It’s not the end of the world.
Human beings are complex, opinionated, and capable of great love as well as virulent hatred. We can and do grow from perplexities, tensions, and difficulties. That’s what resilience is all about.
Whatever side of the fence you’re on, however and whatever informs you, we are all journeying together in the Land Between No Longer and Not Yet.
Best not call names. We really need each other in this uncharted territory.
This time between no longer and not yet is the middle passage in the archetypal Hero’s Journey. Most good Hollywood plots follow the same narrative arc.
There are 3 stages to the Hero’s Journey. First the ground underneath us falls away and reality shifts in the twinkling of an eye. Sound familiar? Think San Bernadino.
In the second stage we wander…far far from home emotionally, rationally, or even physically. We lose our center and our bearings. We endure trials, meet obstacles, refine our values, and hopefully find mentors and fellow travelers. We also grieve what was lost…it was precious.
It takes patience to endure this liminal (threshold) stage because resolution doesn’t come quickly. Body, mind, and soul require time to consider things deeply and to ripen and transform.
In the third stage we return to ourselves and our communities transformed with more depth…more courage…more wisdom…and more compassion.
Then we can be part of the solution that births a new world. Yes, it’s hard. But as Ram Dass once said, “It’s the only game in town.”
Given what’s happening in the world today you might want to read my succinct little book on resilience that came out a few years back. Its title? It’s Not the End of the World:Developing Resilience in Times of Change:
Hello Joan,
I listened to a webcast you presented on Resilience for IAWP. It was wonderful!
I am completing the IAWP Certification process.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts!!
Diane Beelendorf