“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” — Rumi

A theme I hear with my coaching clients and those in my leadership courses is how to face the uncertainty of our times when the path ahead feels shrouded in mist. We have all experienced the lingering uncertainty of the pandemic, climate changes, and societal divisions. The daily news showers us with global and local challenges. We also face personal questions of job stability, how to manage our health, relationships, and even how to address loneliness and aging.

I and many I work with make great efforts to create a sense of control. Of course, we should each do our best to plan and take responsibility for what we can. We should do our best to care for our health, work, and family needs. Ideally, we also use our energy to support others and our communities.

Amid our quest for control, we can develop the practice of turning inward. We can focus on connecting with our inner landscape and be present to the thoughts and emotions coursing within us, the events unfolding around us, and what is happening in our relationships.

With the art of pausing, checking in, and becoming aware, we have a process that supports us in being present to what transpires. From this Open Stance place, we can be more at choice and see opportunities–even in the face of challenges. Experiencing uncertainty and challenges, we understand, will always be a part of life. With awareness and practice, we can transform our reactions into purposeful choices. We can learn to move with grace and a sense of possibility.

We need to invest in practices that support us in taking an Open Stance, calming our nervous systems, and becoming present to prepare us for what emerges. We need to be leaders and support others during these times to weather the storms and uncover the seeds of growth and transformation within them.