Then it might read:
I will give myself permission for serenity.
Accepting what I cannot change.
Courageously changing the things, I can.
Seeking help from trusted others to discern the difference.
Living one day at a time.
Accepting that hardships can, at times, be a path to peace.
Accepting the world and humanity as they are and not as I want them to be.
Trusting it is enough to do my best - just for today.
Giving myself permission to experience both joy and sorrow.
Written October 15, 2023
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
I am sure for most of the population of the world our minds and hearts have been heavily burdened with the news. Wars, including the one in the Middle East, the one being waged by Russia, wars in many other parts of the world, abject poverty, the matter of the contentious election of a speaker in the United States House of Representative which is necessary if any appropriation or other bill are even on the agenda, the definition of free speech on college campuses and on social media, inflation, and the day to day responsibilities and struggles of even those who appear to be living in relative safety and abundance compete for our attention.
We have often been reminded to choose our battles wisely. Perhaps we need to also be reminded to choose our worries or existential concerns wisely. Otherwise, we risk sinking into existential despair which closes the door to hope. Hopelessness can then lead to numbness; an inability to do anything about those limited issues over which we do have some control. Of course, most of us know that falling into the trap of despair and/or acute anxiety can, given the six degrees of separation, have significant effect on the universe. We know that negative energy is contagious spreading as quickly as misinformation or conspiracy theories on some social media sites.
In we are going to choose our worries or existential concerns wisely how shall we make those decisions? Perhaps there are some simple steps we can take. These steps might include:
- As honestly as possible assessing our energy budget. If one is responsible for a professional job, the care of children or sick individuals or folks with limier ability those responsibilities are primary.
- Examining our holistic health care plan – regularly filling our emotional, spiritual, nutritional, and physical gas tanks.
- Inventorying our current commitments including job and the immediate care of others This might include friends who are directly affected by such issues as the Ukrainian war or the war between Israel and Palestine. We might want to know enough to have a listening ear available. It might be helpful to listen to or read a short article reviewing the history of these wars. It will not be helpful to listen to 24 hours of news, 7 days a week or to deliberately search out venues which are likely to promote or originate conspiracy theories.
- If our financial budget allows, considering a donation of funds to a reputable organization which is supporting the needs of those who are without the basic necessities.
- If there is a local election coming up, we might reach out to someone who can share an overview of the pros and cons of delegates or issues.
- Being intentional about honing our empathetic and intelligent listening skills so that we do not become trapped into attempting to prove our viewpoint but can honestly attempt to hear the viewpoints and concerns of friends and relatives.
- Remembering that is okay to speak our truth/opinions with love and humility which is the opposite of arrogance and self-righteousness.
- Holding fast to a view from a distant planet or even the clouds. This may help us retain a sense of humor and to remember that this life journey is very brief.
- Holding joy in one hand and concern or even pain in the other.
In short it might be helpful to remember the wise words of the serenity prayer.
Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the original version of the serenity prayer which reads:
“God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen”.
One can easily adapt this sage reminder to not include a God or the God of one’s understanding. Then it might read:
I will give myself permission for serenity.
Accepting what I cannot change.
Courageously changing the things, I can.
Seeking help from trusted others to discern the difference.
Living one day at a time.
Accepting that hardships can, at times, be a path to peace.
Accepting the world and humanity as they are and not as I want them to be.
Trusting it is enough to do my best - just for today.
Giving myself permission to experience both joy and sorrow.
Written October 15, 2023
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
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