The world around us is constantly changing and so also the world within us. Change is an ongoing process whether relating to our workplaces when we change jobs or career structure, our relationships evolving from engagement to marriage (and in some instances to divorce), as well as our offspring growing from babies to children and on into adulthood.
Our bodies also continuously change throughout our lifetime with millions of cells regenerating. Our planet changes with the varying seasons and we experience hibernation and flourishing nature in cycles.
Constant change is the fabric of who we are and where we are in life. A large part of change is subconscious and our bodies naturally flow with the growing, evolving and waning motions. However, what about changes which occur in our conscious world and how do we deal with them?
Do we bend like the willow and accommodate the winds of change, altering certain facets of our lives in order to maintain buoyancy with any new challenges and work towards alleviating potential problems before they arise? Or do we exhibit abject surrender, allowing ourselves to be tossed around like flotsam in emotionally stormy seas forever treading water and waiting for another change which allows us to find a safe harbour? Perhaps some of us conduct a constant war of attrition rallying ourselves against the barricades to stop change occurring and all the while wondering why our lives continue to lack peace.
We may ask ourselves what course of action is best for us when change occurs and how do we make decisions as to our behaviours and actions in coping with the change. It is important to recognise that each change is taken on its own merit and there is no set protocol to follow each time as we are individually unique. What one of us may do in catering for change may not suit another and how we deal with one particular change producing a good outcome may be entirely unsuitable when another appears on the horizon and will require a very different approach altogether.
Perhaps considering actions and behaviours which are best avoided as a starting point when change arises could assist us, such as maintaining concrete thinking, refusing to step outside our comfort-zone and developing maladaptive coping mechanisms. If we allow these behaviours to take over they can affect our decision-making processes, leading us to view choices from a fear base and our ongoing strategies are unable to stem the tide of frustration we may feel. We may begin to lack direction and our resolve diminishes. No longer are we dancing to our own tune, instead our strings are pulled by others and we become like puppets. We may undertake knee-jerk reactions as our emotional turbulence causes havoc with our thoughts, potentially leading us deeper into a downward spiral unable to navigate a new course into a positive direction.
So how can we cope with change when it arises in our lives so that we get back onto the wave again and surf into shore? Perhaps focussing upon positive aspects the change has brought about, even if only one, would be much preferable than focussing upon the negative aspects as all we achieve otherwise is strengthening of the negative within our mind-set. Treating each day as a new beginning, rolling with the difficult emotions which may arise and making an overtly conscious choice that in the sink or swim scenario, swimming will be our intention can improve our view of the situation. The ceasing any internal arguments with the world, taking up so much of our time and energy, leaves space in our minds enabling new strategies to be considered and helpful new directions to be made clear.
Finding and maintaining a sense of balance and harmony in whatever way we are able to each day will also assist us in dealing with change. This does not necessarily mean harmony and balance in direct relation to the change scenario but can incorporate physical actions such as yoga and tai chi or mindful actions such as meditation into our everyday routines. Any feel-good factors we obtain from our hobbies and interests can assist us in maintaining our sense of wellbeing and thus it is important for these to continue to be cultivated wherever possible.
The other aspect to be considered when change affects our lives is that it can produce opportunities which further encourage us to embrace the different modes of being. In doing so we can emerge the other side as a different person, perhaps stronger, happier and with increased self-confidence. Change can be character-building due to the experiences and wisdom gained which feed into our personal growth, enhancing our everyday lives. Our intentions and aspirations may alter and our criterion of success may expand to a dimension not previously pondered upon. Change can be the precursor of our turning point moments, allowing us to redirect our journey and enabling ourselves to begin realising our potential.
We may find our talents, skills and abilities come to the fore and be given enough reign to cultivate sustainable transformations, elevating our thoughts and tendencies towards positive expectations and outcomes. The process of regeneration can occur when we go with the flow as change arises, a sense of adventure can beckon us enticingly as we give ourselves permission to accept the freedom which this brings forth. Pastures new can help unlock our potential allowing us to express our uniqueness, celebrating and honouring who we are and enabling us to further establish ourselves in our changed lives.
Change allows us to evolve and discover more about ourselves during our interactions with others and the world around us in general. It can liberate us, enabling exploration of our inner and outer journeys, learning to fly and accepting that the mystery and magic of life is out there waiting to be personally discovered and experienced.
Sandra Bray
Local Legend
