We Don’t Like Chaos
Chaos is something that most of us do not like. It brings feelings of uncertainty, being overwhelmed, and being unmoored. It can make us feel like we are out to sea without a compass.
The feeling of chaos usually triggers a shut-down response in us, such as hiding, avoiding, procrastinating, trying to get control, anxiety, or wanting to give up. Sometimes, we might not even want to start something if we know it will cause chaos.
However, chaos is the very fabric of life, and it is impossible to escape it. Instead of trying to avoid it, we should learn to slow down, get quiet, and open ourselves up to the beauty of chaos. This takes a lot of practice, but it is worth it.
Chaos can feel like a never-ending storm.
We tend to like order, and it can be daunting when things seem to be in disarray or chaos. People often express their concerns to me about different areas of their lives. For instance, some may say that their partner’s emotions are unpredictable, and they do not know when they will be upset or distant.
Others may feel overwhelmed by their current life situation, finding it difficult to focus on anything due to feeling scattered and pulled in many different directions. Additionally, some individuals may experience feelings of helplessness or confusion when they are around many people, as it can be overwhelming.
Chaos can manifest in various ways, both minor and significant. It constantly surrounds us, as the world is always unpredictable and in constant flux. However, we tend to avoid facing this reality. On the other hand, if we embrace the chaos, we can unleash many possibilities that would otherwise remain untapped.
Practicing Living With Chaos
Learning to be present with chaos in a relaxed way can be super helpful. The first step is just recognizing when we’re feeling overwhelmed. Then, we can decide whether to practice with it, but it’s okay if we can’t train ourselves in chaos right now. No judgment!
If we have the capacity, we can practice grounding ourselves to find some stability before diving into the chaos. Turning towards chaos involves bringing attention to the sensation of confusion in our bodies and the presentation of chaos around us. It’s like watching the wind blow the trees in unpredictable ways, the waves crashing on the beach, or people hurry everywhere.
By doing this, we can open our eyes to the tranquil moment and learn to relax in the middle of the crash like the waves. So, take a deep breath, and remember, it’s all about being kind to yourself and taking things one step at a time. You got this!
Increase Our Capability
As humans, we all have a limited ability to handle chaos, fear, uncertainty, and groundlessness. When we reach our limit, we tend to shut down and resort to our comfort zones or defense mechanisms. This is perfectly normal, and we should not force ourselves to stay receptive to chaos if we are not in the right frame of mind to do so.
However, we can expand our capacity to handle chaos through daily practice. It looks something like this:
1️⃣. Train your mind to cope with chaos by creating a daily practice. Choose a time of day or use a reminder to help you remember. Gradually make the reminder less effective to challenge yourself.
2️⃣. Note any chaos in your body during practice or recall a similar experience earlier.
3️⃣. Keep your attention on this sensation, and try to maintain an open heart
4️⃣. As you wrap up your practice, take a moment to express gratitude to yourself for your efforts.
With daily practice, you can gradually increase your ability to handle chaos. This means that you will be better prepared to deal with unexpected moments of chaos as they arise. However, it’s important to remember that there may be times when you struggle to handle chaos, and that’s perfectly normal. After all, we’re only human.
Find Beauty In Chaos
The beauty of chaos lies in its unpredictability and endless possibilities. Embracing chaos can lead to a life full of adventure and growth. Though order and structure have their place, the unexpected opportunities that arise from chaos bring creativity and fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to let go of control and welcome the beauty of chaos into your life.
Chaos is like a dear friend who interrupts us when we are trying to focus, asking for the gift of our attention. It represents a day full of activity and abundance and a life never short of surprises. Even amidst the loss, death, heartbreak, and intimacy, we can find inspiration and strength to keep moving forward.
