Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.
William Somerset Maugham
Some like it, some hate it, but it is the one thing we can all count on, so why not embrace it…Change. The world we live in seems to keep evolving and accelerating at an ever faster pace. It can be very challenging to try to keep up with its rapid dynamism. It’s small wonder why we often feel so tired or overwhelmed.
It’s No Wonder We Struggle
Our world was not always this way. It used to be that things changed relatively slowly. Before the internet, social media and overnight shipping, we had to wait at least 3 days to send someone a picture or letter. We had to search an encyclopedia for answers and look up word definitions in a dictionary. These things could take a few minutes or even hours. Now we have answers within seconds—or less!
The veritable speed and volume of information flowing into us creates faster rates of change in our immediate environment. While our eyes can see the change happening and our minds consciously say, yes, I see this has changed, our subconscious and physical processing are still trying to catch up.
Our physical senses and receptors are still adjusting to this change of pace. Our minds move faster than our bodies. The physiological evolution necessary to handle of the change of pace is still underway. We are being pushed to expand our capacities, at a faster rate than our bodies can evolve. This puts a lot of strain on our bodies and minds.
The Way It Used To Be
Let’s put things in perspective. “The Internet’s takeover of the global communication landscape was almost instant in historical terms: it only communicated 1% of the information flowing through two-way telecommunications networks in the year 1993, already 51% by 2000, and more than 97% of the telecommunicated information by 2007.” — Wikipedia The first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell was on March 10, 1876. Imagine then the pace of change, from the invention of the telephone in 1876, to the popularization of the internet in 2000. Prior to this we had telegraphs which were invented in 1837. We had nearly the same methods of communication for over 100 years.
Let’s look at the evolution of our venerable national postal service, snarkily referred to today as ‘snail mail’. Aside from the invention of the steam powered vehicle, capable of 2.3 mph, in 1771, we did not have massed produced automobiles until 1901. Until this point mail was delivered by horse and train! It took us over 100 years to popularize the automobile and a little over 10 years to achieve nearly complete saturation of the internet. Consider for a moment the gravity of this. We have to wonder what impact this has had on our psyche, let alone our physical bodies. Given the rate of evolution is it any wonder that we are having a hard time keeping up?
No Stone Left Unturned
It is not just the speed of communication that has changed. Technology impacts everything. From the roads we drive on, to the food we eat. Nothing has been left unscathed. Everything around us seems to be changing, and all at once. An unprecedented number of people are waking up to this new paradigm, our new world, every day. No wonder people are feeling anxiety or apprehension about where all of this is taking us. Are we rocketing upwards towards a higher state of being? Or are we hurtling ever faster down a mountain like a train with no brakes?
Our world is changing and so is the way we see ourselves. This can be frightening. Our sense of security is threatened when things change so quickly. Just as young children need consistency and structure, so too, do we rely on stability, routines and knowing what to expect.
The reality is, things are going to continue to change. There is nothing we can do to stop it. Resistance is futile and a waste of energy. So, the next question becomes, how do we deal with it? My suggestion is to learn to live with it. Our natural tendency is to get upset and caught off guard when unexpected things happen. But, since we can’t prevent the unexpected, we need to learn to expect change. When we buy a bouquet of flowers do we get upset when they die? No, because it was our expectation that they would only last a while. Instead of focusing on their impending death, we focus on their beauty and soak in their smells. So, too, must we adjust our expectations of life and learn to savor, embrace and enjoy the moment.
This Too Shall Pass
Gam Zeh Ya Avor in Hebrew means, This Too Shall Pass. Nothing lasts forever and so we must be prepared. Both the good and the bad will fade away, so enjoy the journey. Set the expectation that tomorrow may not be the same as today, and when things change we should not be surprised. We must set the intention to be flexible and roll with it. Buckle your seatbelt and take each day as it comes.
When things do change, we can allow ourselves a small period of “mourning” and acceptance. But, after this short time of grief, we must move on. Life will continue to evolve, with or without us. The question we have to ask ourselves is, do we want to be left behind? To look back means we are standing still, to look forward means we progress. When something fades away, we may feel sad for what we perceive as a loss, but our perspective is a choice. We can focus on what has faded away or we can focus on what we have learned from it and what we appreciated the most about it.
When something changes, it is natural at first, to feel an emptiness in the place of what has gone away. This empty space is best filled with gratitude for what was, and excitement of what is to come.
When one door closes another door opens. Where will you put your attention and focus? On what was, or on what will be? What feels better? Change is the clearing away of things that no longer serve us, in order to make room for new things that will serve us better.
Developing New Tools
It makes sense that we struggle with change, especially to the extent we are all experiencing it. We should go easy on ourselves and recognize the levels of strength and agility required to navigate the new frontier. We are in unprecedented times and this will require new tools for coping. We will have to learn to be more resilient, flexible and adaptable. There is not only light at the end of the tunnel, there is the rewarding bliss of a new and improved way to live. New methods of achieving a happy and fulfilling life…the way it was intended to be.
We are being asked to find another way, because the way we have been living is not working for us. It simply no longer possesses the agility and stamina to keep up our new age. Constantly lagging behind creates exhaustion, stress, depression and suppression. This is unsustainable and therefore it cannot last. The old is falling away to make room for the new.
Perspective
Imagine for a moment everything around you has changed, seemingly overnight. When you look in the mirror, you do not see the same person you saw months ago. The house you live in, the bed you sleep in, the food you eat, the places you shop, the people you know, the relationship you are in, the company you work at…right down to the name you are called by …EVERYTHING has changed. How do you think that might feel? Crazy!? Chaotic, disruptive, unstable, unfamiliar and scary? This might be one perspective. Or, the other option might be, exciting, invigorating, enlightening, horizon broadening and downright thrilling. It is a choice.
An Unshakeable Foundation
When we identify ourselves by external things, these types of changes can shake us to our core. The lesson here is that we must define ourselves by who we are on the inside. We need to base our foundation on things that cannot be shaken. Our values, strengths, intentions and soul’s purpose may evolve, but they cannot be taken away. Changes in our physical world must incite and inspire us to find a more solid foundation in our internal world.
There are small things we can do to create a sense of stability and predictability to assist with these types of massive changes. Things like driving the same route every day or creating a consistent shower routine, can help bring a sense of calm and stability. Create processes and methods that you can control. If you are in transitions of homes or travel excessively, carry a favorite blanket or pillow. Another good option is exercise, download a yoga video on your phone and take it with you, so that it can be done anywhere. Any routine or familiar object can help, so long as we keep in mind the goal of defining ourselves by things that cannot be taken away. Eventually, as you become stronger and more confident in who you are and the value you have to contribute, these things will lose their importance and they too will fade away.
We Are On Our Way
So hang in there. Chin up. There is a bold, bright amazingly beautiful new world out there—just waiting for you to come create your own piece of heaven. Remember, your needs are valid and you are valuable. The growing pains will only last a little while and the reward in the end will be well worth it. Soon you will forget how much it hurt and you will see why it happened the way it did. It takes time for the reasons things happen to present themselves, but you will generally find they all teach a lesson or have a purpose. The answers will come soon enough. Chose the higher road and the optimistic perspective. Choose to make your life the best that it can be. You are about to embark on the most amazing journey of your life, enjoy the ride.
Meaning To Life 