There were times this year when a stretch of front-page headlines in 48-point Helvetica-Bold reported unendingly about a world shrouded in relentless gloom.
For months on end the captions were ominous, cumulonimbus clouds carrying warnings of clamorous, divisive politics, increasingly destructive consequences of climate change and the brutal consequences of ceaseless wars pictured in the disturbing photos of emaciated children, the horror intensified by the vision of my eight years old granddaughter superimposed within the appalling scene.
Ordinarily an optimistic person, there were events that triggered an unsettling pessimism about the future. As I laid the newspapers aside, I allowed for my concern. But I would not let fear take hold!
To the contrary, rather than feeling cowed, I felt emboldened.
There are times when fear can be useful, a warning alarm for example, when danger threatens. But to live in fear, looking over my shoulder at every step, has no appeal. As the wonderful poet Mary Oliver wrote, “I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”
I look at fear as I regard any feeling. It is only as “real” as I perceive it to be. The disturbing headlines and distasteful tweets that greet us every morning reek of injustice and intolerance, and I don’t ignore them, but I have faith in our inner light that reveals justice, tolerance and love.
Am I being naïve? I don’t think so because for me there is no other option; love is the only choice; and I have faith that ultimately love will prevail.
On the other hand, it is naïve to believe we can simply stand by on the sidelines and simply watch the struggle against the resurgent forces of Dark Ages morality.
There are millions of men and women from coast to coast pledged to dispel the gloom. Talking with my clients, the overall consensus is a feeling of empowerment; of connection; and a determination to effect change. Maintaining a positive attitude is a fierce defense against fear.
A SATURDAY MORNING WORKSHOP:
HOW I THINK IS WHO I AM
In keeping with the theme of this month’s update, the Wellness Source is hosting a workshop offering insights into literally changing the way we look at our lives.
Sometimes experience is not the best teacher. The learned behavior of the past influences the way we behave in the present. We come to think of our circumstances as “our lot in life.” The workshop asks the question, has perception become reality… are you selling yourself short?
Experiential exercises will demonstrate how the brain works and how you can use this knowledge to convert negative influences into positive energy, facing life with renewed confidence in yourself.
I’ll be joined by Brian Tucker, an Advanced Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of the science of Neuro Linguistic Programming; and my husband, Howard Englander, a long-time Life Coach and my co-author of the “In-Sourcing Handbook: where and how to find the happiness you deserve,” a practical guide to personal fulfillment.
Time
JANUARY 12, 2019
9:30AM – 12:30PM
Place
CONFERENCE ROOM (SUITE NUMBER 1111)
30 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE
Fee
$50
Rsvp
SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE RESPOND BY JANUARY 8
VIA RETURN EMAIL OR PHONE – 312-236-7636
