Finding Stability Through Change

“In life we cannot avoid change, we cannot avoid loss. Freedom and happiness are found in the flexibility and ease with which we move through change.”   Jack Kornfield, Buddha’s Little Instruction Book

The one thing in this world of which we can be certain is that all things are in a state of constant change. The stock market goes up – and down. The kids get the flu – and get well. The seasons come – and go. People are born – and die. Every day we are challenged to find ways to remain stable and functional through these changes.

Several years ago, when someone asked me to articulate the benefits of being organized, I came up with the usual list. When we are organized we save time and energy. We have reliable access to tools, information, documents and possessions. We experience an increase in clarity, creativity, productivity, and effectiveness. We feel less stressed and anxious, and we find ourselves surrounded by a more aesthetically pleasing environment. And if we have planned accordingly, we have guilt free time to rest, relax and play.

Later, as I contemplated this list, I realized that these were results of being organized. But the questions that kept arising in my mind were, why and how? During my ruminations, I turned, as I often do, to my dictionary and found this definition: “to organize: to put together into an orderly, functional, structured whole.”

When we create an orderly, functional structure, whether it be a reliable filing system, a realistic spending plan, or a compassionate schedule of self-care, we provide ourselves with the possibility of harmonious interplay within a world of constant movement and change. The kitchen is organized and easy to use so that, when stocked with good food, we can feed ourselves easily and well. The laundry can be easily done so that we can quickly clothe ourselves for the tasks of the day. The children’s homework and field trip permission slips are at hand when we are ready to walk out the door. Records can be found at tax time. And we have a realistic schedule and an up-to-date To Do List to help us plan our days so that things get done in the right order in a timely manner.

An orderly, functional structure gives us the ability to dance more freely and gracefully to the music of the day. And this harmonious interplay lends us stability from moment to moment through the constant changes of our lives. This stability enables us to flow through changes rather than be knocked off our feet.

When we experience a sense of stability, we feel secure, and this security fosters confidence and peace of mind. This state of confidence and peace allows us to access our creativity, enhances our ability to think clearly about our choices, and increases our capacity to cope, to prevail, and to thrive.

It is important that these structures be flexible and adaptable in order to support our work and our play, and to enhance our capacity to live constructive, compassionate and generous lives.

It is essential that they be created with our values, our life purpose, and our priorities in mind if they are to support us in our quest for an Extraordinary Life.

Excerpted from An Invitation to An Extraordinary Life

© 2011 Anacaria Myrrha ~ All Rights Reserved