Have you heard of the term VUCA? This ennagram stands for (Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, Ambiguous). It originated during the Afghanistan war to describe the situation there at that time. We are now living in a VUCA world. It’s important to acknowledge that external evidence and uncertainty are existential issues that everyone has to confront.
Throughout our human history we have had to deal with the uncertainty and challenges of existential anxiety, facing down all of those things mentioned above. And throughout history people have developed methods and wisdoms to be able to not only survive but to find the resources within to manage our human condition. Here are some of them:
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
- The Stoics, like Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius are especially known for teaching that “virtue is the only good” for human beings. Health, wealth and pleasure are not good or bad in themselves but have value as “material for virtue to act upon”.
- Accept that pain and suffering are part of life: Instead of avoiding reality through distraction or addictions, face them as natural and focus on how best to respond from our own inner resources instead of ‘knee jerk’ reactivity.
- Recognize that everything outside of us is temporary and uncertain: External things are beyond our control. What truly matters is our inner state and how we handle life’s challenges.
- Live with purpose and integrity: We have responsibilities to ourselves and others. Working has always been a part of living in the world. Doing our tasks with wisdom contributes to a fulfilling life.
Here are some useful processes to manage the VUCA world:
Make a list of all the things you cannot change that are affecting you
Externalising these concerns in a list can help you to see more clearly which things you cannot change and must accept. Remembering “What I resist, persists,” can remind us that resisting what is, can create additional stress internally.
Make a list of all the things you can change
A list can clarify the concerns of your inner dialogue. Finding effective solutions for the things we can change is personally empowering and helps us develop more and more effective strategies for our daily life. Making these lists helps externalise angst and prevents worries from overwhelming your us. It will show us that we do have agency in the world.
The Power of Journaling
Journaling is also an effective tool for Hoffman Process graduates to navigate uncertainty. By putting thoughts and emotions on paper, you create a safe space to explore and understand your inner world. This practice helps you process complex feelings, identify patterns and gain clarity. Regular journaling encourages self-reflection, allowing you to see your growth and track your progress over time. It also provides a sense of control and stability amidst the random chaos of life, helping you to stay grounded and focused. Ultimately, journaling empowers you to approach life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.
Integrating Practical Tools
Awareness is essential for growth, but action is required to move forward. Stress and anxiety dampen our nervous system. Practices such as community engagement, meditation, mindfulness, pattern busting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engender wisdom to handle life’s polarities. We want to be as alive as possible, sensitive and grounded in our physiological body posture, or felt sense. Tune into your body: What is your heart intelligence? What is your belly intelligence? What is your spirit saying? Listen to yourself.
By integrating foundational practices, practical tools like lists and journaling and staying calm and resilient, we can navigate all that life throws our way. And as the old sage used to say : “If all else fails , laugh!”
