Quote:
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." ~George Bernard Sha
My thoughts:
You were built for it, change.
Down to the fact that you slough off between 30 and 40 thousand skin cells a day. The layer of skin you are looking at now on your hands holding this device will be gone in a month.
We now know that neurogenesis continues throughout our lifetime. New brain cells and neural pathways that aid in learning, storing memories, and regulating emotions are added to your stores through mindfulness type of activities.
Our bodies change. I am noticing it while continuing to grow out a beard. There's more white and gray than I'd like to admit to, but it is emblematic of something larger going on. I won't go full Billy Crystal here, but yeah...I'm noticing hair grow where it once did not.
Our bodies change, and dealing with that change and accepting it is a healthy exercise.
Practicing acceptance in this manner should be helpful when addressing changes in our spiritual being. We change there, too.
If we didn't then what's the point of wisdom?
Ask yourself, are there things that I will NEVER change and then really dig in to WHY?
Progress isn't something you can opt out of, you are on the train no matter what. Why not accept that things are different now than they were "back then" and embrace that the only greatness we can achieve is what is happening right now?
Holding on and refusing to accept change is admitting you are the frog in the pot of water.
Intention:
Join me in this intention:
Today I admit my ignorance and accept that my opinions and beliefs can evolve, just as I can evolve.
Meditation:
Bring your awareness to your breath. Feel the rise and fall of your chest or abdomen with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the natural rhythm of your breath, without trying to control it. Simply observe it as it is.
Now, gently bring your attention to the idea of change. Is there a specific change happening in your life right now, big or small? Perhaps you're starting a new job, moving to a new place, or experiencing a shift in your relationships.
Or maybe change feels more general, a sense of uncertainty about the future.
Imagine change as a landscape. It could be a mountain range, a flowing river, or a vast ocean. See yourself standing at the edge of this landscape. Notice any emotions that arise – excitement, nervousness, apprehension, or a combination.
Acknowledge these feelings without judgment.
Take a deep breath and step into the landscape of change. Look around you. What do you see? Are there challenges and obstacles? Are there also opportunities for growth and discovery? Spend some time simply taking in the scenery, without needing to know exactly where you're headed.
Imagine yourself finding a strong, sturdy tree within this landscape. This tree represents your inner strength and resilience. Feel your feet rooted to the ground, connecting you to this inner source of stability.
Take another deep breath and feel a sense of calm washing over you. Change may be uncertain, but you have the strength and flexibility to navigate it. See yourself moving through the landscape with grace and courage, open to the new experiences that await you.
Cultivation:
Here are some practical steps to cultivating an acceptance of change.
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Don't bottle up your emotions. It's okay to feel sad, scared, or frustrated about change. Talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or journaling your feelings can help you process them.
Focus on What You Can Control: Not everything is in your hands, but focus on the aspects you can influence. Maybe you can't control getting a new boss, but you can control how you react and interact with them.
Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of seeing change as a disruption, try to view it as an opportunity. A new job could be a chance to learn new skills. Moving could be a chance to explore a new environment.
Make a Plan: Feeling lost in change can be paralyzing. Create a plan, even if it's a rough outline. This gives you a sense of direction and control. Break down big changes into smaller, more manageable steps.
Seek Support: Don't go it alone. Lean on your friends, family, or a therapist for support and encouragement. Talking it through with someone who cares can make a big difference.
Celebrate Small Wins: Change takes time. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This keeps you motivated and reminds you that you're adapting.
Practice Self-Care: Change can be stressful. Make sure you're taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and make time for activities you enjoy.
Find the Humor: Sometimes a little laughter can go a long way. Try to find the humor in the situation, even if it's just a funny anecdote to share later.
Embrace Flexibility: Life throws curveballs. Being adaptable and open to new possibilities can help you navigate change more effectively.
Appreciation:
Take 5-10 minutes each day, morning or night, to write down 3-5 things you're grateful for that fundamentally came about from change. It can be anything from a big life event to a change in opinion or belief.
Recognizing the numerous ways we have changed gives us a better understanding of its ubiquitousness. So if we can appreciate our evolution, we can begin to expect it… perhaps even welcome it.