CHAOS: Potential for Change

Chaos. Just the word strikes fear in us. It evokes images of destruction, devastation, anxiety,
terror, depression, illness, even death.
We have all had those experiences that create chaos in our lives. Sometimes it is just a small
event, like a flat tire when hurrying to get somewhere. Other times it can be monumental,
unexpected, tragic, even life threatening.
What if we could step back from the chaos, back far enough that we are able to see a bigger
picture, a larger purpose hidden deep within the heart of chaos. What could we see?
What might we be able to see, perceive, from a higher level of awareness and insight? Could
there be a greater purpose for the chaos? Is it possible that we could learn, grow, and expand our
inner and outer world as a result of chaos?
If we allow ourselves to get caught up in the chaos, to yield to the “doom and gloom” that chaos
brings with it, we can lose our grip on life and spiral down into fear, anxiety, depression, and all
the consequences that follow that mindset: Life is hopeless. I am helpless. Why me? I’m
doomed.

Chaos may be the Universe’s way of presenting us with infinite potential for change.

It forces us to step out of our comfort zone and look at our lives as forever changed from what it was. We can’t go back and “not know” what we now know. We must find a way to proceed
with our lives despite the chaos.
How can we begin to see the potential, the new order that can come from the chaos? We begin
by being willing to see it. We must be willing to turn away from the idea that it is a punishment and begin to see it as offering us infinite potential. From that potential comes the possibility for redefining, reinventing, recreating our lives.
How do we begin to see the possibilities that are embedded in the chaos? First, we must be
willing to change our perspective and despite our fear, look deep into the chaos. Do not allow
the fear take over. Fear will magnify and intensify the chaos.

We feed the chaos with our fears.

Once the initial event has subsided, we can stop, breathe, ground ourselves and shift our thinking
to possible outcomes. Is this easy? NO! It requires a lot of effort to see beyond fear. But once
we do, we can begin to connect with the purpose of chaos. To bring us the opportunity to see
new beginnings, new outcomes, new possibilities that we could not see before the Universe
decided to stir us out of our complacency.
So, step one is to recognize the fear and calm the storm within us. Next, just sit quietly with
paper and pen, and begin to list any and all possible outcomes. Not just the obvious ones of the
devastation the chaos created, but also the possible positive outcomes. Yes, there are positive
outcomes. There is no darkness that does not contain light. Balance is inherent in the Universe.

It was created that way. There is no wrong that does not have the potential for right. There is no
bad without the potential for good. But we must use our minds to override our fears so we can
see the possibilities that lie deep within the raw potential. That is how we use the power of
choice in our lives. We must consciously choose to see it.
Let me give you an example. I will use my personal experience for two reasons. First, it allows
for a first-hand narrative. It is what I know best and in the most detail. Second, it prevents me
from possible disclosure of a client’s experience that someone may recognize.

The year was 2000.

I was a nursing home administrator. My motto was I thrive on chaos. If
you know anything about nursing homes, you understand. I was well on my journey of
enlightenment at that time. I already had a lot of practice dealing with chaos and empowerment.
I thought I was past those lessons. So, I practiced gratitude continuously.

That morning, as I awakened, the thought came quickly: “Today my attitude is gratitude. I will
be grateful for everything that happens today.” Then I went to work and got fired. I remember
thinking: “I’m supposed to be grateful for this?” Having been through the chaos drill many
times before, I was able to keep my calm as I was escorted from the building. Once home, the
first thing I did was cry, breathe and ground myself. Then I sat with paper and pen and began to
list the possible outcomes, both positive and negative. I went to both ends of the spectrum from
possible homelessness to the possibility that the next job I got would be the better than I could
imagined at that time. I listed all the details of where I was, how I was going to afford to live
and what characteristics I had to help and guide me to the best possible outcome. I’ll stop the
story there except to say that positive outcomes prevailed.
The Aboriginal people of Australia have a belief that one must dream what their desire is before
it can become a reality. Quantum science now tells us that our beliefs and perception of life is
what creates our reality; that nothing is real until we observe it; until we are able to see the
possibility within the potential.

Chaos offers us that potential.

It brings all that potential energy to us. But we must be willing to
use that potential to see beyond the chaos, avoid getting caught up in the fear and search for the
order, the possibilities that lie hidden in the chaos. That is our power of choice.