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Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

What if the 'murky middle' is actually the most alive place to be? It's where the old ways are falling apart, but the new hasn't fully formed yet. It's a fertile ground for creativity, innovation, and unexpected breakthroughs. Maybe instead of resisting it, we can embrace the 'murk' as the birthplace of our wildest dreams.

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Lori L. Cangilla, Ph.D.'s avatar

This is a lovely take on the murk! I’ve definitely seen glimmers of that, although the potential in these phases is harder for me to see in real time than when I reflect back on them afterwards. As tough as it is, I think embracing it is a good exercise. Thanks for offering this reflection!

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Moorea Maguire's avatar

I wouldn’t want to completely surrender to uncertainty. I find that type of person impossible to maintain a relationship with. I guess it has to be the murky middle, then. :/ Great post!

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Lori L. Cangilla, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thanks, Moorea, for sharing your experiences! May you find a gentle way through the murky middle!

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Lori, Uncertainty is hard for almost everyone! I empathize with your dilemma. Reframing sounds good, but it doesn't always work for me because the change needs to occur more deeply than on the mental level alone. I love the three visualizations you created but find entertaining them difficult. I wish you good luck with that. I'm fortunate to have studied Buddhism for 30 years and have impermanence emblazoned on my mind. Uncertainty still disturbs me, but I reassure myself with the knowledge that everything is impermanent, and that works for me. Meditation also helps me because it's the practice of witnessing the transitory nature of the mind. Wishing you the best with the transition you and your family are going through.

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Lori L. Cangilla, Ph.D.'s avatar

Sandra, I appreciate your reflections! Meditation is a great example of another strategy that's approachable for so many of us. I hadn't considered that the concept of impermanence could be lens through which to view uncertainty, but it certainly seems like an asset. Thank you for sharing from your experiences (and for your kindness!).

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Gail Post, Ph.D.'s avatar

I completely resonate with this, haha. Having a plan sure seems appealing. But in times like these, winging it, trusting one's instincts, and believing we will do the best we can, given the circumstances, can ultimately lead to greater self-confidence. At least, that's what I would hope for!

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Lori L. Cangilla, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thanks, Gail! Trusting our instincts and that we will do the best we can with the circumstances in which we find ourselves are two very important strategies. Let's hope we won't have to exercise those muscles so much in the near future!

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Mesa Fama's avatar

I choose simulation too! Ha! Oh this murkiness... I'm very ready to be done with it!!

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Lori L. Cangilla, Ph.D.'s avatar

I feel you! ❤️

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