Confined by Weather

20th November, 2010 - Posted by L. John Mason -

The warm sunshine of the Summer has passed. Fall/Winter is setting in. The days are getting shorter and the rains are beginning to fall. Where I live on Whidbey Island, WA the November winds have had their blows. This week these winds came out of the West and some unexpecting trees got hit from a different direction AND blew down. The electric power flickered several times and then went out. At my home the power was off for 9 hours. We were “camping out” in our home. If you are prepared, this is no big deal… The electric power outage meant that the water pump stopped and so running water stopped. No lights or electric heating, either. Candles and lanterns were helpful. The wood stove was fired up for warmth. But… the lack of running water became a small test. We began to worry about when the power would return and when we would be able to flush the toilet or use running for what you use running water for…

Since the power came back on at 6:00 AM, we were able to take showers and wash dishes. It was kinda funnnn but it makes me wonder… In our society, we have become dependent on certain services that did not exist 200 hundred years ago. The loss of any, or all, of these services makes life interesting, in the short term, and potentially more challenging for lifestyle, and survival, in the long term. Do we appreciate our warm showers? Do we really appreciate the lights, TV, or appliances that operate on electricity? Are we prepared for the times when the power goes out?

This week, the weather pundits predict that on Tuesday the temperature will not rise above 31 degrees for the first time this year. Will the roads freeze and make it difficult to get to work? Will my clients not be able to make it in to my office? Will my family freakout with worry as they drive down the hill to get to town? With a different mind set, it will be a great day with an interesting story to tell. Some people will be greatly limited, if not confined, by the challenge of the weather. Many people enjoy the change of seasons but some people are emotionally ill prepared for any change to their routine… In this day and age, any change to the basic routine or schedule can be emotionally stressful and challenging. It is time for patience, acceptance, and understanding… It is not a time for extra rushing, pushing, or speeding. If you can, allow extra time and “be in the moment” to appreciate these special times when our routines are altered by Mother Nature…. AND… check on your neighbors. They may need a little extra support to make it through… We are ALL in it together.

Holiday survival tips in earlier blog or at www.dstress.com (articles page.)