It has been said that there are very few certain things in life; one being change. Yet, many of us have a hard time knowing how to handle life’s fluctuations.
Part of the reason for this is that most of us were never taught how to handle new situations with grace. Instead, we are taught to fear and dread the unknown. Well, that is about to (ahem) change!
6 Strategic Tips For Embracing Change
Here are six tips to help you embrace change and just roll with it.
1. Be Like Buddha
One of the ways that Buddhist monks practice being in the moment is to create gorgeous mandalas out of sand. These works of art take great amounts of time and effort to prepare, but when they are finished, the monks destroy them, to illustrate the impermanence of all things.
How would you feel if you spent considerable energy making something, only to dismantle it once it was complete? If you think this would upset you, try it. Notice how you feel. Work with your thoughts. That is the only way to break free.
2. Practice Non-Attachment
Non-attachment is the belief, as described above, that nothing is permanent. If we do not expect certain outcomes, then we have an easier time coping with change.
Recognizing that a given result was never promised can make the twists and turns of life more manageable. We can also disconnect from our desire for material things by using this outlook. In this way, we can be grateful for what we have, rather than constantly wanting more.
3. Have Faith In Nature’s Balance
Nature seeks a balance. One must look no further than the seasons to see that this is true. When you are having trouble letting go of something, think of how the trees do this every year.
They release their dead leaves, and go through a barren period (Winter), before blooming again in the Spring. If we refuse to let go of what no longer serves us, we cannot receive Nature’s gifts when they are ready for us.
4. Trust The Process
Sometimes, various endeavors do not culminate with the results that we are looking for. For example, we may pray for something that does not materialize, or we may hope to land a job that does not come to fruition.
But, these instances need not be cause for despair. Perhaps, we are being protected from something that would not have served our highest good.
Sometimes, years later, we can see why a certain wish of ours went unfulfilled. But, even when we do not know the reason, we can practice gratitude for what is, and trust that there is a higher purpose to all events.
5. Practice Stress Relief
Yoga, meditation, breathing, writing, creating, and exercising are all healthy forms of stress relief. When we are experiencing periods of transition, it can be helpful to engage in daily practices that help us feel grounded.
In fact, putting your bare feet on the ground, is another way to feel more connected to the rhythm of life.
6. Believe In Yourself
This is our most important advice. In order to successfully navigate the waters of change, we need to believe that we can handle whatever is put in our path.
Think of change like a wave at the shore on the ocean. How are you going to handle it? Will you swim under it? Will you run away from it? Or, will you ride it out to sea?
You do not always have a choice in what life presents you with, but you do have a choice in how you choose to react. Believe that you already possess everything that you need to wrap your arms around a new opportunity, and watch with wonder as things fall right into place.
