Who we are now is not who we were last year, last week, yesterday or even a minute ago. Life never stands still, no matter what we do. Change is the very nature of existence--our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, ideas, even our relationships are as changeable as rain and sunshine, or night and day. But, as much as change is inevitable, it is not always welcome or easy to deal with. It can upset our world and generate many conflicting feelings.
However, it is in those very moments when everything looks hopeless that we have a real chance to grow into something better: what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, we call a butterfly!
The journey to such transformation is smoother when we can step back from anger, fear or grief and take a breath, before emotion takes over. Then we can enable the issue to pass, for not even those feelings that seem so enormous, important or overwhelming stay the same. Given time, what is vital to us now will soon lose its relevance.
Knowing this means that we can be more at ease with change. As thoughts come and go, as we watch emotions rise and fall like waves, as physical, emotional or mental pain is felt and then gone, we see how this coming and going applies to everything, even our breath. This sense of rhythm informs us that, if we wait long enough, even the darkest of times will also pass.
Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world." In other words, although life changes are inevitable, we can also initiate personal change so we can rise to the challenge and become a bigger and better person as a result. How do we do this? We believe the best ways are to recognize that change is inevitable, that there is always the potential for positive change in every moment and to stay grounded and in touch with our peace.
1. All things are coming and going
Everything that is happening now will change into something else; every thought and feeling, no matter how intense or dramatic, will one day be immaterial. Without change in ourselves we become stifled and stagnant. As nothing lasts forever, we can appreciate every moment, fully and completely, knowing it will never happen again. Coming to a still place, gently breathe in and out, silently repeating: And this too shall pass.
2. Each day starts anew
We always have the opportunity to transform fear into courage, selfishness into kindness and loss into fresh beginnings, just as palm trees transform muddy rainwater into sweet coconut milk. Spring is here, with new life bursting forth, and in the same way we too are capable of creating a new life for ourselves in each and every moment. For surely, life is about not having answers and taking chances, all without knowing what is going to happen next. Sitting quietly, breathing deeply and joyfully, silently repeat: I open my mind and heart to new possibilities.
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
-- Maria Robinson, author
3. Being peace
The clue to transformation is being able move with the waves, to paddle in the dip so we are ready to ride the next crest. Meditation creates a space where times of pain, sadness, anger, fear, hurt, confusion, doubt and all our other conflicting emotions can come and be known and gently released. It enables us to be present with whatever is and to accept, honor and move with change. All kinds of thoughts may arise, or feelings, sensations and images. We watch, without denying, pushing away or holding on. We can comfortably rest in stillness, without any judgment or discrimination.
Just as the breath comes in and out, so it is like the coming and going of all change.
Breathe in and out gently, and watch the natural rhythm of your breath. Silently repeat, May I be easeful, may I be peaceful, may I flow with the changes. And enjoy each moment, as it is a precious gift!
What gives your life meaning? Is there anything you would like to change? Do comment below. You can receive notice of our blogs every Tuesday by checking Become a Fan at the top.
You can learn more in our latest award-winning book: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World, or from our three meditation CD's.
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Enjoy our Friday weekly blogs on Oprah.com/spirit
Our latest book won the 2010 Nautilus Gold Book Award: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors Marianne Williamson, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Jane Fonda, and others.
We will be teaching at IONS, the Institute of Noetic Sciences in California, June 18-20, with special guest speakers astronaut Edgar Mitchell and Dan Millman
Our 3 meditation CD's: Metta--Loving kindness and Forgiveness; Samadhi-Breath Awareness and Insight; and Yoga Nidra-Inner Conscious Relaxation, are available at: www.EdandDebShapiro.com
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David Nichtern: The Discovery of Egolessness
Susan Piver: Buddhism and Relationships: Three Stages to Heal a Broken Heart
Varun Soni: Gandhi, Hinduism and Non-Violence at the United Nations
Impermanence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Buddhist Concept of Impermanence
We learn much from each other among users and blogger. In this way we grown on insight and compassion. I hope more users will interact and do not hesitate to ask if you are not sure. This is a rear opportunity here to have someone to answer your doubtsat the same time give you encouragement. The replies from Ed and Deb also "recharges you"
When I lived in India and sat at the feet of my Guru I saw how the communication between teacher and student was undoubtedly helpful in the growth/development of both student and teacher. I learned that we all grow in wisdom together we all can learn from each other. This is always with me- when we teach wokshops and write articles/blogs here in HuffPost and Oprah.com
Much metta - Ed
as Swami Sivananda said-
"Be Good Do Good!"
Ommmmm Shanti
Swami Brahmananda - EdS
But this change often makes us sad sometimes we get overjoyed . How we should react than to this change ? In our holy books it is written that be it sorrow or joy always have control on your reactions because nothing in this life is permanent , everything keeps on changing . One should always keep in mind and stick to his principles whatever may be the situations be .
One should take lessons from the river it passes through every good and bad conditions but still it never looses its basic character of giving life , prosperity . The key to a successful and fulfilled life is to stay focused on positive thoughts and feelings.
"One should take lessons from the river it passes through every good and bad conditions but still it never looses its basic character of giving life , prosperity!"
Enjoy this great gift of life,
Ed
It's difficult with family sometimes.. as they often keep us in the past. Be who you are that is real!
Ed
The physical part we cannot control but our mentality certainly we can shape for a better tomorrow. True enough if we want to change the World into a better place then we have to start with ourselves. The resistance to change is always there. From habitual reaction to our grasping.
There is an ancient saying in the East, "It is easier to change a mountain than to change a person's character."
Another, "If the bull doesn't bend its head you cannot force it to drink.'
These words explain our stubborness to change even for our own betterment. It can be done by ourselves but only if we take the first step.
Reading Ed & Deb's book Be the Change will inspire you to take the first step.
