ATL Blog

They say there is a Chinese curse: may you live in interesting times. I think this past week certainly qualifies. How can anyone be expected to stay Above the Line with the world doing what it is doing? This past week has given me the most amazing and provocative conversations, including:

- A friendly debate over the nature of evil and if certain politicians qualify for this designation.
 
- Surprisingly universal agreement that Obama is being presidential, while McCain is being a candidate. Whether you like Obama or not, in watching him it is clear that he is embodying where he wants to be. In other words, he is already being the president. It is fascinating to watch this progress and see how it plays out. I find it hard to imagine someone with that much being not manifesting his intention.
 
- Many many chats about staying above the line when surrounded by below the line energy. In all these conversations we have come to the conclusion that staying Above the Line does not mean changing anyone else. In fact, that's the first thing to let go of -- the need or desire for them to be different.
 
- Also many discussions about not giving in to the fear the media is fostering. It is so amazing how passionate people feel about this. How much hope and positive energy there actually is even when the Dow Jones is down 40% and Iceland is bankrupt. There are still a significant number of people who feel that no matter what, we can't succumb to fear.

SUGGESTIONS FOR BEING CENTERED in this difficult time:

1. Don't try to be Above the Line when you are feeling angry, sad, afraid, etc. BE WHERE YOU ARE. The best way to get back above the line is to spend some time being present to your below the line emotions. Here is a quick journal or self-talk exercise that can help -- be present to the emotion and ask yourself:

• What is my most dominant Below the Line emotion right now?
• What does it feel like to be (angry, sad, afraid, etc.)?
• Where do I feel it in my body? Where else?
• What color is this emotion?
• What size is this emotion?
• What does this emotion remind me of?
• What is it like to simply be present to how I feel?
• What if I allowed this emotion without making it wrong or resisting it?

2. Allow people around you to be where they are. HOWEVER, this doesn't mean you have to collude with them. Experiment with giving space to their fear without taking it on or resisting it.

Let us all know how it goes!

Warmly,

Ann