#27

Welcome to Weekly Whispers #27

What whisper did you hear from #26?

Did you play being more puppy?

Did you adjust your way so it works out best for you?

Did you work in?

Warrior in the garden?

Here's what’s struck me this week.

 
1. Laughter is not just laughter; it’s the most fundamental sign of safety and connection - Daniel Coyle

When everything seems dark, find time to smile.
When everything seems lost, find time to laugh.
When everything seems futile, find time to giggle.
When everything seems hard, find time to joke.

It might seem counterintuitive but to boost our nervous system with a little endorphin can help us through the harder moments. So, welcome those funny memes and the silliness that they promote. As John Cleese once said, "A wonderful thing about true laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system of dividing people".

 
2. The amount of weather you can endure is directly proportionate to what you gain – Sarah Blondin

I’ve been pondering this as the lockdown in Sydney is extended. When you’re in ‘the weather’ it doesn’t really feel like you’re gaining anything – it feels like you’re trying your best to endure. It’s only afterwards that the gain is felt – once the ‘weather’ calms or once your nervous system recovers. The ‘weather’ of course could be anything that you are currently facing.

It reminds me of the Stockdale Paradox – no matter what you’re going through you have to believe you’ll endure and yet at the same time deal with the current reality of the ‘weather’ you are facing.

It’s a timely reminder to ignore the current end of lockdown deadline set by the NSW govt and focus on ‘the lockdown WILL end…at some point’ whilst hunkering down and dealing with whatever ‘weather’ we’re facing.

So what about you – what ‘weather’ are you facing and do you have faith that you will endure? I’ve got faith that you certainly can.

 
3. Quote of the week: "I’ve never met a strong person with an easy past" - Atticus

Our beauty and strengths seem to be forged under difficult circumstances. So, don’t wish for more strength, wish for more circumstances to build strength. Ponder how your current circumstances are preparing you for an even better next thing.

 
4. Question of the week: What choice can you make in this moment?

With so much going on for most people I know, including myself, I wonder if we can focus on the options right in front of us? The uncertainty and ambiguity of the future we read about or imagine might be too scary. Even thinking about the prospect of another day of homeschooling for some is terrifying. So, think about the very next moment. The very next 3-7 seconds - what choice can you make in this moment? And then the next? And the next? If you can string a few moments together you might feel like you’ve gained a little more perspective and a little more control.

 
5. Freedom Fridays - Moving from I have to, to I choose to

My intention is to openly share a change I’m making within my life. I’m hoping you can take the lessons learnt and apply them to any change you want to make.

This week was a double episode and predominantly about being forced into choosing rather than being able to choose.

Check out Episode #25 Part 1 with special guest Anna Raine.

That’s all for this week and I hope you enjoyed Weekly Whisper #27.

Feedback is my fuel so if you have any comments please hit reply and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks

Pete