Lessons from Cyclone Alfred
We’ve all faced challenging times—those moments when the storm outside is mirrored by the turmoil inside. This week, I found myself in the midst of Cyclone Alfred, a literal storm that reminded me just how practical (and profound) meditation can be. Whether it’s the whirlwind of daily stress or waves of powerful emotions, mindfulness offers us a way to remain grounded, present, and centred.
Here’s how my meditation practice helped me weather a storm, and how it can help you, too.
1. Staying Grounded
When strong winds and heavy rains engulf the world around us, it’s easy to feel unmoored. But in moments of chaos, we have the ability to turn inward and find stability. Through meditation, we find a secure anchor in something as simple as our breath. In times of distress, we can return to this anchor—no matter how chaotic things feel outside. Meditation reminds us that we can always find a sense of centredness within.
2. Practising Patience
In challenging times—whether it’s a cyclone or an emotional crisis—we often have to wait. The storm doesn’t dissipate overnight, and sometimes, there’s nothing we can do but be still and allow things to unfold. Meditation teaches us the art of waiting. It cultivates patience by training us to sit with discomfort, stay present in moments of restlessness and fear, and accept that things will resolve in their own time. This practice helps us build resilience in the face of uncertainty.
3. Realising Impermanence
One of the greatest gifts meditation offers is the understanding of impermanence. When we sit and breathe, we begin to notice that no two breaths are the same; that no two experiences are alike. Meditation teaches us that nothing lasts—neither our struggles nor the storm clouds above. This understanding brings hope and solace in moments when it feels like difficulty will never end.
4. Staying Present
Eckhart Tolle teaches that problems don’t exist in the present moment—they only arise when we over-identify with thoughts and narratives about a situation. Meditation trains us to stay in the present, to return to the ‘now’, and away from catastrophising thoughts. Whether we’re worrying about what might happen next or ruminating over the past, mindfulness brings our attention back to the present moment, where everything is okay.
5. Having Compassion
In the midst of both virtual and real-life storms, compassion is a life raft. When things get tough, meditation teaches us to have compassion for ourselves. We acknowledge the difficulty of the moment and allow ourselves to feel the emotions that arise. When we’re compassionate towards ourselves, we’re better able to show empathy and kindness to others who are suffering. Whether it’s a neighbour struggling or a friend facing their own challenges, we can offer our presence and understanding.
6. Being Grateful
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negative overthinking. Meditation helps us see clearly and, in doing so, become aware of the blessings that are already here. During the cyclone, I found myself grateful for the smallest things—like the café that stayed open to serve coffee, the SES workers who cleared our driveway, and the roof over my head. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, helping us stay grounded in a more balanced perspective.
7. Gaining Perspective
In the midst of a crisis, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. But meditation helps us take a step back, so we can regain perspective. By returning our attention to the present moment, we can see that, fundamentally, everything is okay. Even in the face of adversity, we can recognise that we are safe, supported, and capable of navigating through the storm.
The next time you find yourself caught in a metaphorical cyclone (or real-life one!), remember that you have the power to weather it with mindfulness, patience, and compassion. By practising these tools, we can ride out even the toughest conditions and emerge stronger on the other side.
What helps you stay grounded during adversity?
