Midlife opportunity
Where there is a crisis there is opportunity. Jill Lawson presents a simple meditation for those experiencing the dreaded midlife crisis
Twists and turns are a fact of life. Lucky are the few who sail past life's roundabouts unscathed. However, even if we practice staying on a healthy path, we may still face obstacles that lead us to a crossroad around midlife.
Referred to as a midlife crisis, the changes both men and women undergo through the ageing process can be troublesome. Psychologists predict one in every three people will experience some type of mental, emotional, or physical crisis between the ages of 45-55. If it isn’t anxiety, depression, or the need to escape from everything in a red convertible sports car, it will be physical changes that cause one’s internal dialogue to sound like a hopeless broken record.
What can we do about it? Let’s first examine what it means to be in crisis. The Latinised form of the Greek word crisis, or krisis, means ‘turning point.’
This could represent a turn in our health, a change in our bodies, or a shift in our thought processes. Not all turning points are negative. Former US president John F. Kennedy once stated that the Chinese symbol for crisis has two brush strokes. One represents danger, the other opportunity. If you are at a turning point in life, it is important to recognise the opportunities available to you
With practice and patience, you will be able to view your turning point in a new light, and restore peace and harmony to your internal soundtrack. To see your crisis as an opportunity, follow this simple guided imagery meditation. Practice whenever you are at a turning point in your life.
Do it now
you notice a tinge of negativity or hopelessness when you scan areas of your body that you are unhappy about, take 5 deep breaths and let those thoughts go. Next, set an intention to be optimistic about all aspects of your mind, body, and spirit. Repeat the scan until all of your thoughts are positive. You want the melody in your mind to be in tune with compassion and acceptance.
Changing a midlife crisis to a midlife opportunity can be as simple as changing a record on a turntable. Work at replacing the negative song in your head with something positive, and take a turn for the best. When you overcome midlife challenges, you will be presented with opportunities along the road of life.
Enjoy the journey.
Jill Lawson is a writer and yoga teacher enjoying life on the island of Maui in Hawaii (jilllawson.net)
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