As I write this there are estimates that our national unemployment rate may get as high as 10% in 2009. No matter whom you are, this economy will have an effect on you.

The company that I do most of my work for has already begun its expense reductions in hopes of finding its way through the din.

I would love to report that I have no anxiety about this situation, but in fact, the prospect of being unemployed weighs heavy on my mind. While I’m sure that we have all had enough bad news, I think preparing ourselves to weather the storm is a good idea.

When I refer to preparing ourselves I’m not speaking about squirreling away money or selling our possessions, I am talking about preparing our minds.

I’m thankful that I recently took the tri-cycle 90 day meditation challenge since it reminds me that the hardest times to meditate are often our most challenging times, which are the times we need meditation the most.

When I look at my mind during meditation I see resistance to change as my biggest obstacle to overcome during this time of economic uncertainty.  It’s interesting how changes that come from this kind of turmoil often do turn out for the best, but it’s still difficult to find comfort in that.

I decided that what I need is an antidote, one that will help me to re-enforce that everything is change; constant and unrelenting. The attachment I feel when I am anxious about unemployment is a result of my desire for permanence and perfection in the universe and in my life. I find that it is far easier to keep the proper perspective about things while meditating, than it is when not meditating. This is why I am choosing an antidote to help me during the day.

So, what’s my antidote?

I’m taking wisdom from the words of Paul McCartney; ‘let it be’.

Sounds simple I know, but what else can we do? The economic climate, unemployment rate and other uncertainties are not within my control. I will modify my practice to develop more patience for life’s imperfections, my imperfections, I will add more meditations to my routine that will help me be more rooted in my own emptiness, but when it comes down to feeling anxious about unemployment I will soften to the experience of it, accept it, and ‘let it be’.  I will ask myself; “what’s happening to me right now”, and if I’m not currently starving or sitting at the end of the unemployment line, I will let it be. If I am starving then I’m sure that my mind will instruct me on the best way to find food.

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