Some of us thrive on change and new beginnings. We find it exhilarating to try new things and experience the unknown. Like Columbus discovering the new world, we pack our bags, ready to set sail into the uncharted territory of possibility. We become excited thinking about the opportunities to experience our world and ourselves in different ways. Change can also trigger our creativity, filling us with new ideas and ways to experience the new beginnings. Sometimes we can become so immensely excited about change we may loose focus, becoming scattered and forgetful. This is usually when I lock myself out of my house, car, or office. That’s when I know it’s time to reorient and refocus.
For others, change disrupts something deep within us that is already working well, at times, very well. We may have everything in order in our lives and routine, predictable, with space and time to do all that is important to us. Others may rely on our predictability and the security this provides. Change may trigger previous experiences we feel were not productive or that cost us too much personally, in the name of change. We may feel resistant, uncertain and loss in giving up something we feel is important.
What we have in common is that change and new beginnings illicit responses from us. Certainly, these responses depend on in what area of our life the change will take place; however, our previous experiences with change will be our guideline for future change unless we intervene. So, how can we optimize our experience of change? Some suggestions that work well are being mindful and aware of our own process, being gentle and understanding with ourselves if there’s resistance, practicing exquisite self care, and whenever possible creating clarity and focus as we sail through change and welcome new beginnings.
New beginnings can also mean breathing in new opportunities, possibilities and hope for something wonderful, while letting go of something that no longer fits. It can be a time of carving out space to be fully present in something we can co-create. Knowing that we are completely in charge of ourselves, including how we respond to change can fill us with confidence, knowing that we can make our response anything we want it to be. We can choose to dig our heels in and resist like crazy, demanding to stay in the same space, routine or thought pattern, and not welcoming these changes, or we can choose to embrace these new beginnings with grace, fully in charge, master (mistress) of our response.
What challenge are you facing in your life now that is interfering with your ability to create a new beginning for yourself? Try these two assignments: Close your eyes and breathe deep, full, and cleansing breaths. As you inhale, breathe in hope, possibility, and opportunity. As you exhale let go of anything that no longer serves you. Continue with this for at least five minutes focusing on opening, bringing in, and letting go of what you don’t want.
Next, get a pen and paper and title your writing, What Will Support Me in Experiencing Change & New Beginnings? Then, write non-stop, not censoring your writing (in any way, including grammatical changes) for three full pages. You will gain a new understanding and appreciation in doing this. Until next time, my hope is that your experience of change and new beginnings brings you closer to fully experiencing, embracing, and loving yourself. .
Peace & Blessings, Patricia
Copyright & Permission Copyright © 2006-7 All rights reserved. Please feel free to share these articles, as long as this copyright notice, author and website is included. Author is Patricia Eslava Vessey, Integrity Coaching & Training Systems www.integritylifecoach.com
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