Hurricane Chi

Hmmmmm. Nothing like a hurricane to stir up our chi on the East Coast this weekend! My friend and colleague Shauna Piscitello resides in San Diego and she just made a comment about how our chi has really been stirred up. Thanks Shauna for your insight! 

We had the minor earthquake last week (I know you Californians are scoffing at our 'quake', but you have to admit that it is unusual for us!) which subtly and not-so-subtly shook us up a bit. Then, Hurricane Irene comes through.

On a societal level, all of this comes just a couple of week before the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 – touching both DC and NYC.  And, the economic recession and stock market's unprecedented wrenching weeks.

However, I am taking the time to see how these events are affecting me on a personal level. How has my life been going recently? Has my life, career, relationships become stagnant? Do you find that you have developed a boring routine? Or life has been way too crazy and full of drama? Well, I'm getting ready for some changes and so should you! 

Bracing the Storm

Watching the Weather Channel prior to the storm hit NY, I was amazed at the local people that were reported to be out in the storm, bracing the winds and rain. I believe that we, as a culture, have been so separated from the natural world that many of us embrace these moments to step into a direct connection with nature. Be it crazy or just foolish, some of us just need to feel the full effect of the storm in order to be able to move on or receive some clarity in our lives.

Like some shaman cultures, they seek out and welcome lightning strikes as part of their need to transform and change. They know that they need this to go to another level of development.

I admit that I did go out in the strong gusts and felt the full effect on my body, my mind and my spirit. And I feel renewed. Thanks Shauna for bringing that concept into my psyche, as I spend the next few days or weeks pondering the real long-term effects of Irene.

Photo Credit: A huge wave caused by Hurricane Irene sprays people in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on the island of Hispaniola. Credit: European Pressphoto Agency / Orlando Barría