Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Reminders from Hurricane Sandy


A few days ago, Hurricane Sandy tore through the Northeast. From the safety of my 6th floor apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan - an area that was spared the flooding, power outages and damage others experienced - I am able to reflect on the lessons that the hurricane can teach us. I know it is a luxury to be able to sit in my safe and warm home and reflect on these lessons. To those who are dealing with the aftermath of the storm and who don’t have the luxury to ruminate, I send my very best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Here are the reminders I took from Sandy:

·         Show Gratitude – Those who’ve read this blog over time know that over and over again, I am thankful for my good fortune, in good times and in bad. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, I am thankful for my intact and lovely home, and for the safety of my family who is hunkered down with me in it. I am reminded to experience and show my gratitude.

·         Be connected – Before the storm landed, millions of people across the Northeast were warned of what could be coming their way. Millions were in the path of the hurricane. What happened to some could have happened to any of us. I am reminded that we are all connected by how life starts and ends and what life puts in our way. Additionally, I appreciated the number of inquiries from friends, colleagues, and even distant acquaintances, asking how we were faring. I am reminded that I am not alone; that there are people out there who care. I am reminded to be one of them.

·         Remember your priorities – Each notification I’ve received letting me know that my office, or my childrens’ schools, are still closed ends with a statement to the effect of “your safety is of utmost importance.” I am reminded by the hurricane of what matters most. I am reminded to pay attention to the safety and health of myself and my loved ones, even when a tropical storm isn’t brewing around us.

·         Slow down – In coaching, I’m often reminding clients to slow down and to be present; to experience what is happening, rather than rushing through it. Going in to our 6th day in the house with not as much to do and not as many places to go, I am savoring the rare opportunity to slow down, and I’m reminded of the importance of stepping out of the usual routines now and again to reflect on the sorts of things this post is highlighting.

·         Recover – Coaching is, in part, about noticing what’s gone wrong and then recovering. While communities around me clean up from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, I am reminded of what I need to right and repair in my life and am more motivated to do it.

I hope these reminders come to you free of any damage from the recent disaster.

All the best,
~ Sophie

QUOTES
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.” ~ May Sarton, author
“You are one of the forces of nature.” ~ Jules Michelet, French historian