Help in Crisis

“Crises feed on fear. Help others to look for the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit that exists even in the worst situations. If you do this, others will look to you for leadership, and your own fortunes will improve in ways you can't even imagine.”  --Bill Harris

In these times of turmoil, many people are in need of help. While this help is often in terms of physical needs such as a loan, a place to stay or a job, it is often the case that emotional help is just as critical. People’s world views get them into all sorts of emotional trouble; especially the habits of blaming, complaining and justifying or making excuses for their situations.

If you can help someone to see that there is benefit in every situation, you will do them a great service. This may take some creative thinking, and also willingness on his/her part to brainstorm with you. But practicing the habit of thinking positively in every situation will be of huge benefit to both of you. The more you do this, the more benefit you will get; it will be strengthening a beneficial mental muscle.

Of course you must approach this exercise with tact: if someone has just lost a loved one, it may not be the time to push positive thinking on them. And realize that this practice actually goes beyond simple positive thinking. It isn’t simply repeating affirmations about what you want or glossing over situations with “it’s not so bad;” this practice involves looking squarely in the face of what’s happening and finding the benefit in it, even if the benefit doesn’t feel like it’s going to fix the situation. Maybe the benefit of losing a home is that it prompts someone to finally face up to their spending habits. Or the benefit of being out of work may be that someone can take a good hard look at changing careers to something more fitting. Maybe a relationship break up allows someone to come to terms with their own attitudes and behaviors that have helped to create unworkable partnerships. These are all examples of benefits that involve growing into greater mental and emotional health.

If you will help people find solutions, you will benefit from their insights as well as from the process itself. Not only that, you will benefit simply by being of genuine service. I encourage you to use this practice on yourself as well. In times of turmoil, it’s good to have solid grounding in your own center, and be willing to always grow.

For more information, visit my Seminars page and my Professional Services page, call (831) 212-2168 or email andrea@awakeability.com

Comments

[Linda Rae]

Times of crisis are such an amazing opportunity to pull together and take care of one another. We can learn to work together, grow closer and love more fully.