Billions of people all over the world may be in a
sense of panic and fear.
Here is how not to be one of them.
Step
1:
I know your first reaction may be to call your broker or 401K manager. Even if you could get through, stop. Take several deep breaths. Remember that any action you take while in a
sense of panic and fear will not be the best ones. With each exhale, ask for any negative
feelings to leave your body. With each inhale, ask for clarity and
support. When you start feeling calmer and more
centered, proceed to step 2.
Step
2: Remember
that this event is not about you and your 401K. It is about an economic shift
of global proportions. Realize that you are not alone. We will almost
all feel the effects of any major correction in the world markets. But because
so many are being affected, this creates an opportunity and a momentum for
humanity to band together in an energized and more empowered way. It creates
the impetus to correct a number of the abuses of the current economic system,
including the shrinking middle class, the fiat money system, cutting of
programs for the poor and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
Step
3: Remember
that the world did just fine before there was a stock market. Local commerce does not need a stock
market. People will still eat, work and
have shelter. People will buy and sell goods.
Local economies will thrive. Nature
will still provide food, air, water and sunlight.
Step
4: You
already have more than enough. Try this exercise: Walk around the interior of your home and
take quiet stock of what you have. Do
you really need everything? Is there
something you could sell? How much of
your “stuff” could you do without and still be you?
Step
5: Get to know your neighbors. What skills and resources are right there in
your neighborhood? What unique skills could
you offer to exchange for something you need?
Organizations such as hOurworld have provided free software to
neighborhoods, towns, and regions all over the world to create their own “time
banks” in which people offer a service to someone else in the exchange. You can “bank” you hours and “spend them” to
receive a service you need. hOurworld
exchanges include healthcare, child care, yard work, home repair, elder care
and more. Check to see if there is a time bank or community currency program near
you.
Step
6: Remember
that major global events like this are
offering you a clear spiritual
choice. I like to use the metaphor of a hurricane. At the center of the storm it is calm and
still. But get swept into the cetrifugal
force of the outer bands, and you are subject to a great deal of chaos and
turmoil. What spiritual practices keep you in a place of peace where you can
hear your deepest wisdom for what to do?
Who are you interacting with – people who make you feel calm, grounded
and secure, or those who make you feel insecure and scared? You choose which world you want to live in. Will
it be one of thoughtful action, sharing, unity and peace or one of impulsive
action where the primary methods of relating to others is one of separation, hoarding,
violence, “weaponing up” and panic?
Step
7:
Seek out people and groups that support you in building real resilience and
security in your life. Carefully select
groups that avoid fear tactics, blaming and separation. Instead look for groups
whose gathering point is one of mutual support, authenticity, kindness, sharing
and thriving. Bow out of conversations that center on negativity, pessimism and
fear. Find those who can share an
optimistic viewpoint, one based on the reality that we each are enough and have
enough.
Step
8: I tried this
practice years go and it really did work.
Once a day for a week, either when you get out of bed or just before you
go to sleep, keep a gratitude journal.
Give yourself a set time, say 2 – 5 minutes to write down everything you
are grateful for from the last 24 hours.
It may be challenging at first, but as you move through the week, you
will start noticing more and more. Take a silent walk in nature and ask it to
show you abundance, beauty, resilience. I guarantee it will. Journal what you found.
Step
9:
As we move beyond the first shock wave, people will be taking stock of what
this situation can teach us about living better lives. See this as an opportunity to determine what
in the “economy” is real and what is speculation-based. What is local, personal, reliable, healthy,
responsible? What is driven by forces
that operate well beyond your control, often in secret or in complex ways well
beyond your understanding? Consider moving your resources in the future to
building more tangible and local assets. There are many organizations that
specialize in microlending and socially responsible lending. Realize that you cannot separate the
businesses from the people who run them.
Know who is in charge of the companies you invest in and what their
values are.
Step
10: Reach
out and do something nice for someone today. I know this may seem
counterintuitive when you are feeling financial loss, but giving really does
put you in touch with the flow of abundance.
Even if what you share is something small like a smile or kind words, or
something larger, like a “pay it forward” gesture, it will remind you that the
world isn’t that bleak and harsh after all. We have one another, and that is
the basis of most of the happiness in our lives. Love, friendship, kindness and
peace aren’t part of the economy. They
cannot crash. They are “baked in” to
life, something you yourself can cultivate and receive no matter what.
Laurie
McCammon is a planetary change agent, blogger, facilitator and author of Enough!How to Liberate Yourself and Remake the World with Just One Word, published by Conari Press, out April 1, 2016. You can contact Laurie with comments at lauriemccammon@gmail.com, Like LaurieMcCammon on Facebook or follow her on Twitter at @EnoughMessage
Laurie writes another monthly blog, Wisdom From the Circle, sharing the themes that arise in her women's circle each month.
Laurie writes another monthly blog, Wisdom From the Circle, sharing the themes that arise in her women's circle each month.
Laurie this is excellent and well timed! Your wisdom shines through. Thank you for this piece. Blessings, M
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn! I'm so glad it was useful.
DeleteLaurie if you can, please add my e-m to you as a comment here. Thanks, Gil Credeur
ReplyDeleteGil said:
ReplyDeleteWise counsel Laurie - Thank you!. Was on front lines (investment broker with 300 clients) in 2 huge market crashes in 1987. Beyond the current situations, you offer us so much in the way of a new, much healthier and sustainable paradigm going forward. So looking forward to the release of your book! Please, keep up the great work! ALL the BEST! Gil (Credeur)
Wow, Gil! This is quite the stunning compliment. I can't thank you "enough" for your very generous support, feedback and kindness! It touches my heart.