Step-by-Step

Every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

Lao Tsu

Faced with an uncertain path, we can still step forward. Step-by-step we will make our way through what lies ahead. Where we end is unknown, but our dreams can lead us forward a step at a time.

Passing through

Days always pass. We don’t need to worry about the relentless rush forwards of time.

The challenge in this uncertain, novel and difficult environment is how we act through all the uncertainties. The doubts and questions surround us. Will there be more shutdowns? Will there be more illness? What will happen to my job, my colleagues, my contacts and so on? Speculation can consume your entire capacity to act. That is if action is not yet entirely overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught of terrible news of loss from around the world.

I have a mantra that has been part of my crisis toolkit for many years. It is my weapon against feelings of loss, frustration and powerlessness. We all would like to wish we weren’t in the situation of a deadly global pandemic. However, we can’t wish that away and mourning our losses takes us so far. It is situations like these that I remind myself:

Some times the only way out is through

We have to go through this. We don’t have to go through it alone, but we have to go through this.

Step-by-step

When things are dark, complex and uncertain, it can come down to putting one foot in front of the other, step-by-step. We get out the other side by solving the challenges in each step, in each day and so on until we are done. That is the way through.

We don’t need big leaps necessarily. We need thousands of people taking the simple steps to look after themselves and look after others. Washing hands regularly. Staying at home where they can. Simple steps. One after the other. No heroics just simple steps.

For those trying to manage work and life in this complex domain it is also an exercise in focusing down on the road immediately in front. We can and should still dream of far horizons, but there will be few leaps in this climate. Progress might seem belaboured. It will be. However, we can just focus on the next task and the next task as step-by-step we move closer to our goal.

What’s your next task? What can you do now?

A good traveler has no fixed plans 
and is not intent upon arriving. 
A good artist lets his intuition
lead him wherever it wants. 
A good scientist has freed himself of concepts 
and keeps his mind open to what is

Thus the Master is available to all people
and doesn’t reject anyone. 
He is ready to use all situations 
and doesn’t waste anything. 
This is called embodying the light.

Lao Tsu