Adaptability and Change – Flowing With the Tide of Life

Do you flow with life or do you flail against it? Do you take change in stride or do you stride in the opposite direction, overcome with resistance? Resistance is the stress that manifests negatively in your life. It is that feeling of swimming against the tide or upstream against the current of the river.

I remember as a child spending days at the beach. I loved walking out into the waves as far as I could safely go, then turning around and letting the waves gently carry me back to the shore. It was sometimes tough to get through the strength of the waves and I would dig my toes in to the sand, pushing myself further out, one determined step a time, as the waves broke across me. Of course, I never ventured out far and there were always lifeguards present. I do remember how joyful and exhilarating it felt to be washed ashore in the lilting arms of the ocean.

I draw upon this memory to crystallize my thoughts and feelings about the way we “ebb and flow” through changes in our lives. Doesn’t it feel better during the times we glide with the waves of change rather than fight against them?

The more we strain and struggle, the more stress and discord we invite into our reality. And even look at those words: strain, struggle, fight. Feel the negative and resistant vibrations of these words.

The changes that I am referring to here are changes that occur around us, in our environment, not changes that we willingly initiate. Here are some ways to cope and persevere effectively through the energy of change:

1. Change is inevitable. Yes, change happens. And happens. And happens. One of my observations is that well-being consists of balanced, free-flowing energy on all levels, as well as being adaptable to the natural component of ongoing change in one’s life.  The better we are at facing change and tapping into our skills of adaptability, the more harmony we will experience and the more well-being we will invite into our physical and emotional state.
2. Change can be rapid or a process. It can be fast and furious, completely catching us unaware. Or it can be a lengthy process that occurs over time. Either way, it is better to try to look at it as a non-judgmental observer. Embrace the mindset  (and even use this as an affirmation) “Yes, I clearly see this happening. But I am going to adapt my thinking and my emotions to deal with this in the best possible and most positive way for my own highest good.”
3. You are in charge of your reaction to change. Though you may not be able to control aspects of your environment, you can certainly control your response to these external events and situations. Keep focused on that particular concept, for it is quite powerful and will help keep your cool.
4. Embrace an attitude of adaptability. Put a positive spin on your thoughts and say to yourself “I am flexible — I bend and adapt to the changes that come my way.”
5. Inner Strength – Dip into the wellspring of your inner strength – yes, everyone has this. Know that you can move through changes (even some of the toughest) and become more experienced, stronger, wiser.
6. Keep in mind the distinctions made by that classic Serenity Prayer – “May God grant you the serenity to accept the things you cannot change; the courage to change the things you can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”  Learn to trust your inner guidance and KNOW the difference.

Sometimes changes that we originally perceived as unwanted and negative may turn out to be figurative “blessings in disguise” and may shine greater light and wisdom onto our personal life paths.

Affirmations:

• I accept change as a natural part of life.
• My attitude of adaptability helps keep me focused along my life path.
• I  tap into my inner guidance and strength to help navigate through challenging times.