Thursday, February 16, 2012

Not crisis....opportunity

Kanji symbol for Crisis
www.japanese.about.com
Many who follow me here at Healing Morning are aware that I often am inspired by various quotes that I read.  Today's post is such a moment.  I read the following this morning:



In Japanese, the symbol for crisis is made up of two symbols, one means danger and the other one means opportunity. There is SUCH wisdom there. - Mastin Kipp, The Daily Love

I liked the thought so much that I shared the quote on my Facebook page.  I took care to say, along with the post, that I'm not in crisis, but that I did find this comment to be valuable. Life is so much about the manner of perspective.


Another homily is that with age comes wisdom.  I reflect quite a lot about those things I wish I had known in my younger years.  Of course, we are all meant to live our mistakes and learn from the living itself.  We become a sum of our experiences and it is to be hoped that we take conscious note of strong lessons, modify our behaviors and strive to become better versions of ourselves.


Change is a given on this Earth School.  We don't live in a static environment.  Earth itself is constantly changing, morphing, stretching and breathing.  Those endless life cycles exist on a moment by moment basis.  I can get myself into a spiral of existential thought very easily, pondering these concepts!


When we consider that we are never the same person on a moment by moment basis, if we truly wish it, we can change.  With every breath, we are given that opportunity.  


So, is crisis a bad thing?  It's certainly not fun to experience.  This quote above, however, is polarizing for me.  I focus conscious thought each day on how I reflect to the world around me.  I also put a lot of effort into NOT being a mindlessly, emotionally reactive person.  This is not to say I'm lacking in emotion...far from it!  I do choose to be mindful of my behavior.  I want to respond in a fashion that serves not only me, but others, and if I am constantly reacting from that mindless emotional state, then I am guilty of creating chaos.  I may be more sensitive to the energy of chaos than others, I may not be.  I just know that I don't enjoy the sensation of it.  Some do, and they thrive in that jangling, unsettled energy.  I prefer to find order and a sense of calm, and I do find it is possible to reach that state even in the midst of crisis.


The concept of the Japanese symbol for the word "crisis" providing a second option for opportunity resonates strongly for me.  From a common sense perspective, if something isn't working, we can either fight it and dig in to keep change from happening, or we can be open to change.  I will never lie and say that I am a fan of change!  Indeed, I spent a great deal of my younger years doing that digging in and being stubborn, clinging on to the familiar out of fear and resistance.  And I can honestly say that this is when the true definition of crisis would always rear its head.  Most likely, I caused myself much unnecessary trauma, pain and grief, but I had to live that level of discomfort repeatedly before I finally awakened to the thought that there might be another, better-feeling way.


These days, I look at things differently.  While I still don't enjoy change, or endings, I have a different perspective regarding both.  I am currently in yet another transition period.  Being a freelance writer means I exist in that state quite often, going from one contract to the next, sourcing new connections to always keep new opportunities in my personal pipeline.  Right now, I'm in the quiet stage where I tend to reflect and review what I've recently experienced.  This reflection allows me to decide how to focus my thoughts and energies for the future.  While being between paying jobs can present a huge opportunity for fear based thoughts and panic to set in, I choose to instill appreciation for what I now call a Resting Phase.  See how two simple words, and the emotions they convey, "fear/panic" change completely when replaced with "appreciation/resting"?  Even writing the comparison, I find my whole body and emotional state have an instantaneous response.  


So, here I am, in transition......and opportunity.  Rather than considering the end of a work contract as reason for panic and crisis, I've shifted my perception to view it as opportunity.  I'm taking time to appreciate my recent work experience so that I can extend that energy to God/Universe/Spirit and request more of the same, or better, energy to manifest.  This conscious choice that I make produces a happy feeling.  A warm glow of intent.  A sense of calm, that all is well in my personal world.

I find it delightful that God/Universe/Spirit chose to drop the quote from Mastin Kipp into my line of sight today.  It always makes me smile when I am given a nudge, a wink and a friendly reminder that yes, I'm doing okay.  I'm taking this resting phase to do some thinking, some organizing (that part isn't fun) and some dreaming.  I have some creative projects on the horizon that I'm excited to implement.  I don't know when or where or how my next work contract will manifest, but I am confident that it will.  Because of this, fear and crisis aren't words I embrace these days.  Opportunity.....now that's a word I do embrace!  Perspective, my friends.  Life is an endless opportunity for us to shift our perspective.  




37 comments:

  1. My Dear Dawn, you are in the perfect position for creativity. Rest, transition, calm; all of these open the door for your muse.
    We are in very similar places right now. Your post reinforced everything that the Spirit has been trying to communicate to me. I love it when this happens: friends confirm things that have already been whispered in my ear.
    This is such a bold and beautiful post, declaring your faith and in doing so, encouraging the rest of us to do the same.
    Sending love and inspiration!
    XO

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    1. Leah, I found it lovely as well when I read this quote this morning! I'm not suggesting it's always easy for me to embrace optimism and be lighthearted, of course. Bills need to be paid and practicality rules the day most of the time. That being said, if I can do anything to remove obstacles and allow positive energy to reach me, then I'm a huge fan!

