“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” Gail Sheehy
How do you feel about change? Does it frighten you? Does it excite you? How do you approach the changes in your life?
Currently, we are experiencing change in many areas of life. The pandemic has forced us to stay in, wear masks, clean everything we touch, zoom with friends and family rather than sit face to face. The death of George Floyd has provoked outrage and a revolution to eradicate racism, not just in this country, but throughout the world.
We may not like the changes that are being thrown in our faces, but they offer us a significant opportunity to grow in a better way personally and as a country. On the personal level we had to shift the way we interact with family and friends. Some we cannot visit because of the risk to their heath. We feel sad and inadequate as a result.
We Need To Release Our Fear To Change
This is reality. What can we do to keep our negative feelings from taking over our lives? At the root of all this is fear. We need to let go of our fears and see the situation clearly. When we do, we will see that this situation is not a matter of our inadequacy but of needing to change how we think about the situation. Staying away from those with weak immune systems or wearing masks is not a weakness; it is an act of prudence.
Changing our negative thinking is a sign of growth and aids us to see the whole picture, not just our lives and desires. When we accept the reality of facts and choose to act wisely based on them, we are able to grow even if the change is not easy. When we ignore reality, we risk other’s wellbeing as well as our own.
We Must Accept Change
We are living in a time that requires significant change. The protests taking place around the world signal that we must change so that all human beings can have equal rights – now! During the 1960’s some change took place, but since then, there has been much backsliding. Laws have changed but too many people and institutions have not; thus the inequality has stunted the growth of this country and many of our citizens.
Change disrupts the status quo for those who hate change. It creates extreme discomfort which often pushes people to act out of anger and commit violence. While violence has occurred at some of the protests, it is encouraging that most have been peaceful. They are a clear signal that it is time for major change as a huge number of people around the world stand up for equality.
Deep Change Is Based On Love
When people come together for positive change, that is holy action. Together we are powerful, especially when we act to make changes that will uplift humanity. But more important than being more powerful, making these changes reflects the spiritual elements of our humanity. When we love one another, we work for what is best for all. We grow into a spiritually deeper human being so that what we do in the world reflects the sacredness that is within us.
The decisions we make now, in our lives and in our countries, cannot only change the world, they can make us grow individually in ways that will take us into the future with more love, equality, and compassion for all people. That is what “really living” means.
© 2020 Georganne Spruce
Readings: AWAKENING TO EFFECT CHANGE
Awakening to the Dance 
Thank you, Georganne. It does feel like change is all around us…like a big shift.