Boy, did I leave the most challenging topic for the last week, or what?
We’re all familiar with that phrase- change is the only constant- and on the surface, we understand it; but when asked to dive a bit deeper into the concept of impermanance, we likely are met with fear or anxiety. We’re conditioned to believe that change is binary: it’s either good (a new baby, a job promotion) or bad (a death, unexpected bills). What if we were able to be mindful in the presence of change, to encounter change without expectations, to look at transitions through clear lenses rather than through either rose-colored or darkened lenses?
“THINGS CHANGE.
The point is to take your seat in the mystery of this change and allow your awareness to be like the depths of the ocean (which is an image that the Buddha used). And on the surface of the ocean are storms and waves and rainbows and maybe even, you know, cargo ships or whatever and sailboats and all of the things that happen on the surface which can be ackowledged and actually valued.
But at the same time, there is a dimension of life, of awareness that you can discover- tune in to, rest in- that is silent and deep and embracing of all that, but also with a perfect balance, a kind of wisdom that says: ‘yeah, these are the inevitable changes on the surface, but here is the stillness of awareness underneath it all’.” - Jack Kornfield, Heart Wisdom podcast, Ep. 1
Lately I’ve gotten caught up in the surface changes and neglected to recognize that stillness underneath. I have been operating as if my people and all of the known things in my life (right down to knowing what, exactly, is in aisle six of the grocery store) would stay the same while I’m off exploring a new country.
Recognizing the profound changes in my life right now has been challenging. I’ve gone from being home owner/micro business owner/community member/ neighborhood dweller to homeless/jobless/tourist/expat. I’m not one who likes lables, and I don’t want to come off as complaining or needy here.
CHANGE IS HARD.
I’m reminding myself as often as I can remember to that this journey is not without purpose. I don’t know what the fuck that purpose is just yet, but I’m committed to taking all of those known things and former self labels with me to use as guides or fuel or prayer flags or freak flags, moving forward one day at a time, trying to pause and notice the stillness underneath.
I’ll leave you with this:
“In this life
you will find bridges,
trails well-worn and broken
unpaved and abundantly clear
many others have traveled here.
You will meet other
travelers on trails
leaving footprints of all sizes.
And many will forget
to slow down
and reflect
on all it took to get here-
the strength,
struggle,
progress.
See your life with
gratitude,
joy and peace.
Invite others to
join your movement
of intentionality.”
-from How Far You Have Come by Morgan Harper Nichols
Until next time, friends.