Every normal person of right age and mind must have surely met and hurdled, one way or the other, some sort of a personal crisis in his lifetime. It is a life’s situation at a crucial turning point when a conflict reaches its highest tension and must be resolved.

It is the reaction to an emotionally stressful event or a radical or traumatic change in a person's life, coming toward either improvement or deterioration. Failure to properly handle the crisis could spell a disaster, while, a proper handling could mean further growth and development.

Depending on the person’s perception and reaction, the crisis situation can, therefore, be transformed into either a life changing opportunity or tragedy. A coping device or strategy can definitely help anyone in turning the crisis into a challenge that can be met head on and, thus, could greatly increase its chances for a successful resolution.

Everyone is free to deal with a challenge in any way the person knows best. But, how about you? What do you usually do to cope with problems? Is your approach effective? Let me share with you this coping device which I adapted based on a lecture by Mr. George Sison of the Temple of Prayer, Peace and Prosperity. When confronted with vicissitude in life . . .

Take hold of yourself by being present in the moment and stay focus on what is essential. Be still. Relax your body and mind. Be aware of your breathe. Slowly, take a deep breath from your diaphragm . . . breath in and out for a minute or more. Reverse and dissolve any negative thoughts and disastrous feelings (especially self pity, fear or doubts) by appreciating who you are and that you are still breathing . . . being thankful that you are still alive. Repeat your affirmations until calmness and gratitude fills your being.

Relax and do the scientific way of prayer.

Step 1: Recognize that there is a power greater than you are. . . God, Super Intelligence, Universal Power . . . or by whatever name you call it. This God is super powerful, infinite, all knowing and is love. You are connected with this greater power and that it will respond to your pleadings.

Step 2: Acknowledge your oneness with this power who is God. Yes, it lives and moves within your being. Wherever you are and wherever you go . . . God is with you. God is on your side. Accept this truth and enjoy the feeling that it evokes.

Step 3: Have a dialogue with God. Decree and affirm what you desire (not what you do not want in life).

Step 4: Thank God for all the good in your life. It is better if you can put into writing your gratitude list. Be especially thankful that you can forgive yourself and gladly release people who may have hurt you to their highest good and greatest joy. For your own peace of mind and happiness, let go of all your hurts and resentments.

Step 5. Letting go and letting God. Be mindful that we have a God who always says ‘yes’. Trust God and believe that Divine Love is doing its perfect work in your situation

Now, to lighten up, try to find out what is funny about the situation.

Get busy. Do more work, even if it may only entail walking, or working out in the gym or at home, doing household chores, or any activity that will stimulate your physical energy positively and productively.

Stop owning the negativities in your life like disease or sickness. Instead, be responsible and be thankful for your health and wealth regardless of physical manifestation.

Enjoy the support of your friends and family. Reach out and be accepting. Do ask for help if you need one and learn to accept and appreciate genuine help if offered to you. It is God’s hand reaching out to you.

After all, we are all Easter people, regardless of our religious belief or unbelief. If we choose to, we can have our personal resurrection and the chance to conquer any crisis. There’s no other way but to be renewed when we are able to truly experience our oneness with the power within us and allow it to do its perfect work in our particular situation. We hold the key to our heart, emancipation and joy.