Dancing with the flow of life
IN life the only constant is change. The only permanence is impermanence. We might rail against it, but so it is. Rivers flow, mountains erode, civilisations rise and fall. The cycles of change are endless. The value of money fluctuates; children born and people die; societies and cultures appear and vanish. At times old friends, spouses, jobs, activities, and interests are no longer attractive and we graduate from one era of our life to another. Life is cyclical in nature and there are seasons to our growth. It is more beneficial for our evolution to honour these natural rhythms and cycles. “To everything there is a season; at time for every purpose under Heaven.”
In leaving an old house, an old apartment, or an old love, we feel insecure and out of balance. We are in transition and have not yet adapted to the new energy. If we let go and trust in the process we learn to dance with the flow of life. Like a skilled surfer, we ride the waves of our experience which guide us smoothly to shore. Although we fear the waves might drown us, it is the waves that keep us moving forward.
In the flow of life
Even when we are unhappy it seems easier to hold on to what we know, but, trying to prevent change is like swimming upstream against the current of a flowing river: It exhausts and frustrates us, whereas, we can embrace the flow of life by honouring the transitory nature of existence.
An oriental sage said, “That yielding is more powerful than resistance is a fact known by all and practised by none.” The willow tree enjoys longevity because its boughs bend to relieve the burden of heavy snow and ice which would break the branches of a more rigid tree. Master Sivananda, a Yogi taught:
“Serve love, meditate, purify,
Be good, do good, be kind, be compassionate,
Adapt, adjust, accommodate,
Bear insult, bear injury, highest sadhana (spiritual path).”
Tools for encouraging change
In learning to appreciate and develop our ability to change, we can think about how we have changed over time. We are not the same person we were 10 years ago. How are we different? What were we like before? Would our present self and past self be friends if they met? What would they like and dislike about each other? How did we come to be the person we are now? Our ideals, thoughts and opinions have changed; what has replaced the old ones and why? By reviewing the changes that have occurred, we can savour the growth and progress we have made, and appreciate the benefits the process of change has brought. By noticing how much we have changed we can see how much we could grow if we made a real effort to change.
Think of present life in relation to the future self we can become. Will our present actions improve our life and make it rich in growth and positive experience? What will we think when we think back 10 years from today? How instrumental will we have been in making the changes that have taken place? By questioning our life in this way, we can gain a clearer perspective on our motivation to change and grow.
Embracing change
Positive change begins the moment we decide to expand our thoughts and approach to change. We embrace a willingness to change when we challenge limiting patterns by releasing fixed views and expectations. The more we learn, the more we grow; the more challenge we meet, the more strength and awareness we gain. Mahatma Ghandi’s wise words, “I am committed to truth – not consistency.”
King Solomon requested his counsellor to tell him, “Something that will make me happy when I am too sad, and make me sober when I feel too happy.” The advisor gave the king a ring with the inscription, ” This too shall pass.”