May all be well and happy.
Big Love,
Judith
Your words and truth are very helpful. Couldn't agree more!
Joyfully,
Ed
I adore you!
Eli
Go deeper an deeper into your love and wisdom until you are flowing in comapssionate joy.
This world is how exquisite home our sanctuary!
Enjoy the journey,
Ed
So you're right, letting go is so much easier than cleaning up! I have been experiencing seemingly overwhelming changes lately and I realise that letting it pass is becoming easier. What I then have to face and ignore is the other parties determination to hold onto the crap. Hah! Thanks to you both I'm now slowly adopting the This too shall pass mantra.
What gives meaning to my life you ask - helping others whether its through speech or just a pleasant good day. I'm recognising more and more how powerful such simple gestures are.
And I definitely am working on changing my reaction to childhood triggers and they too shall pass.
Thanks for this post.
Catherine
avoidance is never the answer- with mindful awareness comes skillful means - when you wake up you see the movie of your mind - you are fully aware and deal with each situation as it comes. The important point is not to make anything a neurosis - not to get overly involved with the monkey mind - the negative thoughts are seen as they are and it doesn't help to dwell .. everyone can get pissed off but when you say 'sometimes we don't want to' - that could be the ego mind and not your clear awareness talking. Whatever the situations - it all passes if you don't hang on too long! Remember holding onto negative thoughts/emotions is like holding onto hot coals - who wants to get burned?
when we meditate we see when we are avoiding etc.
Treasure yourself,
Ed
What gives me peace? Peace is. Never ending, always moving, flowing through each breath, this moment, this moment, through each heart of who we really are, as long as we remember who we really are, and do the happy dance. Granted, sometimes, I may not feel like doing that little jig, but, with a return to what matters most deeply to my Spirit, with a gratitude that you are in my world, as are countless other shining stars in the darkness, all is well, all is well.
Much peace your way, my tres-amigos!
Cara
what you say is sooo beautiful:
"Peace is. Never ending, always moving, flowing through each breath, this moment, this moment, through each heart of who we really are, as long as we remember who we really are, and do the happy dance."
Lovingly.
Ed
In Joy, Ed
This morning a woman plopped a problem file onto my desk and said I needed to fix it. I pulled up the computer record and couldn't make any sense of it. I did see that it didn't involve me, and it was more complex than anything I've ever done. The woman was impatient. As I tried to decipher the problem, she said, "You know, I can't stand here all day waiting for you to figure it out. I need to get moving. I need to move on!" And she walked away.
In my "previous life" as a non-peaceful person, I would have felt upset and embarrassed by her rudeness. Everything that followed would have carried that negativity attached to it. In this case the results were positive, including the thanks I received from the rude woman and my supervisor.
This is a small, personal example of the practice of being peace and the fruit of meditation.
"It enables us to be present with whatever is and to accept, honor and move with change. All kinds of thoughts may arise, or feelings, sensations and images. We watch, without denying, pushing away or holding on. We can comfortably rest in stillness, without any judgment or discrimination."
Thank you, Ed and Deb, for being the change and showing so many of us how to do the same!
:-) Sunny
will get back to your comment tomorrow Sunny - had a day at the dentist - ouch but spirit is smiling!
In Joy, Ed
And why not? "All things are coming and going..., each day starts anew...," and sometimes it's just enough to laugh at it all and be happy we're alive!
Thanks for sharing the joy!
I'm not the same man I was one year ago. I've acquired what once would have seemed to me to be super powers. I've learned to quit in the middle of building toward anger. I even use that power more times than not. I've gained a skill that makes difficult tasks much easier. I remember to breathe and be in the moment rather than my previous practice where I'd rush through a job because I'd prefer to be doing something else. I've even learned to tone down the self-defeating tapes that sometimes run through my head...it's too hard, I don't have the discipline, and I'll probably fail so why even try. I've even taken that a step further and programmed some new tapes I like better...soft belly, breathe and I am are three of my favorites. Two weeks ago I created a temporary tape...I will win ; cigarettes will lose. I recited that one on Thursday and a lot of times on Friday. I was the DD and didn't smoke in a smokey bar on Friday night. That's when I knew I was going to win this time. I'm at 14 days right now and I owe it all to meditation and the wonderful lessons I learn from my chosen teachers here in HuffPo's Living Section.
All my love,
little brother
Here's a great article on change @ http://www.newthoughtgeneration.com/2010/03/change-your-mind-change-your-life/
"Our ability to adapt to change is vital to our growth and progress. To shake off the old and embrace the new is one of the most important steps in Personal Development and Peak Performance. Fear of change is something that has caused war, poverty and self manufactured anxiety due to an unwillingness to be optimistic and embrace the unknown."
Joyfully,
Ed
Change is an aspect of life that cannot be changed or stopped by any force of nature no matter how subtle or violent. It represents the dynamics of nature and man which leads to new revelation of how life evolves to higher standards of living.
be the change
Ed
Change has been a constant theme in our lives however the last five years have been exceptional. I used to have trouble with change, but once I learned to embrace change, I experienced a great "lightness of being" and a desire for more change.
Once one can "embrace' change life becomes so much easier. True, it is always easier to deal with self initiated change rather than the "forced" change many are dealing with today, but deal with it we must.
I fear many folks today are not prepared to handle the "weight of change" that has and will continue to been seen as a burden to them. Articles such as yours can go a long way in lightening one's load.
Good thoughts...........................SOF.
You speak with happy certainty!
I like this - you express it well:
Once one can "embrace' change life becomes so much easier. True, it is always easier to deal with self initiated change rather than the "forced" change many are dealing with today, but deal with it we must.
Through change we meet our true self - that which is unchanging - we discover our true nature,
Joyfully,
Ed