We are facing a ‘bear’ market. This term is used to describe a downward movement in economics. A ‘bull’ market is the opposite. Often referred to as pessimistic and optimistic viewpoints, respectively. Consider yourself in the woods, facing a bear. You should remember that you may never run away, and that you should make a lot of noise! Otherwise with twice as many legs as you have and being clocked at 56 kilometers an hour, the bear will outrun you.
Knowing what to do when facing danger requires courage. In the current economic situation we need courageous people. People who confront themselves with danger, stand foot and therefore develop trust. Unfortunately, from experience I can tell only few people express such qualities. Courage can be found at the intersection of reckless and cowardice and of ferocity and naivety. Few people are able to find this balance – that is so subtle – when they find themselves in a hairy situations. Besides having the right balance one needs altruism, insight in one’s capabilities & environmental conditions, and the ability & will to act, in order to turn around a dangerous situation into one’s advantage. That, in fact, is lesson one in martial arts.
When running from a bear the predator-to-pray response is being triggered. If a bear sees you running, he will most likely think you are something tasty to eat and will pursue you even if he’s not hungry. Or seeing you as just a nice toy to play with. Also remember, black bears are probably better tree climbers than you are.
Why do we need courageous people? In times of crises there is a lot to fear and people lack trust. Being courageous means you are able to face danger and eliminate fear. You don’t run from danger and uncertainty, but develop confidence. These are the primary characteristics necessary to turn chances into successes. The current economic situation offers lots of opportunities for new initiatives. The crisis is a necessity in getting back the balances in our lives. We can separate the wheat from the chaff. Defining what’s redundant vs. to what’s needed. Rewards are to be redefined and space is created for stronger species. It is the time for those who can adapt to change and have developed a broader view on our economy and society and it’s mechanisms.
Courageous persons take own responsibilities and don’t await help or hide. They know that they can fall back to their own capabilities and will be helped no matter how. Their intentions are good and their creation power will help them to fulfil their own and others’ needs. Creative entrepreneurs who have developed their self-knowledge are not afraid of picking up spontaneous occurrences and adapt luck. Chances are always nearby, but they don’t just come, you have to compel them. A courageous person facing a bear might by be lucky. An Arctic explorer once told me that when he became confronted with a polar bear at close range, he just waved his stretched and upward pointed forearm slowly left and right from his face making high pitched noises, while having his other hand fumble for his gun. A bullet wasn’t even necessary as the bear took off somewhat bewildered.
The government should stop supporting those fearful bankers who hide behind what in their eyes has overcome them, and start helping out the creative entrepreneurs who are juggling with all the chances that surround them. We need courageous persons to explore the boundaries and discover new grounds.
When you’re on unprecedented territory, bear in mind, the food chain. The bear may still hibernate. The bull may be around all year round to take you on its horns. Expect everything from your surrounding, and just add yourself to it!
Living her dreams and inhabited the characteristics of her favourite animal, the butterfly, Maureen contributes to the world by creating, connecting and expressing good nature. She graduated in Communication Studies from the University of Amsterdam and perceives herself as the eternal student. Finding her peace in listening to birds and philosophizing with friends. She is co-founder of Artistieke krachten and Rightside and founder of Fiero Creations. She works on projects in which people are to use her knowledge. Maureen travels to SFO and BCN, listens to Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Jenna Attison, wears Kookai and Anti-flirt, eats salads and Asian cuisine, reads Aristotle and Vanity Fair, rides horse and bicycle and refuses to be subject of destructive emotions.