Everything changes. Depending on the type, timing
and initial perception of change, you habitually tend to label each change as good
or bad. Typically, what you label a good
change provides something you desire – some type of gain - and a bad change includes
something you don’t want - some type of loss. The loss could include anything
from a relationship, job, finances, health, self-esteem, personal/professional identity,
etc. Ironically, sometimes the changes you initially label bad, often turn out with
the wisdom and perspective of time to be your greatest gains - experiences that
lead you to exactly where you need to be.
Everything changes. According to Vietnamese Buddhist
monk Thich Nhat Hanh, to label any change as essentially good or bad fails to account
for the construct of “interbeing,” our interconnection with everyone and
everything, coupled with the dynamic flow of life. He details the construct of “interbeing” in
his famous Flowers and Garbage dharma
talk, depicting change as organic and interdependent. Change contains both good
and bad elements, depending on how you perceive, interpret and interact with
each change encounter. What you might initially experience as desired and beautiful
about something – the flower aspect – can ultimately decay, revealing its garbage
aspect. Fortunately, the reverse is true as well. The decay of the flower
provides the requisite nutrients to nurture the gestation and growth of the
next flower. Similarly, the growing of the exquisite lotus flower requires a
bed of mud in order to unfold.
Everything changes. Both flower and garbage aspects
of change are innate, interdependent and critical for the ongoing regeneration
of life. I am not suggesting that you should like or enjoy every change
experience – especially the most painful ones; many changes are objectively disturbing
and seemingly unbearable. What I am suggesting is that when you are open to the
recognition and experience of both flower and garbage aspects of change, this
recognition can profoundly impact your experience of and resourcefulness around
change. You get to choose what to be open to and focus on. What will you choose
today? Enjoy stepping into and playing with the possibilities!
Janet
For related post, check out the following links:
Thinking Small for Big Results
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