Embrace the Beautiful Chaos: When Life Feels Like a Complete Mess
Accepting the present moment in order to create change
Life, in all its infinite wisdom and wit, often throws us into situations that feel like a Jackson Pollock painting - a chaotic mess of splattered paint and seemingly random patterns.
Fellow dishevelled humans, don’t lose heart. There is hope within the beautiful chaos. Accepting the present moment and recognising the impermanence of things can help us find solace and make incremental changes to improve our situations. No matter how squalid, interminable and insufferable it might seem life has become.
So, how does one embrace the present moment when it feels like we're constantly stubbing a toe on the sharp edge of mundane reality?
First, at any moment necessary, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that nothing is permanent. Even the longest distance traffic jam eventually clears up, just as the tangled thoughts that clog our mind will one day unwind. As the great Alan Watts said, "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance."
In that spirit, once we've accepted the ephemeral nature of our predicament, we can start making incremental changes to improve our situations. You don't have to go nuclear on your life overnight, but small, consistent steps can create a huge impact over time. Start by setting achievable daily goals, like swapping your triple-shot espresso for a less abrasive cup of tea (possibly with less sugar), or taking a few minutes each morning to practice deep breathing exercises.
Suffering from the ever-looming financial bogeyman? Start to fend it off by sitting with a pen and paper and creating a simple budget, tracking expenses and identifying areas where you can trim the fat. Swap out shop bought sandwiches for last night’s leftovers in a tupperware. Cancel that Disney+ subscription and dive into a book you haven’t read in years. Surely that’s better food for the soul rather than watching Avengers Endgame for the umpteenth time? These modest adjustments may seem insignificant, but over time, they'll accumulate into a veritable mountain of savings, steadying your financial ship.
In tandem with these monetary adjustments, reach out to those you may have hurt, rejected or neglected during your turbulent times. Apologise sincerely, without expectation, and offer to make amends if they're open to it. Though some bridges may be irreparable, you'll find that many people appreciate genuine contrition and the effort to rebuild connections.
Now, let's address some other habits that have been holding you back. Identify the culprits - be it excessive social media scrolling or indulging in one too many pints at the pub - and replace them with healthier alternatives. Instead of losing hours to the abyss of your Playstation, try a night time stroll or exploring a new hobby. Swap out boozy nights for picking up that musical instrument gathering dust in the spare room. By gradually phasing out the activities that drain you, you'll create space for habits that nourish you.
Gradually, as you implement these tiny changes, you'll notice a subtle yet powerful shift in your perspective. The mess that once seemed insurmountable will start to feel more like an adventure in personal growth. It's not about creating a picture-perfect existence, but rather embracing the beautiful chaos and learning to live comfortably with yourself.
When life feels like a mess, take a deep breath, accept the present moment and embark on the journey of incremental change. As Lao Tzu observed, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
With each small step, you'll slowly feel your way out of the darkness and through the chaos.
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