Coping With Chaos

Think over the past few years: the dot.com bust, the Enron scandals, economic downturn, the horror of the Twin Towers, anthrax, Iraq and now more economic hardships. As if this wasn't enough chaos for a lifetime, SARS threatens to spread across the globe. Just reading the above list feels overwhelming, doesn’t it? How can one function under so much confusion and uncertainty?

Know that you can be proactive even in the face of global events that seem to be sweeping away everyone in its path. Follow the steps below and you can bring order to the chaos you feel threatening you.

1. Keep it in perspective.
Remember that not everyone was impoverished during the Great Depression and not everyone died during the Black Plague. Of course we grieve for the suffering of all victims, but needless suffering brought on by worry and anxiety benefits no one.
2. Be well informed.
Read widely so you can reach your own conclusions about events. Read many different sources; you will be surprised at how reports of even local events differ from one local paper to another! Forming your own opinion about events moves you from victim to active participant, dissipating anxiety and fear. One caution: it is easy, especially with cable television and the Internet, to read about or watch frightening events obsessively. To avoid this, limit your research to a maximum of one hour a day.
3. Do what you can; let go of what you can't.
Be like the Scouts and gain the comfort that comes from being prepared, and then lay your worries down. Worry, especially to the point of obsession, depletes you and robs you of your ability to react even in crisis. Prepare yourself for those emergencies you can prepare for – for example, the Red Cross has wonderful emergency kits (even for your pets!) that you can purchase to add to those things you keep on hand for emergencies. Once prepared, go live your life unburdened by dread.
4. Keep life in balance.
Do your daily work according to your usual schedule (if you don’t have a regular schedule get into one – routine can be very calming) but also make time to do something for yourself, your family and the community. Make time to exercise, play games with family and friends, read a good book out loud to a child or an elder. Help out at the local soup kitchen, food bank, animal shelter, etc. Being actively involved with the world in multiple ways expands your circle of friends and brings more joy to you.
5. Meditate/pray/be grateful.
Meditate, pray or simply think about the many blessings just being alive brings to you. Walk in the woods or the meadow, along the sea, anywhere where you can meditate on the natural wonder of the world. Meditation is a proven stress reducer and developing a spiritual life deepens your empathy and compassion, enriching your life.

There is a center to all things, even in the midst of chaos; you can find it and claim it for your own. Using these suggestions will bring you a sense of inner peace and harmony and that is the best preparation for dealing with all of life's many challenges.