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Nature is change
“The only constant in life is perpetual change.” Deepak Chopra, David Simon
Change is happening every second of every day, while we may not be always aware of it, that’s a fact.
Nature is in a perpetual process of transformation, moving from one season to another in an evergoing cycle.
Whether living or inanimate everything around us shape shifts, nothing can ever stay the same.
It is a law of nature, all must go through the motion, we know that, yet we tend to see things as permanent.
Life is change
Life is marked by change, shifting at its own pace from stage to stage, from childhood to adulthood.
Our bodies age, our faces lose their youth, even now as you read those lines the cells in you are mutating.
The roles we play take their turn, altering aspects of our lives, some we welcome and others we resist.
When change shows up unexpectedly and it’s not to our liking, instead of embracing it we’ll struggle.
Change creates tension
“No matter how well disposed towards change we are, we adults undoubtedly find it more difficult.” The Dalai Lama
We’d like to think that we alone are the creator of our own future, that we get to decide, we wish…
In truth the terms and conditions we meet and the changes they bring about are often beyond our control.
Regardless how hard we try to protect what we hold dear; things eventually wear down or break apart.
When that happens the ground shakes beneath our feet and we’re left scrambling to find our bearings.
Why do we suffer?
Life works on its own time table and it can take dramatic turns at moment’s notice, for us that’s challenging.
Understandably, the more structured our life is the less flexible we are at acclimatizing, the harder it is to cope.
Even the changes we make by choice can be stressful when they don’t unfold according to our plans.
So, we suffer because whatever jeopardizes our projects threaten our sense of security and comfort.
Let go of the old
“We hold on tightly to things in an attempt to find security, but because the world is always in flux, this effort is ultimately unsuccessful.” Guy Armstrong, Joseph Goldstein
No matter where you come from, human beings are wired the same, we tend to cling to the known.
Somehow, we manage with its difficulties, so in a way the known fools us into a false sense of safety.
Even when our situation is less than perfect, we’d rather stick with it rather than risk the unknown.
If it were up to us, we would rarely take chances and that attitude generates a great deal of problems.
Good will instead of resistance
Reality is meant to change, everything around us included ourselves has to, still we anchor down.
Our refusal to go along with the flow by hanging on tightly to the past is at the core of our discomfort.
The approach we take ultimately colors our experience; the second we consider change negatively it shows.
Instead of denying what’s coming, we should put our energy where it counts, trust in our ability to adapt.
Give Change a chance
“New experiences now lie ahead, and you can change direction to meet or avoid them as you choose.” Thubten Yeshe, Nicholas Ribush, Thubten Zopa
Before you decide whether or not what’s happening now is good or bad, remember you can’t tell.
No one can predict the outcome of a situation, none of us can know for sure what will serve us in the end.
The only thing we can do is make sure that we don’t poison the situation by laying down judgement.
We should try and avoid making up our mind, by staying open to the possibilities it might bring later on.
Lend a hand
In the midst of changing conditions, we should try to adopt a perspective that supports the situation.
Opt for mindsets that serve you, that bring about a positive outlook, that give rise to your motivation.
Our sole objective should be to actively participate in the changes ahead, by showing up willingly.
Give it your best, start by counting your blessings and welcome what comes for what it has to offer.
Relax in the new
“Everything you experience is subject to change according to changing conditions.” Eric Swanson, Yongey Rinpoche Mingyur, Daniel Goleman
Any shift can bring uneasiness, our task is to train at being comfortable with the uncomfortable.
We have to learn to relax, curb our stress and anxiety so that we don’t aggravate our nervous system.
Changes take time getting used to, do not rush into easy fixes and shortcuts to deal with your fears.
Keep a clear head, needless worry does not add to your clarity, on the contrary it distorts everything.
Persevere
Be patient, the big picture only unfolds to those of us willing to go the distance, don’t give up so fast.
Trust that you are as much capable to deal with this as with anything else, stay confident and focused.
Do not listen to the inner voices that call to flight or fight, turn your attention to the present moment.
Grow balance within, train your mind so that novel situations are no longer seen as potential threats.
Change means growth
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Socrates
Instead of considering the changes in our lives as something frightening, think of them as strokes of luck.
Regard them as opportunities, openings for growth, a chance to challenge yourself, go beyond your perceived limitations.
To do that it is essential that we set aside our personal plans, let go of our notions about the future.
What we need most is to change our mind, to allow curiosity and receptivity take the place of dread.
Embrace the new
Once we’ve decided to accept gladly whatsoever comes, we can quit the habit of making projections.
As we come to see change as inevitable and forecasting as unsound, doubt is replaced with understanding.
We devote ourselves to be alert and amenable at all times so we don’t miss what’s ahead of us.
Standing on the edge of the unknown, we take a leap of faith and shoulder change as much as we can.
Go on mindfully
“Letting go and moving through life from one change to another brings the maturing of our spiritual being.” Jack Kornfield
As we mature, our views about fate, destiny, karma or coincidence evolve, we ought to be aware of that.
It is important we be clear about them because these can unconsciously push us to act one way or another.
We have to realize the extent with which our concepts open or obstruct our path, so we don’t become obstacles.
Nothing is set in stone, not even the belief systems that drive our actions, they too are destined to transform.
Adapt on the spot
The key is to stay flexible so that we are as much in harmony with the elements as we are with ourselves.
That’s where meditation can help, for it allows us to mediate the ups and downs, so we adjust as needed.
What’s more it opens us space for greater clarity and understanding, the more you pay attention the better your responses.
By way of mind training, we move from passively enduring what befalls us, to becoming active agents of change.
Be adventurous, trust that you have it in you, don’t be afraid to tackle the new, dare to change. ?
Nathalie Bizawi, founder of Wisdom & Mindfulness meditation center. Senior Meditation, Mindfulness and philosophy instructor, From Wingate Academic College. M.A in Education from TAU University, Tel Aviv.
Wisdom & Mindfulness your meditation center in Tel Aviv