Life Is How You See It: Why It’s Important to Uncover the ‘Big Picture’
By Donna Labermeier
When we are in the midst of a crisis, it’s not always easy to see the bigger picture because we are consumed with emotions and often overwhelmed. At the time you might only be seeing the immediate situation and not the ways you are being supported through this turmoil. One of the little sayings I say to myself and with clients is, “at this point in time”. Things may seem hopeless, frustrating, stressful, or you may be feeling anxious about never getting over the past, or how you are feeling towards a person or situation right now. You may not be able to see beyond the present impasse "at this point in time" but you will.
Saying these few words leaves you open for opportunities, new ways of thinking, being, and doing things. There is a feeling of hope instead of hopelessness. You may not be able to move through the problems right away and step into the possibilities that are patiently waiting your invitation, but there is a bigger picture and it’s always there supporting you. It’s not about getting over or rid of what is generating stressful thoughts and feelings, it’s about learning, growing, and expanding through them, and even befriending them. When you can see through the feelings and/or problems you begin to see the wonderful ways the Spirit is supporting you. You move out of the small picture zone into the big picture zone.
God supports us in all ways, through all things. Perhaps during a troubled or stressful time a friend offers an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, calls you, or sends you a card, flowers, email, or brings you food or makes you a cup a tea. God is supporting you. Maybe the sun is shining, and the birds are singing. Perhaps you watch a magnificent thunderstorm, or hear a gentle rain, or watch the snow fall silently and blanket the ground, or watch the stars twinkle in the midnight sky, or the clouds shape shift, or you watch the beauty and solitude of a sunset or sunrise. The Creator is supporting you.
The bigger picture is seeing and feeling all the unusual, wonderful, mysterious, heart warming, miraculous, glorious and beautiful ways God weaves love and peace into our lives. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, frustrated, anxious, etc. look at the bigger picture and see how God is supporting you. Even if you aren’t able to see it “at this point in time”, it’s there.
Holding Space
What do I mean by “holding space”? I mean staying centered, remaining balanced, being present but not participating in the drama unfolding in front of you. Picture yourself encased within a protective bubble. You are essentially playing the role of witness to that which you see and hear. You are not taking this personally. You realize it is not about you. There are larger forces at work here. You are simply watching and observing. Remember that people are at different psychological and emotional levels. Try to see from that perspective. Project positive energy and show compassion, and the episode will almost instantly be defused because of it. Life experiences are meant to align our personality with our soul and all that it is made of: harmony, peace, love, and so on. When we look for a deeper reason for the events that present themselves in our lives, we consciously participate in our soul’s evolution.
When you are able to see the big picture and realize what is actually going on, you will quietly and calmly become the master of your own life. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors will carefully calibrate themselves with clarity, peace, understanding, and truth in order to define a happy life.
“One filled with joy preaches without preaching.” — Mother Teresa