Everyday Wisdom #94

We are comfortable in the cocoon we’ve built up around ourselves — the routines and possessions and people we know and places that are familiar and safe.

Losing this comforting environment, and going into a place where we’re vulnerable and might fail is painful and scary.  

We cling to the idea of how things should be, and when they change, we feel the pain of that change.  

The change itself isn’t the problem — it’s fighting the change, fearing the change, and not wanting things to be different.

Everyday Wisdom #41

Something I passionately believe…

 

You really can change the world if you care enough.
– Marian Wright Edelman

 

Resistance is futile

“Everything changes, nothing remains without change.” The Buddha

 

The one thing that I struggle with – still – is a resistance to change.

As a Buddhist, I can understand the concept of impermanence.  

However I’ve had many years of good practice as a control freak, and it’s a hard habit to release.

I thought I would dedicate today’s post to reminding myself why change is firstly unavoidable, and secondly – a positive thing ♥

Top reasons why change is good:

• Change is exciting.  There are countless possibilities in each new situation.  
• Change brings opportunity.  If you decide to make it a positive, fun, and enjoyable experience, then that is what it will be.
• Without change there is no adventure.

 

How to overcome resistance to change:

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

• Accept that you can’t control everything.
• Be aware of your thoughts regarding a fear of change.  Then let them go.
• Accept things as they are.
• Breathe deeply.
• Meditate.
• View change as a series of small events.
• Enjoy life as a flow of change, chaos and beauty. 
• Focus outwardly instead of inwardly

 

For me personally, I have noticed that when I am anxious and depressed I am entirely inwardly focused.

 

If I can shift my focus outwards – towards others, or other activities, then I notice a big sense of relief.  And of “perspective”.

 

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao-Tzu

Be not afraid