Two devastating hurricanes hit the southeastern United States in less than one month. The anxiety and anticipation ahead, the fear in the midst, and the overwhelm after is a lot to handle. My family and I are fortunate that we were able to evacuate and return to only minimal damage to our home. I am thankful for these things and for being able to support my family, friends, and community.
Even with relatively minimal impact, it is hard to get on with life. The hurricanes passed, but it is taking time to heal the impacts. Leaders and colleagues are struggling with the effects and trying to work. I have had a tough time myself.
Resilience would serve well. But where do we draw from to gain resilience? What happens when the well is nearly dry?
Returning to rhythms may help. There is power in rhythms and rituals that help us feel sure. They are mini anchors that, in the middle of uncertainty, the uncontrollable, and evidence of pain and devastation, can help us gently put one foot in front of the other. The intent of returning to rhythms and rituals is not to bypass the emotional and physical healing needed. Instead, they are markers that guide us to healing.
I started small. The Sunday after the storm, two of my dearest friends came over, and I did their hair while we watched and sang along to Hamilton. (We all know that Lawrence, Phillip, and Alexander die, but we cried a little bit more this time.)
The next day, I returned to setting my alarm to wake up at my usual time and have a quiet start before the day’s activities. I allowed myself compassion when I overslept that Tuesday morning. My morning commute may take longer due to reminders of the hurricane—like the downed trees waiting to be removed or an air conditioning unit in the middle of Ashley Drive—but it helps to start my morning with an anchor my body knows.
I am returning to collaborating with colleagues and serving clients. These rhythms create certainty and an opportunity for me to serve. I am allowing space for tender conversations as we check in with each other and to be in our humanity before we proceed with the creative work ahead.
All this is to say that resilience may need the scaffolding of rhythms and rituals that we can return to. Maybe the rhythms and rituals look a little different, or it may be that new ones are needed. I am learning that whatever the case, we can put one foot in front of the other by selecting one rhythm or ritual, and then another, and so on, to create a choiceful path to resilience and recovery.
Comments