Crisis Can Bring Out The Best In Us
By Keri Lehmann, The Cancer Journey Institute
My heart dropped to my shoes when I saw the incoming call from my husband, Jay. The last time I’d spoken to him, he’d left the house on his bike. I tried to calm myself, “maybe he’s only had a flat tire…” but I knew it was more when I heard his voice.
ME: Are you okay??
Jay: I’m okay, but I had a wipe out.
ME: I’m coming to get you. Where are you? Did you turn left or right when you left the development?
Jay: Ummm… I don’t know… On the way to the beach… it’s a straight shot.
None of this made sense.
Now he’s okay and recuperating well, but for several hours, my life was in turmoil. I could feel myself going into panic. First because he was so disoriented, he couldn’t tell me his location and I set off in the wrong direction. Then I received a call from paramedics letting me know they were taking him to a trauma center. You can imagine what went through my mind.
Fortunately, I have an army of support to lean into, and you’d better believe I did. Now my posse are asking, “what can I do to help?”
In the face of a crisis, like a bike accident, a senseless act of violence or a cancer diagnosis, as people move out of “fight, flight or freeze” the next thing they do is offer their caring and compassion. It’s actually part of our human grace, grace being that which is divinely given and naturally expressed. And our grace craves expression. We want to help, and we do so by offering our unique gifts and talents. Maybe we cook something, offer to do an errand, help with chores, or offer our company. What we want is a chance to offer our time and attention, to express what is in our hearts.
It’s important to find a way to express our grace. Otherwise, we are left feeling frustrated, stuck, even unfulfilled. Not only that, but in the current pandemic and downright crazy times, being able to convey our caring and compassion is what will heal us. The good news is, when the right outlet is found, it comes as naturally to us as flight to a bird. The other good news is, as challenging as it seems, we can direct our caring and compassion to ourselves. In fact, if we do, it strengthens and replenishes what we are able to offer others. How are you currently showing your compassion and caring?
At the Cancer Journey Institute, we bear witness to this beauty every single day. Our coaches are caring, compassionate individuals who want to ease and elevate the cancer experience for others. And they are courageous enough to give it to themselves first.
We are so grateful to offer a form through which you can discover and express your grace – the grace that is part of your humanity and the grace that is uniquely your own. The work we do reminds us that there is hope. Hope for humanity, for healing and hope for re-connecting to our loving nature. What is your loving nature calling you towards? Let us know in the comments.