As warm weather approaches, we are given yet another wonderful opportunity to embrace change. Fortunately for many of us this is a time of what we perceive as, “positive” change. The transition from the cold and darkness of winter into the warmth and long lingering days of sunshine fills us with hope.
The good news for those of us who hold this positive view is that the transitions that we encounter in life can hold for us similar characteristics. If we are currently experiencing a “cold and dark” period in our life, we can rest in the axiom that all things are seasonal in nature and as such, a transition of change will invariably come to us.
There are various approaches to coping with the darkness or hardships we encounter. Some prefer to pump themselves with positivity, making the situation more bearable by continuing to fill their minds with more desirable visions of what they actually desire to experience. Affirmations such as these have been around as long as I can remember and offer varying degrees of success. Sometimes its helpful other times it offers nothing more than spiritual bypass that feels good temporarily, but often leads to a letdown. Others get overwhelmed by hardships and become both emotionally and physically frozen with anxiety, stress and depression.
Then there are those that need neither the constant barrage of “positive” affirmations nor do they get swept under a tide of negativity. They seem to have a mastery over themselves and their circumstances that radiates a calm bliss of inner peace, fulfillment and sense of purpose. They draw on the confidence they have in themselves and their ability to overcome. Their self-talk is both positive reassurance, a realistic assessment of their challenges and a call to action that they often follow without reservation or delay. If help is needed, which is often the case they don’t hesitate to reach out to employ an objective ally to deepen if not simply widen their perspective and enlist the needed support. Though the current moment offers challenges that border on unbearable, with the tools in their spiritual tool chest they proceed with a knowing, that just like other hardships encountered before, this too is temporary and its time will undoubtedly pass. Over time they also have developed the strength withstand the moment and persevere.
Just as you encounter the winter with the assurance that its time is seasonal and bound to pass, giving way to a spring filled with warmth, sunshine and a new sense of hope. So too, should you enter into your hardships and challenges with the understanding of the temporary nature of even the most disconcerting situations.
When the cold winds of winter dawn, you take measured actions to protect yourself by layering on extra clothing, turning up the heat register and slowing down your speeds on icy road conditions. When the “winters” of your life show up illicit the same tact. Take action by drawing on your inner self confidence, summoning your faith and understanding that you won’t be in this situation forever. For it too is seasonal.
Practice mindfulness or quite simply be present with your circumstances focusing deeply in the moment and all that it offers as frequently as you can. Then take another step by making a plan of actions you can take to assuage if not eliminate the situation. Once again, practice presence by immersing yourself deeply in each action step you take.
Finally, if needed call a trusted friend, advisor or coach for support to help you keep things in perspective and to point out any blind spots you may be missing.
Spring is coming! In more ways than one. Remember this as you move through your life encountering the joys as well as the challenges you are bound to encounter. Approach with the knowing that the warmth of hope and a brighter day is just a thought, a breath and an action away. And know that also help is always right here if you need it.
Namaste
Eric
