Full Catastrophe Learning
Most of us cruise through our days on autopilot with little regard for the important things. Then an event happens that shakes us back into consciousness like a serious illness, hurricane, or the recent pandemic. We start doing things deliberately to promote the well-being of our family, community, and ourselves. Awareness of the basics like obtaining food, finding shelter, and staying safe will come clearly into awareness. In his masterful book, Full Catastrophe Living, Jon Kabat-Zinn teaches us about mindfulness as a means of coping with stress. (Mindfulness is the process of bringing the present into full consciousness.) If the natural order of our lives is shaken, mindfulness can lead to growth.
When access to things we need or are accustomed to is inhibited, panic, or anger flares. We may hoard supplies or conjure up conspiracy theories. But over time, gratitude floats to the top of our awareness if we allow it. Lessons are learned about the abundance that is taken for granted and comforts experienced mindlessly. Our capacity to do without the things that seemed essential can feel liberating. Some find themselves sharing, listening, or becoming more supportive. We slow down and tune into our children or partner, maybe we become more present to others and ourselves. Touch points like family meals, walks or game time happen more often. There is time for a long bath or nap.
The COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that we are part of the global community and each of us is accountable for the wellbeing of those around us. The gift of health is recognized. Deliberately washing our hands, coughing into a handkerchief, or even shaking hands will encourage new habits. Diseases lead to knowledge and cures. Global events such as the COVID pandemic change us and the world and each of us participated in this process.
Vulnerability emphasizes the security that others provide. First responders, hospital personnel, and sanitation workers are elevated to the status of heroes. The importance of spiritual and friendship communities becomes heightened, and we find a way to gather, even if it isn’t in person. Doing things differently, like teleconferencing to communicate with teachers, doctors, and coworkers, fosters flexibility. At the same time, we discover how capable we are as individuals to make due and get along. Gradually we adapt to less being done for us and move forward with weird DIY haircuts, throw the pantry in meals, and ways of making our own fun at home. The solitude of quarantine forced us to be with ourselves. Extroverts may have struggled with the company of one while introverts reveled in their books, blessedly excused from the company of many. Increased understanding of our personality and temperament during stressful times can be enlightening.
Catastrophe also delivers loss. Some folks get stuck here; they push their grief down, cover it up, or throw it destructively. Others get to acceptance and find a way to heal. I believe that those who find peace with loss are the ones who don’t hide from grief. They let it in and get to know it. They experience themselves wearing sadness in many ways and see that they’re stronger than their feelings. They get busy, create, and accept a new life without the things that are gone.
Catastrophe is never a welcome guest. But this reality is seldom avoided in a lifetime. Maybe disaster is fated to teach lessons and wake us from our unconscious slog from day to day. I choose to see misfortune of any kind as inevitable, mostly random, but potentially useful if we allow it. If we so choose, we can become more acquainted with ourselves and aware of the most important things. The key is being present to what disaster has brought us to learn.