      Here's to both of us experiencing continued calm and assurance that all will be well.

      Love to you, dear one. <3

      - Dawn

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  2. Very well written.As this article is in order and not chaos you seems to have pretty good control to me:)

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    1. Mattias, thank you! I'm giving it my best attempt, I'll say that much. :) Big hugs to you, my friend.

      - Dawn

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    1. Rohit, thank you for the lovely comment! That gave me a huge smile. :)

      - Dawn

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  4. This was a great post...It put an optimistic spin and perspective on the trials we face in life. Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Loved it!

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    1. Jessica, thank you! I do my best to keep a positive attitude. I don't always succeed in that goal, but I do put effort into it. It's always nice to get that little encouraging nod that we're still on the right path. I appreciate you visiting, honey. And now I'm off to see what fascinating stuff you're talking about at your blog! :)

      - Dawn

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  5. I wonder what our culture would be like if every time we saw the word "Crisis", or any other negative word, we also saw its positive. Japanese culture is amazingly advanced in many ways....

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    1. JR, I agree with you. Deeply! I dislike it and get annoyed with myself when I immediately and automatically jump to negatives. Moments like these, quotes like the one shared here....they really do provide that polarizing effect. I love moments like that!! Thank you, btw, for persevering and wrestling Captcha into submission! ;-)

      - Dawn

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  6. A beautiful ying and yang word in any language...now tell me grasshopper...what is the kanji for patience ;-) LOL! In all seriousness, it the opportunity portion is something we need to embrace. Hopefully when we start to live a more thoughtful life we will! <3 Great post!

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    1. Tinker, I agree. Embracing the opportunity portion is key. I just love it when I stumble across something that affords me the new perception and my whole reality shifts! Loving you, sister-mine. <3

      - Dawnie

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  7. ohhh I envy......ehhh I hate using the word envy...How about I wish I could be as optimistic as you sound in this post....unfortunately living with DID I am usually in "crisis"most of the time on the inside....On the outside it could be a lot different...like today was a good day ...and there was laughter..where there usually is darkness....mindfulness is a hard thing ...and yes change is a big thing for I believe most..but it keeps happening....thanks for sharing .....As always.....XOXOXOXOXO

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    1. Bonnie-girl, I'm very happy to hear that there was laughter in your midst today. I don't face the challenges that you do, of course, but there are always days when being positive and optimistic is more challenging than others. If this post made you smile, and lifted your heart a wee, all the better! Now I'm off to see what made you smile today. :)

      - Dawn

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  8. It adds a verbal definition to the yin/yang philosophy. Nice.

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    1. Anna, it does, doesn't it?! It's a thought that I will remember. :)

      - Dawnie

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  9. Dawn, I am with you girl! I am resting in a place similar to yours just now as well as I am job hunting. A few months ago I had allowed myself to enter that panic stage and it did me no good at all. I am still searching for light, but have chosen to breathe deep and anticipate goodness and some bits of sun have already shone through.

    Staying in peaceful agreement takes daily work, but the more we do it the easier it becomes.

    You are an inspiration and I know that the things you desire are on the way! Cheers!

    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2012/02/designing-your-destiny-which-interior-design-of-the-mind-style-fits-you.html

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    1. Tameka, this stopped my breath (in a good way): "Staying in peaceful agreement takes daily work, but the more we do it the easier it becomes." BEAUTIFUL!!! I am making a very conscious effort to not allow panic driven thoughts any toe hold, and I'm focusing on positives. I'm going to make "staying in peaceful agreement" one of my regular mantras because it's such a lovely way of phrasing the concept. I love you, sweet girl. <3

      - Dawn

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  10. Every crisis can become a blessing in disguise. Of course you’re right; our perspective can make or break us, even determine the outcome. Several years ago I taught at a community college and loved my work. I was doing exactly what I loved with a minimum of stress and decent pay. Then, almost overnight it seemed, people in my department started getting fired… even my boss was demoted and ended up quitting as a result. I hoped my turn wouldn’t come, but naturally it did. For awhile I was a bit depressed, but ended up starting my own business and voila! I’ve enjoyed being my own boss ever since ;-) Now I can never be fired. I believed that all things do work together for our good, if our hearts are pure and our minds focused on fulfilling our unique destinies – no matter what. Thank you for triggering my memory with this insightful message dear Dawn. Sending blessings your way!

