Change Is Our Only Constant In Life
I recently read the quote, “Change is inevitable, growth is optional,” which made me curious about how change relates to personal growth.
What’s fascinating is we constantly change when we genuinely live because everything results from that change. We grow when we are present to change.
But I am comfortable and don’t want to change.
Change is going to happen anyway. Every moment, every win, every loss, every person, every job—they’re all temporary and ever-changing. Sheesh, that’s depressing—or is it?
If we fully embrace the concept ‘everything is the result of change,’ we will have more joy. But the practice is being present during change. Our brain constantly tries to sweep us up in memories (the past) or fear and second-guessing (the future), buffering the experience that change offers.
Change can be HARD
How easily we adapt to change will determine our level of discomfort while growing. Flowing with change is a better approach that will quickly help us accept anything new.
When we flow with something, we are centered, breathing and moving fluidly with it – at that moment. When flowing with the present, we embrace it as it is – remaining open to what is happening now.
We will experience personal growth when we feel, see and embrace change because life is constantly changing.
The Practice
In my long, ongoing practice of being present, I have incorporated a concept I call “stop and look around.” When I notice myself deep inside my head, trapped in the illusion of a memory or a future fear, I immediately look around and pay closer attention to the world surrounding me—every sensory detail.
Reconnecting with my breath, I move on as soon as I feel fully grounded in the here and now.
Close
There is nothing more permanent than right now. Savor what you have instead of worrying about what will come next or lamenting about what was. Our minds will surely give us ‘good reasons’ why we shouldn’t accept change to keep us safe in the familiar.
Get out of your comfort zone when you are on the cusp of change. Flow with it, stop and look around, get grounded in the present and enjoy the personal growth experience.
Being responsible for our life experiences and showing up for ourselves puts us in the driver’s seat. Be the change.
