Uncertainty and anxious times are part of our current situation.
These are uncertain, anxious times. We – you, me, and the rest of the world – are facing a historical event that most of us are not prepared for, neither logistically nor emotionally and, perhaps not mentally, physically, or spiritually.
We are face-to-face with an uncertain future, but the future is always unknown. What makes this “unknown future” more gripping? We can’t project “life as usual” into it.
“We live in the present situation guided by true inner conscience, where we conduct ourselves not only to safeguard our health and inner realization, but and to help each other and the global community in its effort to minimize the severity of the crisis. We are in it all together, but remember that our inner core is not touched by the accidents of time.” – A.H. Almaas
It may be months, a year, or more before we return to some new baseline of life-as-usual which has a background element of certainty for ego-self, i.e., we go to bed assuming that tomorrow will be pretty much like today.
Things Change
The coronavirus’s full impact is now seeping into the collective consciousness, inviting uncertainty, anxiety, and fear into all areas of life.
How do we address uncertainty and its by-products when the rubber meets the road?
Uncertainty can cause confusion and disorientation. It can trigger anxiety, the survival instinct, and fear.
Certainty of Uncertainty
Uncertainty need not be an issue or problem. Indeed, uncertainty is fundamentally openness and not knowing.
If we experience confusion, anxiety, or fear of uncertainty, there’s a story about the future and a fear of the future happening. Bringing the story forward into consciousness invites more certainty into our experience.
But this certainty is not about how events will turn out, and it’s not foreseeing the future or my life span. This certainty is not a mental activity or concept; it is the certainty of being, the substantiality of true nature.
Certainty is Being Here Now, not in mental activity, story, or emotional reactivity.
FEAR – No Self, No Fear
Fear is self-oriented. Fear is time-based, it does not exist in timelessness, nor in being as ground/source – it is manufactured by self.
Concern is not necessarily the same as fear. I can be concerned about covid-19, the lack of clear information and action, losing my income, and the hospitals being overwhelmed without fear of the unfolding situation and its possible future.
In the Diamond Approach, our main methodology is open and open-ended inquiry. Inquiry into the self or the ‘who’ at the center of the situation is always part of the inquiry process.
As current events unfold, exploring the self and how fear, right-now fear, relates to it is a way to invite what is timeless, fearless, and deathless into our perspective.
Also, the pandemic has not stopped global warming or other future-changing forces.
There are many aspects and elements of the Diamond Approach that can come forth to support us in any situations. There is much wisdom we can recall and apply to where we are right now.
The Nature of Certainty in Uncertain Times
In the Diamond Approach, the realization of certainty is intimately connected to the crystal vehicle of the citadel, leading to a nonconceptual understanding. In the midst of global uncertainty, it’s essential to recognize that true certainty goes beyond mere belief or intellectual categorization. A profound realization transcends doubt because it’s not rooted in external validation but in an intrinsic understanding of reality. This nonconceptual certainty doesn’t rely on external teachings or traditions. Instead, it stands autonomously, acknowledging its unique nature as it respects the distinctiveness of other teachings and realizations. In these anxious times, embracing such a profound sense of certainty can be a beacon of hope and stability.
Anxiety: A Response to the Unknown
Anxiety, as explored in the Diamond Approach, often arises from a deep-seated fear of the unknown or the unexpected emergence of repressed feelings and memories. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, many find their usual defenses crumbling, leading to heightened anxiety. However, this anxiety can also be a precursor to deeper self-awareness. When confronting our anxieties head-on, we pave the way for profound insights and a deeper understanding of our true nature. We can navigate these uncertain times with greater resilience and clarity by acknowledging and addressing our anxieties.
Finding Strength Amidst Anxiety
The Diamond Approach elucidates that separation anxiety can often block the essence of strength. In a world where physical distancing and isolation have become the norm, many grapple with feelings of separation and resulting weakness. However, confronting this perceived weakness can reveal the underlying anxiety and its origins. By understanding and addressing this source of anxiety, individuals can tap into their inherent strength essence. This strength, rooted in the core of our being, can empower us to face the challenges of today with unwavering resolve and determination.