“Change is the only constant”
The wise saying: “Change is the only constant in life." was originated by Heraclitus, an Ancient Greek philosopher.
As this New Year opens, this truth seems more evident than ever. So far this year, change in both small and massive ways, has been ever-present in my life — from the smallest details of appointment times, to surprise health issues with friends & family. Sometimes, I feel like I’m skiing down a steep hill, with unexpected people, landscapes, boulders and trees suddenly appearing. The pace seems relentless, and yet the more I can say ‘yes’ to the changes, and adjust my course with Grace, things seem to remain in a surprisingly harmonious flow.
More clearly than ever, I notice how futile it is to resist the ‘landmarks’ that arise, asking me to shift something in my perception, trajectory, or way of moving. If I insist on the path I had expected, and make no adjustment, I find myself on a collision course. Although I know intellectually, that I cannot thrive by fighting ‘what is’, this year has offered seemingly constant opportunity to experience this profound truth in real time.
Opportunity is always knocking!
According to Ancient wisdom, we are constantly being guided by Life. The seemingly random occurrences of our daily lives are resetting opportunities, guiding us towards the next step in our journey.
Sometimes we are able to move effortlessly — even with seeming upheaval. At other times, we try to hold on to a static vision of reality that we want, expect or think is ‘right’. This can feel like holding tight to the tail of a thrashing alligator — we use great effort holding on to an uncontrollable force, and ultimately must let go in order to stay alive.
The difficult part about letting go, is that we know somewhere inside, that we will have to change. As we face, and learn to open to the undulations of life, we learn also to open to new places in our own being. This Ancient paradigm offers the possibility that, even in the most dire of circumstances, Life is guiding us into more of who we are. We are being led to a more intimate union with our essential Self.
Listening from the Center
Our integral foundation, and our ability to listen deeply, is what guides us. Where we stand in the center of our resonant field will offer the ‘right’ response to any situation. In some cases, we will be asked to be silent, still, and wait. At other times, we will be called upon to move, adapt, dance with the motion of what is happening, and other times, to walk away.
When we are able to access it, ‘Right’ action creates an opening for all concerned. Our deeper Self is more in alignment with the Whole, and naturally moves in a way that is supportive for all. Where we ‘live’ in our listening, determines what we ‘hear’ and what choices we make. As we inhabit more and more of the Source that pours through us, we will make choices that expand us, as well as every person & circumstance we touch.
As we may all have experienced, change is inevitable. The question is: Where do we find ourselves in the midst of it all? And to what degree are we able to listen and be willing respond in integrity with our deepest Self?
Life is conspiring in our Favor
‘Pushing the River, and ‘Fighting the River’ come from the agenda of our ‘tiny minds’ and leave us depleted. How can we befriend the River of Life that is moving inside and outside of our body/mind? How can we learn to meet the changes with Grace, and even ‘love’ them? We can recognize that Life is happening for us, not to us. In this paradigm, the particular undulations we experience are tailor-made for our unique journey. The Grace of our inspired, wiser Self is ever-present. The challenge — and the Joy — is to become aware, and choose this Presence as often as possible. It will likely not be what our ‘tiny mind’ wants, but this practice will strengthen our ability to navigate Life as it unfolds, and find ways in which every circumstance is indeed a gift.
There is a magic of transmutation that occurs from this place. Our perception shifts. Our failures and disappointments become opportunities. Our difficult times, become the fuel that propels us into greater awareness, wisdom and growth.
The poison & The medicine
At our core, we humans are Creation Itself in motion. We inhabit the ever-changing flow of Life. The paradigm of Ancient Lomi Lomi invites us to drop into this natural state of being. In so doing, we ignite the synergy of Life meeting Life, and become the raw material, the catalyst and the embodied alchemy of transmutation.
Change itself is the poison & the medicine. It’s up to us to make the leap.
“We are the Ones we have been waiting for.”
(—Hopi Elders’ Prophecy)
“We are the Change we wish to see in the world.”
(—Mahatma Gandhi) (~paraphrased)
What do you notice shifting in your world?
In your awareness?
In your responses?
Make a daily list of all the gifts you received from both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ experiences.