Small Change, Large Change….we so passionately demand it, but also, in equal measure, seem to fear it. Why should this be and what can we do about it?
Whether we like, loathe, notice or ignore it, change is an ever-present fact of life. But our attitude to it is crucial. At those times when we are receptive to change, we tend either to hanker after the past:
“If only I had (or hadn’t)….” “If only I could have my time again…..”
Or we grasp for the future and what we think is something better:
“What if I won the lottery… “What if we bought that new house, car etc.etc.
Then there are those times when the prospect of change fills us with absolute dread. In this mindset, we cling to a sense of predictability and try to keep things the same; our job, our partners, our friends, our homes, our communities, even what we eat and drink. Then, when the world around us changes, as it constantly doing, this causes anger, sadness, and frustration.
The answer is to accept that change is inevitable and as such, should be welcomed as the current that moves us through our lives. Rather than constantly clinging to the past, or straining to reach the future, try accepting things as they are, at this very moment, by living fully in the present.
If we let go of the memories of the past, or our concept of the future, we can fully appreciate all that exists right now. In this way, we live in harmony with nature, always changing. We open ourselves to all that the present moment has to offer and cease to struggle against the current of impermanence.
After all, it is only when our desire and acceptance of change exceeds our fear of it,that we can move forward.