The State of Change

A recent quote got me thinking: "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance." - Alan W. Watts. Although we have often heard that the only constant is change, we frequently hesitate to welcome it, much less plunge right into it. Perhaps this comes from the element of the unknown as it compromises our level of comfort and safety; perhaps it comes from the transitional element of change. Even good experiences (like weddings and babies) bring with them a time of flux that can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Another potential reason for our apprehension can come from our past experiences where change brought us sorrow or heartbreak; the very thought of impending change can then default us into trying to avoid it. In any case, change often puts us into some form of limbo, and that is a difficult place to be; we need some sense of direction, plan and intent to feel secure. Perhaps we can begin to view change instead as transformation; a process that requires our participation, perhaps cautiously but still present. The idea that moving with change then, seems achievable as it implies a willingness to simply stay the course, opening up to our feelings in order to discover where movement and growth will take us. Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash