Dubai Didn't Go to Plan. And I'm Grateful.
I’ve returned home in Melbourne after a short trip to Dubai last week extended due to the Middle East conflict. Here are my top 3 reflections;
1) Watching my Central Nervous System (CNS) adapt.
CNS work has been life-changing for me over the last 15 years and it's central to how I help others today. I've travelled through some challenging environments including Ukraine, Oman, Kenya, Borneo, but I've never experienced repeated exposure to the same stress trigger. In Dubai, the detonation of intercepted drones became programmed into my nervous system within a very short time. It wasn't obvious until a car backfired, an air conditioner kicked-in, or a door slammed and every person nearby reacted. Not a dramatic jump, but a flash of fight-or-flight. Subtle in others, but unmistakable when you're attuned because you felt it too. Witnessing your own CNS in real time is something else. It's one thing to feel, and say 'I'm fine' yet jump at an air conditioner then laugh at your automatic response... this is the primal CNS at work initially, then the cognitive mind next.
My Takeaway: Stress can creep up on us, we 'think' we're fine but our system may be heightened beyond our own awareness.
2) A fresh lens of Gratitude.
Dubai stirred deep gratitude even before the airspace closures, for my way of life, the freedom to travel, and the passport lottery I won (three times, as a triple citizen). Dubai is a fascinating, intensely diverse and vibrant city which I had the privilege to immerse myself deeply in, across multiple domains and socio-demographics. When the mood in the region shifted I felt further gratitude for the safety, space, and quiet beauty we have here in Australia.
My Takeaway: No matter how much we desire something else, we have SO much where we are, wherever that is. Developing eyes of gratitude ironically opens to the door to more in all areas of life.
3) Our Humanity.
The messages and comments meant more than I can express and were genuinely important in helping me process what was happening. Ask me today and I'll say it's fine, it was a great trip, and I am not the same guy who left 10 days ago. But also at the same time the city I was in came under direct fire, more than 1,200 missiles and drones were fired at the UAE during the time I was there. Interceptions happened overhead, out my balcony. My income was impacted as I was unable to work in my corporate role. My costs tripled as flight bookings cascaded and cancellation dates remained uncertain. The beautiful location I had on the 42nd floor, in the heart of a tourist area felt exposed.
My Takeaway: The people made all the difference. I felt at home quickly. Messages of support and curiosity, numerous chance encounters and deep conversations with people I met in Dubai. New connections and friendships formed in the most unexpected circumstances. That's what I'll carry most.
We are blessed,
-Mike
www.MikeMcGregor.com.au
