By Dr. Jane Guttman
“I want people to know that in every life, there are storms. But we must remember to play after every storm and to celebrate the gift of life as we have it, or else life becomes a task, rather than a gift.” –Mattie Stepanek
The late Mattie Stepanek, noted child-poet and best-selling author, said that we need to play after every storm. Get ready to play. The storms are upon us. Some are elated and ready to play in the snowy glories that will be left by the coming storms. Others will toil and prepare to clear the debris that snowstorms often leave and make ready the usual routine of life.
The current squalls arriving in our region ask us to surrender to the natural ebb and flow of weather. In an instant a weather front becomes the director of life for many of us. Even with the best preparation, climate dictates where and when we will go and return.
Often children and many others love the delight and beauty of fresh snow, of making snow angels and doing winter sports that have been high on a wish list or bucket list or winter to do list. Others are focused on keeping the routine of life going. Make a plan to have what will be needed for the duration of the storm’s whims and will.
Mattie had a lifetime of storms. I followed Mattie’s work during the last few years of his young life. His words were such a tender, wise part of my curriculum in teaching students at juvenile hall. The kids listened to every word that I shared from Mattie’s poetry. They marveled that such a young person could know so much about life and living, about storms and playing.
Mattie asked that we celebrate life as we have it. His prudence in accepting life on its own terms allowed his life to be a gift to the very end, rather than a task. Mattie spent a great deal of time in pediatric intensive care. The storms accrued and he played after each one with gusto and grit.
After a big brush with death, and while riding home in an ambulance, Mattie could be found playing cards with the medical personnel, laughing and living as if every moment were joy.
Bring your best spirit to the current regional storms. Enjoy the parts that can be playful and easy and be ready with a steadfast attitude to endure the hard parts. As in every life storm, line up helpers. Fred Rogers, dear, dear, wise Mr. Rogers, said to look for the helpers. If you can be a helper, consider showing up for someone with a shovel and your best snow gear to help. The sound of snow blowing is great music. The sound of a shovel cracking into a slab of ice is also music. Snowballs flying across a deck or yard can be magical. Some storms are brutal, both in weather and in our lives. Stay vigilant for those that need our help in both conditions. Give what you can. Time, material support, love, always love. If you need help, ask. As you reach out for support, others are gifted in the giving.
If you see a car buried deep in snow, the windshield thick with ice, surprise someone and clear it. Check on your neighbors. Make sure they have supplies and necessities. Comfort those that have weather anxiety. Many do. Reassure and let them know you are close by.
Weather and life itself can be stormy. Both ask us to do something to resolve whatever needs resolving. In snow, in illness, in death, in trauma, we stand up to moments that invite our steadiness and wisdom. Stand with those who need you in stormy weather and in the life storms that arise without forecast. Everything can be turned upside down without much notice.
Mattie grasped the meaning of a storm and its complement, play, more than most. Living with a life-threatening illness from toddler-hood to his death at 13, Mattie was a master of facing every head wind with a steady pace, moving through the dark clouds of life to the respite of play.
Stay on top of a downpour. As Mattie said, spend life as we have it. His disease was crushing and he still soared. Just go with what is. In the now. In the here. In the here and now. Let the clouds dance across the sky, as they will, in their own tempo and timing. Let them drop raindrops and snowflakes and then watch for a rainbow or a snow angel. Our visions can always hold a rainbow. Keep one step ahead of deep snow. In weather and in life. Have your shovel ready. In living and in any kind of weather, be ready to play after the tough moments. Some are seasonal and some are perennial. Some move quickly through our lives and some linger, asking for our patience and persistence. Be ready for storms and for play. The shadows and the light…
All guidance is educational and not given as medical advice or treatment., nor is it meant to take the place of qualified medical professionals. Please check with your physician for all medical concerns.
Jane Guttman is a bio-energetic practitioner, workshop presenter, educator, retired holistic chiropractor, Life-Wellness doula, and practices focused hearing. Her practice includes Soul Sound, energetic tapping, writing for wellness, memory release, pet hospice care, and crystal well-being. Her process invites deep reflection, self-love, and well-being; her healing work invites the presence of inner peace, an essential energy to sustain wellness and wholeness. Her work with focused hearing and intuitive guidance have helped many to redirect their lives. Jane’s process has evolved over thirty years of study/practice with the late Dr. M.T. Morter, D.C. and the late Dr. Lucille Edwards, an eminent and recognized metaphysical healer, clairvoyant and energy healer. Jane is committed to assisting people and pets of all ages in attaining wellness goals.
Educational and Related Services: (Non-medical) Crystal Well Being – EFT Tapping – Emotive Memory Release – Energetic Balancing – Intuitive Guidance/Focused Hearing – Pet Well-Being – Sound Healing – Wellness Doula – Writing for Wellness.
Contact Info: Drjane4wellness@gmail.com (909)436-9500