“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
We often want our lives to be better, to be fuller, in some capacity, but we resist change. Specifically, we resist the shifts that allow transformation. I read recently: in order to move forward, something is lost; something must die. It’s that conscious (and at times, unconscious) knowledge that blocks us from embracing the flow of life, allowing real transformation to occur… even when we recognize the changes are positive. It’s the fear losing something which holds us back from moving forward.
Contrary to common conviction, we cannot stop change, but we can resist, and it’s that resistance which creates the blockades. Life, and our bodies, are in constant motion (until we stop breathing), continually changing and shifting. Sri Swami Satchidananda’s explanation of Sutra 18, Book 2* offers one of my favorite, analogies:
“Changes are as constant as the flowing of water, if you just allow the water to flow, it is pleasant to sit and watch. But if you want to arrest the flow and keep the water for yourself, you will have to construct a dam…the water will resist the dam and try to escape. There will be a terrible struggle… All life is a passing show. If we want to hold if even for a minute, we feel tension...When we want to keep it, we put up barriers which ultimately cause us pain…If only we learn to enjoy each change, we can recognize the beauty even in aging…Things come and goes while we (get to) retain our peace.”
This week's inquiry and challenge is to not only to accept and be open to change, but through it, what can you discover? On the mat, what might be there if you change your approach? Is it possible that while your practice (and life) currently works as is (and in many ways may be perfect)….there might be more? How else might your practice guide, teach, or support you? As you create change on the mat, how does that translate off the mat?
And in looking at the bigger picture, where do you want transformation in your life? Where might you dare to hope for, and create, more? And what part of you, what perspective(s) are you willing to lose in order to take on something that truly supports the life you want to create?
The more we change the way we look at things, the more those things change, so often for the better. But until we let go, until we let life flow, nothing truly transforms.
With love,
Rachel (To receive these in your inbox weekly, subscribe below!)