Do you ever worry? Recent events in world politics give plenty of reason to. Worrying about something is human, but is it desirable, especially if it weighs heavily on your mind? Let's take a closer look at this.

For example, the ongoing war in Ukraine is something you can worry about. What does this mean for the people there? How long can they hold out? Or the rise of the AfD in Germany. What will this mean? Or the way Trump is consolidating power with one decree after another, America's withdrawal from various global alliances and agreements, or how Russian propaganda finds its way to the White House and even into our Dutch Parliament. Where is all this heading?

Until recently, I noticed that when I read the newspapers and watched the news and saw all the images, it could sometimes suddenly overwhelm me. Negative thoughts about where this is leading would then take over. Maybe you recognize this. As I wrote earlier: these thoughts and feelings are very human, but certainly not desirable, because I don't want to feel this way and who am I helping with it? I notice that over the past years I have increasingly found another path in this.

‘If you want to awaken all of humanity

then awaken all of yourself.

If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world,

then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself.

Truly, the greatest gift you have to give

is that of your own self-transformation’

-        Lao Tzu

This other path beautifully aligns with what Lao Tzu so clearly describes in the quote above: the greatest gift or contribution you can give is that of your own transformation. And it may lie precisely in this: strengthening your (self)awareness so that you maintain your trust in yourself, in life, in humanity, and focus on what is happening now. If you do that, by being fully present in the moment, standing in life with trust and love, and letting everything that presents itself meet you, then you remain fully connected with yourself and can stay connected with everything and everyone around you. This is a lifelong practice. Does that mean that it’s easy? No, certainly not! Is it necessary? Yes, definitely!

I invite you to take this thought with you into the coming week and reflect on the following questions:

·       What do you need to stand (or remain standing) in life with trust and love during these times?

·       What does that require from you in how you position yourself and relate to everything that is happening?

And see what insights these questions bring you.

I wish you much strength and love this week!