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    1. Debra, yep, blessings in disguise. Dodging bullets when we don't "get what we want". All of it is true! Without some "crisis" moments of my own, I would never have had the opportunity to discover the world of blogging. Can you imagine?? I look at the set of circumstances that brought me to this point as true blessings, despite the fact that they were scary, and often trying. These days, I believe the epic levels of drama are not necessary and that shift of thinking has made an equal difference. Thank you for sharing your own lovely story! I hope others will read it and take heart if they're dealing with their own challenging times.

      I love you, sweetheart!

      - Dawnie

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  12. I try to learn from everything I do and from the words I read on all these wonderful blogs I read. Yours is very apt for where I am right now. This is an excellent post, thank you so much for sharing. <3

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    1. Jan, I'm so glad this had value for you! I learn so much from my blogging friends as well and find it fascinating how each person thinks and presents their impressions on a given topic. Thank you for visiting! :)

      - Dawn

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  13. Hi, Dawn! ~

    Lovely and Uplifting post!

    I am familiar with the Japanese characters for 'crisis' which inspired you. My son, who is a linguist and speaks/writes fluent Japanese pointed out the flaws intrinsic in the way many have interpreted this kanji. I'm including a link with more info in case you're interested: http://pinyin.info/chinese/crisis.html.

    Personally, I don't think this changes the fact that opportunity can be found in crisis, the Lord works in mysterious ways ;-)

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    1. Hi Linda! I did a good hour's worth of research on the kanji character/symbol for crisis before I wrote this article, as I wanted to be as accurate as possible. If I erred w/ the photo I used, and you're able to source one that is more accurate, please let me know! Thank you for the link, btw, and please thank your son for the info.

      Smiles to you!

      - Dawn

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    2. Hi, Dawn! ~

      I did not mean to imply that you had displayed the kanji characters incorrectly, but rather that the common interpretation of these characters translating to 'opportunity' and 'danger' is not really accurate. I checked back with my son who is Chinese with a major in linguistics and a minor in Japanese and philosophy for an explanation:

      "A more accurate translation might be 'the opportunity for danger became ripe' not that the opportunity is a possible outcome of the danger. I'm actually really impressed by this article (http://pinyin.info/chinese/crisis.html) and tend to believe it simply on the level of writing and well-informedness of it."

      Hope this helps ;-)

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    3. I appreciate you and your son taking time to share this info. :)

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  14. PS I just noticed the Japanese & Chinese kanji seem to have merged somehow through this correspondence and I'm not sure what's up with that...more mysteries to solve!!!

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    1. Please let me know if you're able to solve the mystery, Linda. :)

      - Dawn

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    2. Also, from my son, Joey: "Kanji" is actually the Japanese word for Chinese character, so when you refer to Chinese characters as "kanji" you are taking a Japanese perspective on it. Japanese implements 4 writing systems, one of which includes Chinese characters, and that subset is called "kanji" (means "Chinese letter")

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  15. It is always amazing how our world can change from moment to moment and so much depends on out attitude about the change! You have a great attitude so it is an opportunity!!!


    http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2012/02/image-of-week-jims-over-21-version.html

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    1. Jim, I agree! Perspective is key, as is making that conscious choice to shift said perspective. It's so nice to see you here, my friend! I'll zip over to visit you in a few minutes.

      - Dawn

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  16. Life, and opportunity, is what we make it. Your marvelous post here reminded me so clearly of the too many times I greeted a crisis with fear and/or panic. NOT GOOD! As I've grown and learned to place my trust in God's hands, I now find a rest and a peace and an attitude of gratitude.
    Thank you, Dawn, for this most inspiring post! So glad I didn't miss it today!
    Blessings to you!

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    1. Martha, I think it's absolutely normal to greet crisis with panic, at least initially! It's scary stuff, after all. And I admit it's taken me a lifetime to reach this point of shifting my perspective and embracing a calmer practice. One little sidenote - I received a call from one of my headhunting agents today, letting me know that another quick project is in the works at the company I recently worked for. They have requested me to come back, and although it's only a one week project, it's still work and money coming in the door! It's also another opportunity to continue to build relationships, so I'm very happy.

      Thank you for visiting and sharing such profound thoughts!

      - Dawn

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  18. Dawn apparently my comment went missing so I came back to comment again. Thank you for sharing this. I feel that at a certain point in life we are given a choice to decide whether we are going to view 'problems' as a curse or as an opportunity. If we chose to see them as a 'curse' we just keep wallowing in them and whatever happens to us only goes to reinforce this belief. If we chose to see them as a means of growth then, life takes on a whole new meaning...We see ourselves as students constantly looking at what we can learn from the situation. This has been my experience - once I turned the positive switch on, every problem is an opportunity to learn. I wish you light and love as you journey through your present situation. Knowing you, I'm certain that your spirit will triumph over it. Soon there'll be more work than you can handle ;)

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