ENCOURAGING WORDS

By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD

The Wisdom of This Too Shall Pass

“Reflecting on the times when we’ve felt trapped in a whirlwind of fear, stripped of any control over our fate, brings to mind recent experiences with nature’s ferocity. For many, this feeling was all too real on September 26th with Hurricane Helene’s onslaught, or on October 9th, as Hurricane Milton carved a path across the Gulf, threatening Tampa with its formidable force as a Category F3-F4 storm. As I lay hunkered down in my bed in the dark with no power listening to the hundred-mile-per hour winds pound on our storm windows, my mantra was “This too shall pass”…and gratefully, it eventually did.”

Reflecting on the times when we’ve felt trapped in a whirlwind of fear, stripped of any control over our fate, brings to mind recent experiences with nature’s ferocity. For many, this feeling was all too real on September 26th with Hurricane Helene’s onslaught, or on October 9th, as Hurricane Milton carved a path across the Gulf, threatening Tampa with its formidable force as a Category F3-F4 storm. As I lay hunkered down in my bed in the dark with no power listening to the hundred-mile-per hour winds pound on our storm windows, my mantra was “This too shall pass”… and gratefully, it eventually did.

One of the most significant challenges during times like this is the inherent unpredictability. Meteorologists, despite their articulate explanations, could only provide educated guesses about Hurricane Milton’s trajectory until the very last moment. They presented us with “spaghetti plots,” speculative models depicting potential paths, all converging towards various points in the Tampa region. This uncertainty gave rise to what they call “The Cone of Uncertainty.” However, this term only served to amplify the fear and anxiety among those residing within the cone, myself included. Sadly, Hurricane Milton did make landfall in St. Pete, leaving behind a trail of destruction and suffering across the Tampa region.

This experience underscores a broader illusion that plagues us: the erroneous belief that we have control over numerous aspects of our daily lives. Fear often takes root in our minds because, despite our best efforts, we possess little control over the future. We yearn for peace and security, hoping for assurance that all will be well. In reality, our control is limited to our next breath and thought, yet we expend vast amounts of time and energy worrying about the unknown.

We All Live In Our Own Personal Cone of Uncertainty

Even without hurricanes, each of us encounters our own personal Cone of Uncertainty throughout our lives. These uncertainties might not be storm-related. For some, a doctor’s diagnosis creates a storm of its own, leaving us feeling powerless over our destiny. Others may find themselves caught in the turmoil of political unrest, economic instability, or the rising crime rates broadcasted on the evening news. These personal storms vary in cause but are universal in their impact. The practice is to remember the wisdom of “This Too Shall Pass.”

When some friends suggest relocating from Florida to avoid future hurricanes, I responded that uncertainty is not unique to any one location. Having lived in California, I’ve encountered drought, fires, traffic congestion, and earthquakes – each presenting its own version of uncertainty. As the saying goes, you can run, but you can’t hide. Every place, physically or emotionally, harbors its own uncertainties. Perhaps the key to navigating these uncertainties is acceptance. We must recognize that uncertainty is an intrinsic part of the human experience. It is not about avoiding uncertainties, but rather about how we perceive and respond to them.

THE TAKE AWAY: Whatever personal Cone of Uncertainty you may face today, invite it to be your teacher. Embrace living proactively with uncertainty and refuse to let fear dictate your actions. Understand what you can control and what you cannot, and find peace in that knowledge. This is an invitation to either take action, or stand down and let it pass. In the midst of our most daunting storms, let us find comfort in the wisdom of the saying, “This too shall pass.” It holds true for good times, bad times, and all in between. Storms are transient; they always pass. Always. To those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, I send my heartfelt blessings. Remember, better days lie ahead.

Peace,
Dennis Merritt Jones

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