Ask for a glass of water…

How to unfreeze when the world is scary around you.

As the coronavirus upends how we all are living, and brings such uncertainty, fear for our loved ones and our livelihoods, our communities and our future, we’re in one of the toughest moments most of us have experienced.

An Offering from a Good Friend, in this Wild Era

I was talking with my friend Chris a few days ago, and he told me something he learned when he was an EMT.

In times of crisis, we can simply freeze in panic. Our minds and our bodies go into defense mode, and we shut down.

I’m guessing you’ve seen that in the folks around you in the last few weeks, and even felt it in yourself.

Here’s What Chris Learned: Ask for a Glass of Water

When Chris saw people hitting that point in an emergency, he’d give them something to do. He’d say, “See that guy over there? Please go over there and ask him for a glass of water.”

He’d get them to do something. Small. Clear. A little task. To move a little and have one small problem to solve.

It was enough, most of the time, to get people back into their bodies, breathing and functioning.

I’m finding myself thinking about that a lot. What’s the next glass of water I can reach for?

It Helps.

I’m reaching for lots of water these days. And sometimes I’m even drinking it. How about you?

I’d love to hear about your metaphoric glasses of water.
Stop by my blog and share in the comments, if you’d like.