TIGERS OF THE MIND

There were tigers stalking us yesterday.  "Angel" saw them vividly and insisted we take refuge, with some urgency,  under the dining room table.  We formed a fortress of protection behind the legs of the chairs and an invisible door slammed and locked tight provided another barrier.  There was much cowering and fearful countenance.

And then I thought, "Enough of this hiding and hoping...FIGHT BACK!"  So I said to my 2-1/2 year old "grand" --- "Angel!  Open the door!  We have to send those tigers back into the jungle!"  So she pushed the imaginary door aside, upended one of the chairs, and we GROWLED until our vocal chords stretched to the straining point, yelling, "GO AWAY! LEAVE US ALONE! WE DON'T WANT YOU HERE!" Soon, indeed, the tigers retreated.  We laughed in joy and "high-fived" our success before breaking out the color crayons.

Yes, my baby girl.  Much in our worlds can be scary -- including our inner worlds where irrational fears arise and often paralyze us with their intensity.  It is wise to retreat, take stock, and make a plan.  But getting stuck in passive hiding-out doesn't usually result in the problem being resolved.

There are times when we must take a stand, wield the Warrior's Sword, and defend ourselves with all the wisdom, skill, and strength we possess.

At least, that's the view from here....©