Lessons from the Storm
It is hurricane season, and that has me thinking about storms. Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria have affected our lives, directly or indirectly. We mustn’t miss the lessons that storms can teach us. We experience storms in every area of our lives: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. These are times when the weather changes unexpectedly, and circumstances beyond our control disrupt our usual behavior patterns. God sends the storms to encourage growth. Storms are designed to do many important things in our lives. They teach us valuable lessons about ourselves, others, and the lives we have created. Here are a few important lessons that you can learn from your storms.
Storms Bring People Closer Together: Storms can bring families and communities together. When we know a storm is on the way, we seek shelter. Our desire for safety makes us return to spaces we have designated as physically and emotionally safe. When a storm is coming, people who have been roaming return home. Those locked away in their rooms come out and join the family. After the storm, we come together to assist those needing rebuilding. Storms bring us together. Storms send us home.
Storms Change Our Behavior: It is amazing how storms humble us into learning new patterns of behavior. Storms are so powerful that in order to survive them, we have to adjust quickly. Storms cause loud people to be quiet. They make those who are moving be still. Those who are impatient learn to wait. During the storm, we learn new skills.
Storms Teach Us About Our Foundations: I once had a tarot card reading in New Orleans. The cards didn't look so good for me. The lady told me, "We know a lot about storms in New Orleans. A storm is coming into your life, but don't worry; this will be good. When a storm comes, buildings that are not built well will fall. Those that have good foundations will continue to stand. This storm will cleanse your life of all that wasn't built well in the first place." Storms can teach us about our foundations. Marriages, friendships, and businesses not built on the right foundations will not weather the storm. "Fair-weather-friends" will leave us. Those who cannot stand the rain will walk out. Things we were trying to hold together will crumble in our hands. Our focus should be on what and who remains. Those things and people who weather the storm with us offer proof of their dedication, allegiance, and firm foundation. The storm shows us who we are and who those around us are.
Storms Offer Us an Opportunity to Discover New Strength and Skills: Many couples say their marriages were not solid until they weathered a storm. The storm in their marriage opened the lines of communication, demanded that they begin to trust each other in new ways, and offered an opportunity for them to see their partner in a new light. In the storm, they learned to appreciate one another. Surviving ourselves and those we love becomes paramount when we are in a storm. There is no time for ego, selfishness, pettiness, and unforgiveness. In the storm, we learn to move beyond our limitations and toward the truth of who we are: love, light, and interconnected.
Storms Offer Perspective: Storms help us remember what is essential. While watching the news last week, several people said, "I am just glad I am okay and my family is safe." These people had just lost their homes and did not have flood insurance. They were experiencing significant loss. However, in losing things that I am sure they valued before: clothes, houses, cars, and pictures, they gained a new perspective on the most important: safety, family, well-being, and health. The storm helps us remember what matters.
Let us learn from the storms in our lives and celebrate them for the growth opportunities they provide. If you are weathering a storm and need support as you "go through it," we'd love to partner with you. At B. Well, we believe all you need is within you—we help you bring it out! Here's to a great week. Enjoy the weather!
Peace and Blessings,
Dr. Adrianne R. Pinkney,
Integrative Wellness and Life Coach
