I became so aware of how important it is to be able to adapt during these last power outages. There we were in the dark, headlamps affixed to our foreheads, a battery-operated lantern providing enough light to keep walk-in areas illuminated and battery packs keeping our phones charged. All this we learned from previous outages and now were able to create a little more comfortable environment as a result.
It wasn’t enough that we had no power but it was cold, very cold, and our house heat was all provided by electrical heaters. So, we lit our propane stove just enough, opened the door and it warmed us beyond freezing. We were careful to use pantry food or to get things from the fridge as little as possible. We applauded the return of electricity. It certainly made our 21st-century mentality function more easily. But we realized that we could adapt to emergencies and come out unscathed.
I have listened to interviews with people living in war-torn environments and marveled at their adaptability for survival. Our power outages seemed a mere trifle to what they were experiencing. Yet, as long as they were alive and able to function, they found ways to do what was necessary.
I believe the opposite of adaptability is resistance and *resistance is, really, hard on our bodies and psyches. When we embrace our circumstances, we can become creative and creativity leads to new inventions that make our life easier and more creative.
*Errol Strider wrote, “Resistance is what we add to pain to make it hurt more and last longer”
Rochelle
Hospitality Director Lupin Lodge