I love theories because they promote different ways of understanding reality. In fact, I remember roaming the stacks in my campus library in pursuit of articles and books on topics outside my field such as String Theory, M Theory, or Dynamic Systems Theory. (Oh! Did I tell you I am a mild geek?) Today, I am thinking about Dynamic Systems Theory (DST). (Stay with me…I promise not to do a full treatise on DST.) This particular theory helps in thinking about self-organizing patterns and pattern change within a complex system such as our lives. According to this theory, changing patterns within such a system requires enormous pressure or force. It has to be a large enough disturbance caused by a change in core elements (in geek speak: attractor states) that it promotes reorganizing into new patterns within the complex system. (Here is the important part.)

The Pandemic or Covid-19 has created a huge disruption to the patterns of the complex system that is our lives. Right now, there is a societal disagreement as to whether we should still be in a pattern disruption or regressing to familiar patterns. Whatever position you lean towards, It can be helpful to acknowledge this season is hard and often feels like moving through sludge because our ways of living have been altered in uncomfortable ways. However, these unprecedented changes in the fabric of our lives need thoughtful consideration. Because such pressure exists and is forcing reorganization within our lives, consider this question-

What is a healthy or unhealthy pattern of which you have become aware in this disruption? Observe it and search for what you need to let it go or what you need to weave this new pattern into your life.

Want to join the conversation? Comment below.

Next week, Presence Matters.

-Dianne Morgan