Crisis Compromises Hannah’s Mind and Heart
Hannah is struggling with the Coronavirus experience. Juggling the news, internet and social conversations she has not figured out how to balance the noise, quarantine and increasing online dependency. One moment she feels frustrated and anxious, the next she is smiling and light-hearted.
Instead of using this time off work to clean and relax, Hannah is tense. Listening to the noises in her head, Hannah feels unsettled. Is she mentally ill? She texts one of her friends:
“It’s easier to push head noise into a mental corner and burrow it deeper into my heart. It’s like an inside faucet has sprung a leak. What now? People around the world are deeply suffering. Here I am focused on my little problems. Where’s my compassion for others? I’m lost without my normal distractions. Is there a way to manage my inner drama?”
Hannah does an online search for coping with stressors. She connects with an online coach whose approach resonates. Sensing inner work is long overdue, Hannah schedules an appointment. “I have plenty of free time now. This could be a great time to fix my broken faucet!” After the first session Hannah feels better. She gets a great homework assignment called “Voices of Strength.”
Voices of Strength Exercise – Hannah’s notes
- In your journal write down the names of three people who represent strength, courage and peace. Hannah writes her favorites: Maya Angelou, Ghandi and Jesus.
- Sit in a quiet place where you won’t be distracted for 30 minutes. Close your eyes and relax your body. As you lose track of physical time you enter a portal of no-time. You feel free, open and safe.
- As you become more and more comfortable in your space, imagine you are in a room with two chairs. The room is starting to fill up with a tender presence.
Hannah’s first visitor
Maya Angelou is a celebrated American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her stories of truth and resilience continue to inspire the world. Hannah asks Dr. Angelou for a message dealing with uncertainty. She hears these words:
““While I know myself to be a creation of God, I am obligated to acknowledge that everyone and everything else are also God’s creation.”
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Hannah feels empowered by Dr. Angelou’s messages which reinforce personal responsibility, compassion and fortitude to counter outer noise and inner doubts.
Hannah’s second visitor
Mahatma Ghandi was a brilliant lawyer who employed nonviolent resistance to inspire civil rights movements and freedom in India which soon spread across the world. Hannah admires his twinkling eyes, gentle smile and simple demeanor. She sheds tears of hope as she listens to him.
““The future depends on what you do today.
“It’s the action, not the fruit of the action that’s important. Do The Right Thing! It may not be in your power or in your time to see the fruit of your actions. Do not stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
“In a gentle way you can shake the world.”
Hannah begins to see a possibility of tapping into her greatness through the eyes of Ghandi. It’s up to her joining with humanity to rise above the virus and gently shake the world with Peace, Love and Joy. She realizes it’s time to shed the internal noise. Today she opts for the sounds of kindness, non-judgment and belief that the world will not just survive but thrive long after the pandemic has passed.
Hannah’s third visitor
Jesus is a spiritual figure and master teacher of forgiveness. For thousands of years his teachings on service, compassion and understanding have guided humanity. When Jesus sits beside Hannah, the energy changes as she looks upon this humble, radiant and all-loving being. In his presence her troubles seem to melt away as she is enveloped by love.
““Every situation properly perceived becomes an opportunity to heal.
“It’s not up to you what you learn, only whether you learn through joy or through pain.
“Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward.
“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.”
In a comfortable and relaxing silence, Hannah offers gratitude to Jesus and the other visitors. Their voices and teachings resonate deep within her. She is certain these teachers will return to support her. Positive forces have shifted in her mind that make her feel energized and open.
Meeting with Coach
At her next session, Hannah and Coach talk about her experience with the three teachers. With eyes closed, Hannah says in a quiet and confident voice:
Peace fills my heart. My mind feels clear. I can’t remember when I last felt this light and rested. Every morning I ask my heart and mind to absorb the messages and energy of these conversations.
Although I can’t remember the exact words, two sentences together sum up our time together: “I am a Divine creation responsible for doing the right thing in a gentle way. Dramatic change will not reduce me. I am awake. I see a million opportunities to heal, learn and grow invoking Peace, Love and Joy.“