Choosing Construction Over Destruction

By Caren Paskel

When life slams us with a pandemic or hardship, we have options. We can become self-constructive or self-destructive. Either way, it is our choice. 

How is it possible to be self-constructive when regular business operations aren’t available? Let’s break down this very statement. Retail businesses, services, restaurants and places we go to enjoy ourselves have temporarily closed. Activities and physical gatherings have been restricted. Yet, the Earth still exists and life continues. Mother Nature prevails. No person, place or thing has the power to shut down the world. As individuals, we may shut down, but the universe was here before us and will remain ever after. 

Being self-constructive requires looking at life challenges as a stepping stone.

Previously, have any of life’s difficulties become a blessing in disguise? Have they made us stronger, or moved us forward? Have we learned or grown from them? When we overcome our problems they are no longer setbacks! 

Apply this concept of self-construction to the present social and economic state. We can choose how to perceive, emote, think, experience, react and act. This allows us to witness and embrace the GOOD in a seemingly bad situation. 

When we play our role and do what we ought to, not solely what we want or follow what others do, we become self-constructive. 

Arguing and opinionating won’t create constructive change. Business has slowed, changed course, or closed. What is our part to play and what can we do? Thinking passively that there is no action to take is self-destructive. Entertaining negative thoughts is also self-destructive. No matter what goes down, there are still positives. Finding a silver lining can’t hurt us more than we already do to ourselves or allow others to do to us. Recognize that WE are a spoke in the wheel of life. Playing the proper role keeps things rolling onward. 

There is no need to lose sanity because of a pandemic!

Support healthy thoughts and actions. Focus on being creative and finding alternative routes and pathways. It may be uncomfortable but that's not what is important. As long as we progress, we maintain our sanity. 

Observe from a different angle. 

Shifting perspective may change everything. Explore like an artist, using different lighting, location, and backgrounds. Are there gifts and teachings? Reception, without expectation of a return, enables opportunities and rewards to ricochet from multiple people and situations. Otherwise, the “shutdown” may shut us down! 

A personal share:

If you haven’t already heard, envision someone you love dearly, my husband, being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. After two extensive surgeries for tumor removal and aggressive treatment to help ensure survival longer than 4-6 months, the pandemic happened. Travel out of state was necessary, and continues to be necessary, for leading-edge medical care. Our businesses and livelihoods were mandated closed. At one point, things were so bad that my partner was unable to speak or use his right-side body and ended up in the Emergency Room. No family or friends could help or visit due to restrictions and being in another state. Add a home under construction to the mix…one could easily self-destruct! 

The valuable teaching, without further detail, is the decision to be constructive. Study and reflection upon higher values through yoga philosophy are a consistent reminder to remain open to possibilities for growth and doing what ought to be done! 

A list of what I learned:

  • Found a way to conduct business online through virtual yoga classes while expanding community and education through a new avenue

  • Learned how to receive support from family, friends and community who continue to offer so much, from financial assistance, help with our businesses, and cleaning our home

  • Became an efficient caregiver 

  • Organized a house to become a home 

  • Developed stronger relationships with staff, community and family

  • Spoke truthfully, even if it ended some relationships 

  • Found time to discover more about myself

  • Became aware of true calling regarding career and future 

  • Discovered lingering attachments and areas for refinement

  • Redefined new edge and limitations

  • Redefined personal and professional goals 

  • Created and maintained consistency with self-development, daily study and spiritual disciplines 

  • Became a decent cook 

  • Invested 

Negativity breeds separation. Positivity breeds unity. 

How should we function when it appears that the entire world has shifted? We can swim or sink. We can be mad at others, point fingers, judge, blame, hate and spew opinions. Is that working? Does that uplift and support happiness? 

CHOOSE to be self-constructive!

Create space for growth, improvement, and objectivity. Find ways to help others while helping ourselves. Continue to use challenges as a tool to allow ourself to be an impactful and effective contributor. 

Let’s reveal our story and the many teachings therefrom. Here’s to leading the way constructively! 

Caren Paskel

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