Finding our equilibrium
Regaining our equilibrium
Loss of equilibrium
Our era is marked by disruption and uncertainty. As a result, our nervous systems can become overwhelmed, leading to feelings of shutdown or, conversely, hypervigilance with a sense of raciness coursing through our minds and bodies. Being overwhelmed can cause us to withdraw from others and our surroundings. Hypervigilance, conversely, can make us reactive instead of responsive to our environment. In both cases, our sense of equilibrium and inner safety is compromised.
Regaining equilibrium
Certain practical exercises can temporarily restore equilibrium to our nervous systems. For example, box breathing, physical exercise, and laughing. Nevertheless, an overall sense of equilibrium and inner safety is nurtured by a life-affirming "compelling context" (Anne Hillman, Awakening the Energies of Love) that fosters a spiritual environment of “losing our separateness into the very heart of Life” (Steve Biddulph, Fully Human: a new way of using your mind). When we experientially know that our lives are part of a greater whole, we experience belonging. With belonging we experience a level of inner safety despite our circumstances. A life-affirming compelling context animates our daily living, nurturing and supporting our whole mind/body, including our nervous system.
What is a compelling context?
A compelling context comprises a life-affirming belief system crafted into a sacred narrative that gives meaning to our existence and mortality. It encompasses responses to our spiritual questions about “Who are we?” “Why are we here?” “How are we to live?” When we pose our questions in the light of current knowledge, beliefs, and life experience, the responses we discover resonate with our minds and hearts. Mind refers to our knowledge and beliefs concerning the nature of Reality, the origins of our world, and the workings of the human body/mind. Heart refers to our ability to embrace the myriad of emotions and experiences we encounter throughout life, including joys, sorrows, angers, frustrations, fears, and mystical moments, both anticipated and unforeseen. When a coherent sacred narrative is established, our nervous systems achieve a state of equilibrium and we experience inner safety.
A new horizon for spiritual independents
A compelling context may reside within an established religious, secular, or First Nations belief system. There is, however, a growing trend of individuals who identify as spiritually independent. Where do they find their compelling context? A new horizon of Evolutionary Spirituality is unfolding for exploration, grounded by a systems view of evolutionary history. The core principles for losing our separateness into the very heart of Life are interconnectedness and unity with diversity. (For more on Evolutionary Spirituality see my website page The sacred work of being human/Evolutionary spirituality).
Spiritual practice
Spend time reflecting on the core principles of your compelling context. Then allow the principles to drop beneath an intellectual exercise and become embodied. Notice if there is a shift in your experience of equilibrium and inner safety.
