Copyright © 2022 Lee Spirit 

There are a lot of unexpected things that can happen while you’re out in nature. On the mountain, it can go from a clear, sunny, blue-sky day to rain, snow, sleet, and hail, all within a very short period. One year after returning from Hawaii, that’s exactly what happened out on a hike in Lake Louise! Heading into the mountains unprepared for varying precipitation and conditions can be quite dangerous. Dealing with the unexpected on the mountain, and in life, is much easier when you keep a few important things in mind…

Unexpected Events Shake Up Our Routines

When something unexpected happens, like the sudden death of a loved one, a cancer diagnosis, or even just landing in the wrong place at the wrong time – fires and floods all around – it shakes us up. Suddenly, we have to deal with something unexpected, and this means stepping out of our usual routines in order to deal with it.

This happened to me with an unexpected event back in March. It’s not the end of the world, and so far, there’s no apparent loss or damage. It still shook me up, and everything I normally do stopped.

If we pause and just notice the need to take a break from our regular routines, then dealing with the unexpected is a little easier. Release control of your routine, and surrender to what is happening. Awareness of your mental state and the present moment is the first step to being able to deal with things and bounce back more quickly.

Treat the Unexpected As a Challenge or New Beginning

Dealing with the unexpected can cause all kinds of reactions within us. We may feel stressed, out of control, panicked, worried, or anxious. It doesn’t even need to be a big or bad surprise for it to disturb us! For instance, getting a new project at work can throw you all for a loop and disrupt your usual routine. It can be uncomfortable if you aren’t prepared.

One thing we might forget when dealing with the unexpected is that it can be a gift in disguise. Imagine if you treat something unexpected and unpleasant as a wise teacher. This teacher is offering up an important lesson you need to learn, a truth you need to pay attention to, or something you need to see or hear. If you can do that, you’re on your way to dealing with the unexpected by seeing it as a new challenge. It becomes a doorway of opportunity that can lead you to a new, healthy beginning.

9 Simple Ways For Dealing With the Unexpected

Tip 1 for dealing with the unexpected is acceptance. Just be aware that nothing in life stays the same. Accept that bumps will happen along your journey, which will improve your ability to handle the difficulties or surprises. For example, if I think I’m going to be in one job forever, and suddenly I lose my job, I could be devastated. Whereas, if I accept job loss as a possibility beforehand, it lessens the devastation.

Follow These Tips For Handling Surprises

Tip 2 is about keeping your vibration high. When we have a positive outlook about our situation, our energetic vibration stays high. The higher our vibe, the more easily we see the good in everything. We expect good things to happen. Continuing with the above example, if I lose my job, and expect that it’s a doorway to an even better job, I attract more good opportunities.

Tip 3 is being prepared in advance for different outcomes. For instance, if I plan to take my summer vacation in British Columbia at a certain time, but it turns out there are forest fires and thick smoke, I can make an alternate plan ahead of time so I’m not disappointed.

Tip 4 is taking the time to pause when receiving news of the unexpected. If we don’t take this mental pause to take a few deep breaths, we may find ourselves reacting instead of responding. Taking a few deep breaths has the power to calm our nervous systems, and respond appropriately. It’s too easy to take our anger and despair out on someone else.

Tip 5 is to adapt to the unexpected event. When something upsets us, we have the option of staying stuck in grief, or adapting to what is in front of us. Learning how to deal with something difficult, and just be with it can be a challenge. It’s worth it, though, so that we don’t fall into helplessness and despair.

Tip 6 is remembering to change things up a bit in your daily routines. Doing something another way becomes the norm rather than being stuck in rigid routines. Then if something unexpected happens, we’re more prepared to handle change.

Tip 7 is learning from previous instances of dealing with the unexpected. How did you respond or react in the past? What did you learn from that? Treat each change, difficulty, or surprise as a learning experience. This allows you to respond more gracefully when something comes up again.

Tip 8 is freeing yourself from attachment to any outcome. If you really want something and it doesn’t materialize, it can be a painful lesson if you had your heart set on it. Instead, you can be unattached and adopt the attitude of “whatever will be will be”. You’ll have a better chance of staying happy no matter the outcome.

Tip 9 is to add a regular practice of meditation to your life. Even just 5-10 minutes a day, or pausing to take a few deep breaths every day is enough. It will rebalance the nervous system so you can deal better with unexpected events. If you’ve experienced some trauma or difficulty in your life, try my Free Meditation on Overcoming Trauma.

Final Thoughts on Dealing With the Unexpected

These tips should get you started on dealing with the unexpected. They can sure throw us for a loop and alter our lives! Whether it’s a small surprise, or a devastating surprise, we can stay balanced by keeping these things in mind. For more information on being resilient to the unexpected events we’re faced with, click here for Resilience Tips When the World Turns Upside-down.

I’ll leave you with this beautiful Rumi quote that’s a great reminder of how to handle our unexpected visitors:

“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and attend them all: Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.”

Lee Spirit is an avid outdoors adventurer with a love for nature, photography, health & fitness, wellness, and spirituality. She helps those who suffer from anxiety & negative thinking to become healthier in mind-body-spirit. Her own personal journey has led her to the  study and practice of mindfulness, health, wellness, yoga, spirituality, sound healing, meditation, and personal development for over 20 years. Get mindfulness, meditation, and personal development tips in her Free Natural Mind Healing Report.