JOB SEARCH COURAGE is,
Mind and spirit overcoming fear,
Leading to productive activity,
Moving closer to meaningful work.
Parker Palmer, a self-proclaimed recovering sociologist*, has written many books about the human spirit and engaging fear. Parker says, “You don’t have to be your fear; choose to stand in other places.” Find those places in your life that are bigger than your fear. Maybe your family, best friend or mentor, solitude, your faith in a higher power, maybe meditation or solace in nature are places you can stand in and not be overcome by fear.
Parker also speaks poignantly about his depression and says it was helpful when someone suggested that he imagined the hand that he felt was pushing him down into the ground, as the hand that was reaching out to him, and gently moving him toward firm ground that he could stand on. And get his bearings.
Maybe our fears are moving us toward something good as well. We won’t know until we first reflect on them—and then take action to address them.
TODAY…
Take 10 minutes and reflect on the imagery of the hand that holds you down, is actually the hand that is pulling you up and gently pushing you to an exciting undiscovered opportunity. Visualize breaking free of your fears, embrace that freedom and have faith that it is possible.
*I always wondered what Parker meant by this. With his dry wit, maybe he used “recovering” because the world views sociologists as knowledgeable scientists who study people and society. And his teachings embrace the unknown, the mysterious and uncertain.
Thomas Bachhuber, Ed.D.
President of the Board and Executive Director for The Center for Life Transitions. Tom is responsible for overall Center leadership and strategy. His individual coaching/counseling as well as workshops and retreats focus on integrating leading career development ideas with spiritual exploration. Read more.