Like many others who have been untouched personally by the storms, major floods, hurricanes, wildfires and chemical spills that often fill the news, I never felt compelled to prepare for such emergencies. Yet there I was at a Sunday spiritual service, and it was announced that the Governor had sent out a request to all faith-based organizations in our state asking for help in encouraging citizens to prepare for possible emergencies.
My first thought was, what does this have to do with me? As I sat there, however, I realized that I had lulled myself into a false sense of security. Just because I didn’t want to contemplate the possibility of another terrorist attack on American soil, or that some natural or man-made disaster could devastate my own life, doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Bolstering my head-in-the sand attitude was the fact that I also subscribe to the belief that what you focus on you draw to you, and I didn’t want to add any energy to the existing fear about any future threats or disasters. Fortunately the speaker’s advice was in line with that thinking, as well as being sane, sensible and imminently practical.
The first recommended response was to become as knowledgeable as possible. I was familiar with the old adage that being forewarned is being forearmed and could certainly go along with that. I also realized that in the dangerous times in which we live, the better part of wisdom would be to acknowledge that being prepared for any emergency is a wise thing to do.
I went to the Internet and looked up the online emergency preparedness address sponsored by the state in which I live. It spells out practical and economical ways in which to protect ourselves and our loved ones. It included the following key items: Developing a family communication plan so that in case of emergency we can contact family members; writing down important telephone numbers and keeping them with us at all times; designating a meeting place in case an evacuation is required; buying a battery operated radio with extra batteries in case of loss of electrical power; and finding out what you should have in a basic Disaster Supplies Kit.
The components of the Disaster Kit were somewhat surprising. I would never have thought of anything beyond the necessary food and water, medical prescriptions, first-aid kits, duct tape and plastic sheeting. The surprises included: some emergency cash (always a good idea), copies of insurance papers and other valuable documents – and putting together two kits, one for the house and one for the car.
The second half of the speaker’s two-part emergency preparedness plan was equally wise. We were reminded that it is stressful, counterproductive and unhealthy to be fearful and to worry about what might happen, as we can’t control natural disasters or other traumatic events.
As she emphasized the importance of staying calm and centered, I realized that this is much easier to do when we’ve consciously faced the situation and made any practical and reasonable preparations. Doing what we can ahead of time enables us to relax and stay in the present moment, which is where peace lives.
We can also support this position of strength by feeding positive statements-affirmations into our subconscious so that we are prepared spiritually and emotionally as well as practically. I recommend repeating the following daily: I am always in my right place at the right time and know exactly what to do. I am divinely guided, guarded and protected. All is well.
By taking back our power and being proactive, we release the victim role, and are able to live free of fear and angst, which adds greatly to the common good. Then, when and if something untoward happens, we are better equipped to help ourselves, our loved ones and others.
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Copyright © 2008 by Fern Stewart Welch
The author’s book THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY—How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within – is available at Amazon.com, as well as through major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders.
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