Mar 29, 11:44am   

 

Just as a sailboat needs the winds to keep it moving from place to place, we need the winds of change to keep us going through our lives.  The winds of change can be light and refreshing, or chaotic and destructive, but if we gain the right perspective over them and empower ourselves, the winds of change can make for an exciting journey.

 

Change is a fact of life, though we tend to avoid it when we can.  There is something calming about the status quo and not having to take risks.  Yet we are often faced with circumstances that force us to face change and sometimes even push us to make major changes.  Whether the circumstances surrounding our need to change involve good things or bad, change in itself is scary.  For instance, having a child can be one of the most rewarding changes in someone’s life, but that circumstance can bring with it an incredible amount of fear and questioning.

 

So how do we face change so that we can move away from the fear and what sometimes feels like the shattering of our lives and embrace the changes occurring?  First you need to begin by understanding that as change occurs you have choices to make.  Using the same analogy about sailing, when the wind comes, you have choices as to where to place the sail that helps you determine where to move.  As people, we have those same choices to make when facing the winds of change.  Once you begin to think of yourself as empowered by the change and the wind, you will automatically move towards positive transformation.

 

As you begin your journey, you will realize that there is no one way to become an authentic and evolved person.  However, there are some guidelines that can help you get there.  First, you can start by breathing.  The stress of change can alter the way we breathe and have a very physical and emotional effect on our bodies.  By remembering to use conscious breathing, you can improve the way your body and mind work, and also give yourself a few seconds to shake off some of the initial fear and pressure you feel.  Breathing is a great way to begin your change process.

 

Another tool in accepting change and letting it empower you is to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you will not let change defeat you, and instead you will use that energy to become an even better, more evolved and compassionate person.   Stating this intention, out loud, to yourself or another person, will signal to your higher self and the Universe, that you are committed to do the work.  Even though you may have moments and days when you feel exhausted and down, there is still that underlying foundation that helps to pick you up.

 

You can also use the power of music to help in your transformation.  Take that CD burner or mp3 player and put together a mix of music that speaks to the issues you are facing and the power you need to transform.  Choose songs carefully that carry the message that you will get through these darker days and emerge into the light.  Sing along so that the messages begin to take hold in your mind and spirit and eliminate the negative thinking and self-defeating thoughts.

 

Getting in touch with yourself is another important way to learn how to embrace change.  The time you take to journal, meditate, and reflect can give you the clarity to redefine, recreate, and rebuild your life.  Take your time to get to know yourself and you will learn what every part of you needs to move forward on this adventure.

 

Taking breaks for yourself can also help in getting to know yourself and your own needs.  Many people get caught up in the hard work that they do, so they forget to take time out to do the things they enjoy.  Having fun and doing things that give you pleasure are an important part of the healing and empowerment process, as is making an effort to connect and help others.  Sometimes the best way to help ourselves is to give a little bit to another person.  Giving in compassion often reaps many rewards.  Finally, getting in touch with nature can give you many insights into yourself.  Nature has a number of lessons to teach us about change, and we can glean much comfort from it.  In addition, nature offers beauty and simplicity to nourish the soul.

 

Change offers us many opportunities, but it can be quite trying on us physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.  Learning to embrace change is a process of growth and empowerment.  Using these tools can help us move with the winds of change instead of fighting them to become the people we were meant to be.