“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.” ~ Paulo Coelho
Change happens. Change happens to us. It is said that Change is the only certainty in life.
Sometimes, it is time to ride the river of natural change. And sometimes it is time to start paddling in a new direction. You know when it’s time.
There is this balance point within the practice of mindful living in which we need to let go of the desire to control the flow of things much of the time (most of the time actually) AND know when it is time to move. Time to take action.
Mindfulness practice does not mean melting into a blob that only sits and observes and never responds. Mindfulness practice is about gentle observation absent judgment but inclusive of discernment. Our discerning mind may determine after gentle observation that action is needed.
Mindful change is something that does not emerge from antsy urgency. Mindful change comes about from a place of calm knowing.
Maybe it’s time to leave a relationship whether it be a marriage or a friendship that clearly no longer serves the highest good of those involved. Maybe it’s time to set the alarm an hour earlier and put the gym shoes on right out of bed every morning for a brisk daily walk. Maybe it’s time to dust off the juicer and time to buy organic greens and start juicing again. Maybe it’s time to carve out designated and dedicated time for meditation, yoga, support group, family fun, date night with your partner….
This kind of knowing does not come from external sources telling you that you “should.” Let’s be clear. This level of mindful discernment comes from inside of you. You know. You just know. You’re feeling a pull. A sense of heaviness in your heart or maybe in your body. Your relationships are suffering. Your health is waning. You know. You don’t need a doctor or a therapist or a web expert to tell you when and what you should do. You know because you have a well of wisdom in side of you and if you listen, you’ll hear it’s clear whispers of wise guidance.
If there is one bit of advice I’d give you it’s to really practice taking deep, full, slow breaths and allowing for long complete exhales. And I’ll tell you why. Conscious breathing throughout your day helps to connect your mind’s thoughts with the wisdom of your physical body and your inner knowing. Do I have empirical data to back it up? I’m sure I can dig it up if you need it. Drop me a line and we’ll talk. In the meantime, try it. Can’t hurt, right? Might really help…
We have to remember we have choice in most things. Even when we are thrown some unexpected, undesired challenge, we get to choose what to do with it when it lands in our laps.
You know when you’ve got to make a change… Breathe into that knowing and just start moving in that direction. And if fear keeps you stuck, breathe into that and ask for some help doing what you need for yourself. There are lots of people trained in helping people get unstuck.
Mindfully yours,
Lynn Louise Wonders