Autumns call for change
Autumn is coming.
I feel autumns presence by the shifting of the light, how it falls differently on my house and garden. I feel the chill of it’s evenings reminding me to up my jacket game if I plan to be out later than 4pm. I feel the darker nights peeking out from just around the corner calling me to reflect on all that has happened right up until this moment. I feel the trees speaking to me - giving me permission to let go of what has gone before, to use this time with gusto before retreating for winter, just as the plants and animals do.
I think back to the beginnings of the bright spring of 2020, which for me provided hope and comfort when the world seemed less than bright. The seasons of spring and autumn have always been the most amazing not only for their beauty but for what they represent - a time for change and new beginnings.
If you watch closely enough you will notice your natural biorhythms in sync with the world and you may be hearing the call for change.
I wonder if this autumn is different though, if the desire for new beginnings and change is intensified by what has gone before and the potential of what lies ahead. Have we got what it takes to make the individual and collective seismic shifts in how we treat ourselves, each other and all living things. Or perhaps our natural cycles have been disturbed this year and we are feeling the seasonal shift with less intensity. There have been plenty of reasons to reflect upon ones own life direction and the direction of the species but moving from awareness to action is perhaps the greatest challenge we face.
An important question to ask yourself as you contemplate change is always: Are you moving more fully into your essence, your most authentic self?
In Buddhism, ‘The Five Strengths’ are qualities that are essential for successfully navigating change:
The first is FAITH. You must believe in the possibility of a positive outcome, you may even be able to visualize it. Having confidence and trust in the potential outcome is an essential foundation for change.
Next is ENERGY. This comes first from your faith, if you have no faith in the potential outcome you have no driving force. Energy is also needed to help you keep going in the face of obstacles, and sometimes when it feels like nothing is going right the only thing that can keep you going is to focus on the energy you are putting in.
MINDFULNESS - the ability to keep your mind focused on your experience before adding your own reactions and perceptions to it. This is only possible if you have enough faith and energy from which to be mindful
CONCENTRATION provides a focus for your energy and builds upon its momentum, keeping you connected to your goals and making things happen.
WISDOM - understanding when it’s time to make changes and skillful collaboration
These strengths flow into each other and cultivating them throughout your life will be of benefit not only during periods of change but for your life as a whole.
Some other tips for supporting yourself through change:
Building rituals and habits that support you through change will keep you connected and balanced. Self-compassion is essential.
Your friends and colleagues are your support group and act as valuable witnesses to the growth and progress you have made for those times when you can’t see it yourself.
Visual reminders and symbols help to keep you focused and connected to your goals and personal philosophy.
When you feel lost or confused seek refuge and connection to your interests and passion through books, teachings or by connecting with others who share them.
Avoid judging yourself on whether you succeed or not and do not let others assume this position. Let the act of changing be the reward and not the outcome, for it will likely be very different from what you had imagined.
With each seasonal transformation we are again reminded that we can trust the very change we once thought was a problem, just as the natural world trusts that new life will return after the darkness of winter.
