By Lakshmi
Originally published July 3, 2020
“Be reminded that nothing lasts. Everything changes. Sometimes things change rather fast, faster than we can adjust to. It is important to see that too, and accept it.”
~ Swami Sivananda Radha, Time to Be Holy
Transitions happen throughout our lives: changes in home life, children, relationships, work life, finances, philosophy and religion. You can think back on earlier ones in your life to reflect on how you dealt with them and learn from your own experience.
We are currently in an extended time of transitions caused by the coronavirus pandemic as well as heightened awareness of the injustices toward people of color. Lots of turmoil happening in our world! These changes force us to go about our lives differently and to think more deeply about others who inhabit our community. We have to let go of some of our cherished beliefs of what is important to us, assumptions we’ve had for years. Transitions involve a process of letting go to allow something new to emerge. To do this, it helps to understand the process.
There are 3 stages to transitions:
- Ending. A time of letting go of the familiar ways of going about your life and ways of thinking. Feeling disappointment. So easy to want to go back to the way it was, to bemoan “the way it used to be”. A feeling of loss.
- A period of confusion, emptiness and stress; a place of unknowing. Old rules may no longer apply. “What is real now? Where is this leading? Can I change? How do I change?” Patience and openness are needed. It is a time to pause and reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go in the future.
- Beginning, something new. This needs time to emerge. It begins within you even when it is brought to your attention by external opportunities. Your thinking and understanding of yourself may have changed, enabling you to step into a new way of being and to follow your inner prompting. Your way of relating to others and knowing what is important to you has changed. Timing is important. So it is best not to act until you are ready to follow a new way. It is a step-by-step process.
REFLECTIONS
What stage are you in regarding these current situations? Reflecting on the following questions may help you understand where you are and what you are feeling at this time. Using spiritual practices – such as the Divine Light Invocation, chanting mantra, or repeating a favorite prayer – can help you get to your answers clearly without judgment. There is no right or wrong in them.
- How did you enter into the transition? What were/are your responses, feelings, challenges, obstacles?
- How have you evolved through it – mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually?
- What or who have you trusted during it? Yourself, news media, health officials, friends, relatives?
- What have you learned about yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, reliability?
- How do you move forward? How does timing, compassion, confidence, and safety come into play?
“Find out where you are. Do it again six months from now, and next year. Find out again and again how much your thinking has advanced, how much stronger and more courageous you have become about accepting where you are, what you are.”
~ Swami Sivananda Radha, Time to Be Holy