We all strive for change, be it solving problems, improving life conditions, learning skills, changing habits, or similar. Diligent work sketches the path ahead, by understanding the issues, and finding solutions and steps to implement them to reach our goal. The tough challenge is navigating the turmoil along the way, which often starts with the very first steps as we navigate out of the known waters of the current conditions.
Fertile grounds
Many teachers speak of creating the right surroundings and mindset. Those who want to quit smoking or drinking are advised to seek out friends who support their resolve rather than invite you to join them for another. Finding new places to go and activities to replace the habit is akin to finding soil with the right nutrients for the seedling we are cultivating. Jesus’ simile of the seeds falling on various types of ground (along the path, rocky ground, amongst thorns, or good soil) is often seen as judging, but why not see it as finding what fits the seed’s needs: compatibility.
Often we see an issue and even voice it to others. This could be a lack of educational funds, or how a student is struggling to embrace concepts in maths. But unless we or those we talk to have the tools, the fertile ground, to help find solutions what that seed has fallen on becomes rocky grounds (no nutrition or pliable space for roots), along the path (misuse of resources), or amongst thorns (the idea being ridiculed). When we find good soil, the idea can grow from seedling to fully realised change with its envisioned benefits. It thus becomes our job not to only have the idea but to place it in the right environment.
Mindset
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
Change is about letting go and making a shift. Dr. Joe Dispenza speaks of the rivers of change, where we walk away from the known embankment and brave the currents as we traverse to the yet unknown, other side. Emotions and doubt call for us to turn back, change rips at our legs as we fight forward. Slowly the fog lifts as we catch first glimpses of the new life we only could envision before. The different result Einstein envisions is obtained by daring to step out into the unknown rather than repeat patterns we know really well, but have proven not to get us to our goal.
But this endeavour of enabling change is not just for the person in the thick of it. Family and friends offer support by making room for new developments and changes. The sturdy shoulder to cry on is just as important as the kind reminder of why you are making the change, and holding the vision with you. Teachers and trainers have to put thoughts of it being “so simple” aside and build their own growth moments to offer guidance and understanding. Each river of change is different and keeps altering its qualities as the same water will never again flow along the channel. Not to mention that the river banks are constantly being shaped by the waters and environmental impact.
Embodying Change
Without change, there is no life. Nature shows this beautifully through its seasons, or natural phenomena such as storms and earthquakes that respond to imbalances. The question is whether we are a passive passenger and wait for an imbalance to create an event that stops our life in its tracks. Or we recognise what is happening and become part of the change, steering the boat through the rough currents we cannot influence, and scouting out calmer waters where skill and foresight allow. Sometimes this requires the humility of accepting help or reducing our expectancy in others who are (re)learning. At other times, it is about holding true to the course of action, despite what nay-sayers say. All the while “the only person you can change is yourself”, so it always starts with you.
Inspired Thought 