The Quiet Storm: Finding Clarity in the Eye of Turmoil.
By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
In the heart of the savanna, where the golden grasses sway under the whisper of the wind, an old tale is told among the wise. There was once a lion, strong and proud, the king of the plains. His roar could be heard miles away, and his presence commanded both fear and respect. Yet, this lion had a weakness—his temper. Whenever he was provoked, his anger would flare like the midday sun, burning hot and relentless. He made decisions in the heat of his rage, his mind clouded with fury, and it wasn’t long before these decisions began to unravel the harmony of his kingdom.
One day, the lion, in a fit of anger, banished a loyal elephant from his pride, accusing him of withholding information about an approaching drought. The elephant, wise and patient, bowed his head low, accepting his fate without a word. The other animals watched in silence, knowing that the lion’s anger had blinded him to the truth. The elephant was the one who had tirelessly worked to gather and store water, ensuring the survival of the pride during the hard times that were to come. But the lion, consumed by his own rage and frustration, could not see past his emotions.
As the dry season stretched on, the rivers shrank into trickles, and the once lush grasslands became barren. The lion, now weak and regretful, realized his mistake too late. The decision made in anger had cost his pride dearly. The animals suffered, and the lion’s own strength dwindled as he faced the harsh consequences of his hasty actions. In the quiet, starless nights, he would sit alone, his roar reduced to a mere whisper of regret, his heart heavy with the burden of his pride.
The story of the lion is a mirror reflecting the dangers of making decisions when we are overcome by emotions. When anger clouds our vision, frustration tightens its grip, and the heavy hand of hurt weighs down on us, we are often tempted to act, to react, to make decisions that seem right in the moment but can lead to regret and suffering. Just as the lion’s anger led to the downfall of his pride, our own decisions made in emotional turmoil can lead to the unraveling of our own lives.
The wisdom of the elders teaches us that in moments of emotional upheaval, it is not action but patience that is required. “Patience can cook a stone,” says an African proverb, reminding us of the transformative power of patience. It is through patience that we allow the storm within us to pass, leaving behind a clearer sky, where we can see the path ahead with greater clarity.
Emotions, like a storm, have a natural cycle. They build up, reach their peak, and eventually subside. Just as we would not try to cross a river during a raging storm, we should not make life-altering decisions when our emotions are at their peak. Instead, we must find the eye of the storm—the calm center where we can gather our thoughts, reflect, and seek guidance.
In these moments, prayer becomes our anchor. It is through prayer that we humble ourselves, acknowledging that our vision is clouded, our hearts are heavy, and our minds are restless. Prayer is our conversation with the Creator, where we lay bare our struggles, our pains, and our confusions. It is in this sacred dialogue that we find the strength to wait, to hold off on making decisions until we are in a better state of mind.
Humbling ourselves before the Creator is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It is an acknowledgment that we do not have all the answers, that our perspective is limited, and that in our human frailty, we are prone to error. “The humble calf drinks first,” another African proverb teaches us, illustrating that humility opens the door to wisdom and understanding. When we humble ourselves, we open ourselves to the guidance and insight that can only come from a higher source.
But if we do not humble ourselves, life has a way of humbling us. The Creator, in infinite wisdom, knows when our pride and ego need to be brought low so that we can see more clearly. The lion in the tale had to experience loss and suffering before he realized the error of his ways. In our own lives, if we persist in making decisions from a place of anger, frustration, or pain, we may find ourselves facing the consequences of those actions, learning the hard lessons that come when we refuse to wait, to pray, to humble ourselves.
Metaphorically, our emotions can be compared to a fire. A fire, when controlled, provides warmth, light, and comfort. But when it is left unchecked, it can consume everything in its path, leaving destruction in its wake. Our anger, frustration, and hurt are like this fire. If we allow them to control us, to dictate our actions, they can lead to decisions that burn bridges, destroy relationships, and leave us standing in the ashes of what once was.
Yet, just as a fire can be extinguished with water, our emotional fires can be quenched with patience and prayer. Water, in its cool, calming nature, soothes the flames, bringing balance and restoration. In the same way, when we take a step back, breathe, and seek the Creator’s guidance, we allow our emotions to cool, giving us the clarity we need to make decisions that are wise, thoughtful, and in alignment with our higher purpose.
In times of turmoil, when our emotions threaten to overwhelm us, we must remember the wisdom of the lion’s tale. We must resist the urge to act on impulse, to let our emotions drive our decisions. Instead, we must find the strength to be still, to wait, and to seek guidance through prayer. This is not easy, especially when the storm inside us rages strong, but it is necessary.
Humble yourself before the Creator humbles you. This is a call to recognize our limitations, to understand that we are not all-knowing, and that our emotions, while valid, are not always the best guides in decision-making. It is a reminder that there is a greater wisdom available to us, a wisdom that we can tap into when we are willing to set aside our pride, our anger, and our frustration, and seek the Creator’s counsel.
In the end, the decisions we make shape our lives. They have the power to build or destroy, to heal or to hurt. When we make decisions from a place of peace, clarity, and connection to the Creator, we set ourselves on a path that leads to growth, harmony, and fulfillment. But when we make decisions in the heat of the moment, driven by our emotions, we risk losing not only what we have, but also who we are.
The lion’s tale is a cautionary one, but it is also a story of redemption. Even in his regret, the lion learned a valuable lesson about the power of patience, humility, and prayer. We, too, can learn from his experience, choosing to wait, to reflect, and to seek guidance before making decisions that will shape our future.
So, when the storm of emotions rages within you, remember the lion, remember the wisdom of patience, and remember the power of prayer. Wait until the storm passes, until the fire cools, until the calm returns. Then, and only then, make your decision, with the peace and clarity that comes from knowing you have sought and received the guidance of the Creator.
In the eye of storms,
The heart seeks the light of truth,
Peace in patience found.
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