By now your own self-awareness has brought you to understand your own “natural state”. We each have one and very rarely move off of that demeanor for long. Like dressing up for Halloween, we put on a facade but usually cannot carry if off for extended periods. Sooner or later the real you breaks through. Under duress that natural state is even more evident. If you are happy, cheerful and let things roll off, even handling a cancer diagnosis is met with a degree of amusement. If depressed, pessimistic or fearful, then every insult from any source, not just disease, is a burden. You will not be talked out of your feelings or jolly up.

You are most likely to meet the foe from where you “live”. That said, I am a peaceful person by nature and being the middle child gave me alot of practice. However if I was in the Ukraine even as a life savor by career, I would take out some knee caps. My more natural nature would lead me not to fight but to help, soothe the path of those affected, lend comfort. The charities I choose are those engaged with refugees. What I love about the Ukrainian and Russian ballerinas is their uniting to perform and raise money for those displaced so cruelly. They are using their natural gifts and talents. Some men in the ballet are defying their natural state and taking up arms. We pray the natural state of politicians which is caution will move to action.

Everyone of us would defend with every fiber the family member, child, woman and old man in danger. That’s what life does. It presents us with opportunities to test our natural state. If we are hyper, we may need to calm to bear a chemo chair for 5 hours. If squeamish, manage a colostomy or bandage for ourselves or loved one. If doubtful, place faith in the plan. If timid, find internal power and strength. If shy, engage. If impatient, accept. If overwhelmed, calm. Cancer gives us many chances to test our natural state of being. It’s not wrong, bad or difficult. It is just what is needed.

What I have learned about those facing adversity, is that regardless their natural state, they are never cowards. They are inspired with a desire for life. Inspired to defend or to push themselves to be bold beyond nature.

I have no doubt that your own natural state is just the tip of a strong, very profoundly deep iceberg of possibilities. You are continuously evolving and stretching. What comfort in knowing that you have the opportunity to command control of this complex power every day.