By Joan Passarelli

Transitions

For people who had already lost their jobs, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 were one more grief stacked on those they already had.

They remember how they used to feel safe at work and then lost their jobs. Similarly, they used to feel safe in America and then lost that feeling of safety.

In times like these, said Dr. Jim Thomas, for 30 years a psychologist and a recently ordained Episcopal priest, “You do what makes common sense. It may be good for you to look after your own personal security a little bit.”

Getting enough sleep and exercise is a good place to start.

Being with friends and family and attending worship is, too.

The resources we need to take good care of ourselves require only time, not money, fortunately for those who have been laid off.

Thomas recently reminded members of his prayer group to buckle seatbelts, drive carefully and obey the speed limit. The very next day, one of them got into an accident because he wasn’t paying enough attention and came back to report that he wished he’d been more careful.

Thomas also cautioned people in grief to take a look at the way they interpret recent events. “We are the commentators of our lives,” he said. “We tell ourselves stories to make sense of what happens.

“It’s easy to fall into superstition or impulsive reactions, right now. But we need to be intentional about the stories we tell ourselves.”

He advised people to be critical of their assumptions and preconceptions as they try to make sense of the past and set direction for the future.

By taking care of ourselves, and intentionally re-examining the stories we tell ourselves, we can find a calmer way to look at the world.

This is the first in a series based on the work of the Rev. Dr. Jim Thomas, who is leading the group Transitions for those looking for jobs.

Transitions meets Thursday evenings, 6-8 p.m., at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2094 Grant Road, Mountain View.