by Judy McNutt

In moments of global upheaval, what compass guides us through both the familiar and the unfamiliar? How do we navigate these wild and stressful times, and what have we learned from the shared experiences of uncertainty?

Reading the Signs

Signs direct us, saving us time and sanity by guiding us to where we want to go, where we need to go, and even where we should go. Growing up in the wilds of New Mexico taught me to “read signs,” a skill that extends beyond survival. This art of seeing the bigger picture, el gran diseño, resonates today as we face new complexities. Potent life lessons remain available for me, and perhaps for you too, echoing the constancy of past uncertainties.

I remember tracking a mountain lion’s footprints through fresh snow, following not just the physical impressions but also the subtle disturbances in the environment—broken twigs, shifted stones, unusual silence—” Snow Silence,” I called it. These wilderness lessons taught me to recognize patterns that reveal more profound truths, a skill that serves us well in today’s landscape of information and misinformation.

Shared Signposts, Personal Journeys

What seems different now is that nearly everyone on the planet has seen the same signposts. Yet, it remains our personal journey to interpret and respond. Over the years, many have hoped for a collective experience that would unite us. How’s that idea unfolding for you? Do you feel more connected? Rest assured, your microcosmic experience reflects broader patterns if you look closely.

The shared sense of uncertainty we’ve all felt—that moment of pause before stepping into unfamiliar territory—connects us in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Many have discovered unexpected resilience within themselves, even as outward connections seemed temporarily severed. While we may never see the complete picture, curiosity keeps us attentive and open to understanding.

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

So, how now must we live?

Ancient texts from wisdom cultures provide solace from today’s noise. Have you explored this approach? For example, philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote in Meditations:

“The things you think about determine the quality of your mind… Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.”

Our minds, sources of creativity and judgment, hold tremendous power but can also become battlegrounds of inner conflicts. Protecting ourselves from these mental wars involves perception—the lens through which we view our challenges. Aurelius advises not to blame external factors for our unhappiness:

“External things are not the problem. It’s your assessment of them, which you can erase right now. If the problem is something in your own character, who’s stopping you from setting your mind straight…?”

(Embracing the obstacles, too. How very Zen!)

Writing as Wayfinding

May I suggest writing out your feelings? This practice uncovers unresolved emotions and insights that might otherwise remain hidden. These days, I find solace in silent meditation, exploring ancient philosophies, and writing for self-discovery.

Last winter, after weeks of feeling unsettled without understanding why, I sat down with my journal and simply wrote without purpose or destination. Thirty minutes later, I discovered I’d filled pages with descriptions of trees—their rootedness, patience, and quiet strength. My unconscious had revealed exactly what I needed: grounding. That afternoon, I walked among ponderosas, touching their rough bark and breathing their vanilla scent, feeling more centered than I had in months.

Writing helps clarify emotions and intentions, acting as a compass and map and guiding us to live more comfortably in our world. Even fifteen minutes of freewriting can reveal patterns in one’s thinking and offer unexpected solutions.

Your Turn to Share

Are you using this unprecedented learning experience to its fullest? Or are you “staying in out of the rain”?

I invite you to reflect on one sign you’ve noticed recently that might be pointing toward growth or change in your life. What does it tell you?

Try this simple practice: Set a timer for five minutes and write continuously about a recurring thought or image that’s appeared in your life lately. Don’t judge or edit—just let the words flow. When finished, read what you’ve written and notice what surprises you.

Please share your journey with me. I’m ready to listen and walk alongside you on this path of discovery. You can write to me at ​co*****@ju********.com​.