Living on Purpose

Any views or opinions expressed in “Living on Purpose” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.

Gazing out of my windows lately there hasn’t been much to see, nor hear for that matter. There is an eerie sense the world has stopped. Normal has gone and won’t be back any time soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here lies an unusual fork in the road, but a crossroad just the same. A question. Who in this moment will you be? Some of you, like myself, have stood at this familiar intersection before. Maybe after the loss of a job or relationship or sudden crisis. It was glaringly obvious you had reached a point and had to decide who you were going to be in that defining moment and beyond. This is just like that.

My thoughts drift to Dr. Walter Cannon’s concept of reacting to a perceived threat. Fight or flight (or freeze). I began to visualize what each of these looked like as a response to the current pandemic. 

Freeze

What it looks like: Being overloaded with stimuli such as information and emotions so much so you freeze. You are not forming or articulating your thoughts about the topic. Your decision-making abilities temporarily impaired. Referred to as “a wave of shock.”

Although there are physiological changes, it appears motionless and is often overlooked as a response. Freezing is an act of self preservation. Allowing time to gather information and form a strategy before choosing a more actionable response such as fight or flight.

Flight

What it looks like: Denial, willful disconnection and a skewed view of reality. Examples include oversleeping and avoiding the news. There is also reframing facts e.g. safety measures are reframed as oppression, instead of inconvenience.

This allows for the pursuit of personal comforts with disregard to what is best for the community, and possibly to its detriment. Why? Maybe due to a need to be in control, or a belief that rules don’t apply? Use credible sources to retrieve up-to-date information, review facts that pertain to the community at-large, and be willing to challenge unhealthy beliefs, privileges, and priorities for the common good. 

It is important to note not all flight response behavior is negative. Choosing for example, to exit nonproductive conspiracy conversations surrounding the pandemic if they feel like too much right now is a healthy self preservation method. 

Now let’s look at the fight response.

Fight

What it looks like: Facing the situation head-on. Being intentional about gathering the facts, communications, and actions. In the past month it has been a joy to see so many dynamic acts of altruism. Good samaritans are everywhere.

Mask makers, elderly store hours, deliveries, all types of folks paying it forward, and of COURSE essential workers. Truckers, janitors, law enforcement, healthcare workers, farmers… on and on. These heroes wear masks and gloves. There is work to be done and they show up determined every day to fight. They will be praised throughout history.

In this moment, who will you be?

The answer may lay in your values, talents, resources or experience. Avoid comparing your response to anyone else’s, so as not to discredit your own process. Your wellbeing, your family, the greater good of the community.  All things considered, the choice is yours.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona Aundrea Sayrie is a firm believer in the power of words, faith and a strong spirit. Her greatest desire is to encourage those around her to discover and honor their truth, and to passionately live on purpose.