You Are Not the Economy, Nor is Your Mood Determined by It

To an American friend:

I am listening to Vermont Public Radio tonight (your morning) and stunned by the fear-based, obsessed coverage of the world stock markets. Reports on "damage around the world, a bad day on the Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other exchanges."

Knowing your world, and who is in it, I am guessing conversations must sound a lot like what I am hearing on the radio....a lot of concern, worry, projection, what-ifs, doomsday talk.

Please hear me now: no matter what happens to the economy, we can and must remain the good people we are, with the same values and commitments, the same compassion and personal relationships and standards. Just like the weather, the economy does not make us who we are. That is a comfort. Many people need lots of $$$ and stuff to maintain their identity. We are not that. In the midst of all the incertainty on the planet, be it our wealth or our health, we can be conforted by knowing that we can handle whatever comes our way. Our essence is unchanged by these variables. Sunsets are still gorgeous, flowers still have fragrance, birds still sing.

Secondly, when there is an up, there is a down. When there is life, there is death. When there is health, there is illness. These poles are reality. Some call them opposites or compliments or partners. I see them as the poles of an issue or subject...the range that some thought or action can move between.

Who ever told us we could expect the economy to only hang at the plus end of the pole? What an insane expectation! Like thinking a car will NEVER get a flat tire, and to do so, would be a sign of a failed vehicle design. In truth, such natural reckonings in the natural or manmade world are always, ultimately, for our higher good. For evidence or proof of this claim, we need only look at our own lives...how we have grown from both the ups and downs.

Because the media is almost exclusively owned by major corporations, whose very life pulse is tied to the stock market, television and radio are fanning the flames of fear. Don't get caught in the blaze! Remain grounded in knowing that what you value and what makes your life meaningful is much more permanent and beautiful.

Of course we must make adjustments when storms come...be they in the skies or on Wall Street. I am reminded by the chant all Sivananda yogis are taught: "Adapt, adjust, accomodate. Be good, do good, be kind, be compassionate." Seems like good advice today.

You will be told this is an unstoppable crisis, a reason for panic and desperation, that nations are in need of rescue. Don't let this anxiety into your mind or body. Hold on to what you believe in, and stock up on positive thinking and words of inspiration. This too shall pass. And you will still be you.