Twice in the last week, I’ve encountered the term existential dread. 

One young woman described this state as “fretting over my non-existent influence on the world.”  As she struggled to make ends meet and balance her passion for activism, she found herself exhausted. 

When we feel overwhelmed, it’s easy to question our self-worth or impact.  We may find ourselves in the victim’s chair, wondering how we got there—again.   Or we fall under the wave rather than surfing its crest.

What’s important to remember is that our perception can shift in a heartbeat.  It can flip, just like a coin tossed into the air.

Two weeks ago, my husband and I were walking the loop around a nearby pond.  I’d been feeling pressured by the immense project of rebranding and launching a new website. 

The challenge of finding simple words to express the Life is Coaching You principle loomed large.  How could I explain something so experiential, so alive, so unique to each individual? 

To do so, I would have to be open to Life coaching me.  I checked in.  Was I listening?  Did I trust that the way would appear?  Would I follow through patiently on a task that felt like climbing an endless mountain with a full backpack?

In that moment, a white, curly-haired puppy on a leash rounds the curve up ahead. He’s excitedly sniffing the air and joyously jumping through fallen leaves. 

His owner walks slowly, watchful and smiling, letting the little guy fully experience the park’s sights and smells.  By the time they reach us, I can’t wait to meet this pup. 

As I always do, I ask the owner if that would be OK. 

“Absolutely,” comes the reply.  “He never understands when people don’t want to say hello.  Makes no sense to him.”

Four-month-old Biscuit leaps up to greet us, though his height at full stretch barely reaches our knees.  He licks our hands, and jumps back and forth between us. We can’t help but laugh and play with Biscuit.

There it is again, I realize.  The flip. 

Can you picture a dog fretting over his influence on the world?  Or worrying about how a website’s message could reach its audience? 

Not a chance.  Life is too fun, too full, too rich, too utterly enthralling!  A dead leaf on the ground is a cause for celebration.

After a time, my husband and I move on, and Biscuit continues his exploration.

Now comes the critical moment. 

Do I return to existential dread?  Or do I take the opportunity to release the old for the new, to step across the threshold into a state from which everything can be viewed with wonder?

Dozens of these choices—these open doorways—present themselves daily.  They may not all be as obvious as Biscuit, but they come. 

Puppies don’t care if they matter.  Because they just do.  And so do we. 

Comments:

April 30, 2020

I really liked what you wrote. I found myself wondering how can I do that. I feel like I want it too but don’t know how to. What do you say to someone who can see through the window but not know how to get on the other side?

Emma Laurence
May 1, 2020

Thank you for your thoughtful question, Ruth. These inner experiences are so personal. Do you have an inner connection with a guardian angel or spiritual teacher? Or even someone who's already passed on with whom you have a strong love bond? That being may be able to help you go through the window. For myself, I've sung the word HU (pronounced like "hue") gently for a few minutes and that has helped open my heart to be able to reach "the other side" as you say. And I always ask for help.

Beth Parnaby
November 5, 2019

Thank you Emma your story is a lovely reminder of the keys to staying open to my inner guidance and the many blessings of life . The keys it highlighted for me are,to do the best I can, remember to ask for help, listen, trust and patience. This morning on waking the word humility floated into my mind, along with the concept that life will teach us through the humblest of its creatures if we can have that same humility within ourselves.

Emma Laurence
November 5, 2019

That is beautiful, Beth. I love your segue into humility within us resonating with the humblest of creatures. Thanks so much for posting!

Niki territo
November 5, 2019

Emma, I love your puppy experience! We had a similar experience on the airplane on the way to Florida. Two puppies removed all anxiety and fear of flying. The airplane was filled with love and community. Everyone, even the flight attendants were engaged. After we landed, the owner of the pups hugged me and was so thankful for the support. She was very nervous to travel with them. But it all worked out just fine for her. We deborded renewed and refreshed with the wonder of new experiences beyond our comfort zone. Thank you for sharing.

Emma Laurence
November 5, 2019

Oh...that is a great story, Niki! Loved "...deborded renewed and refreshed with the wonder of new experiences beyond our comfort zone." That's precious. Thanks so much for sharing.

Zirrus
November 4, 2019

Life. Not the easiest thing we’ve done. But so, so worth it. Thank you for all that you bring to it♥️

Emma Laurence
November 4, 2019

How true. Not easy, but well worth the effort. Thank you, Zirrus!

Elizabeth Young
November 3, 2019

This is so helpful Emma, thank you!

Emma Laurence
November 3, 2019

I'm glad to hear, Elizabeth! Wishing you well on your journey.

Comments are closed.