Jimbob's
Journal
Change by
Jim Harris
Change makes the world go 'round.
From the frenetic subatomic particles to the ponderous galaxies,
everything is always moving and pulsing. There is momentum and
inertia, the push to go and the pull to stay. Somewhere in the
depths of all this tumult is a rather flamboyant species that
calls itself Homo Sapiens. This creature in its present state
can best be described as masterfully inventive and adaptive. As
a member of said species, I must then ask, "So why do we
have such aversion to change?"
I think it is because, to use
an appropriately worn cliche, we are creatures of habit. We develop
means of living and coping that work until some discomfort prods
us from the beaten path. Even then, we resist as long as possible
before settling into a new routine. In effect, we adapt in spite
of ourselves. We demonstrate the adage, "Just bring your
body and the mind will follow".
Probably the most well-known
thoughts on the subject of change are contained in the Serenity
Prayer;
---------------
God, grant me
The serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can, and
The wisdom to know the difference
---------------
"The wisdom..." - there's the rub. Truth is, we don't
always know the difference, so we depend on spiritual counsel,
or intuition, or just plain luck to get it right. Personally,
I do believe in miracles, but I don't depend on them. "The
courage.."- all that's needed is a desire and a willing spirit.
The mind will follow. "The serenity..." - there are
occasions when we have to admit that we are powerless over something.
That doesn't mean, however, that we have to let it control us
or make our lives unmanageable. The solution involves humility
and common sense; simply let go, realize that there is a higher
power in the universe, and that ultimately you are responsible
for your own happiness. Try to make your life a safe haven from
all the destructive powers without and within. Accentuate the
positive - all you believe you can be - in the people you know,
the places you go, and the things you do. The power of peers and
role models to inspire and support cannot be overestimated. As
a result of relinquishing control in one area, you will gain it
in another, and the net result will be change for the better.
Like the monkey who wanted a shiny bauble that was in a vase,
reached in and grabbed it, but could not get his hand out as long
as he held on to the prize, sometimes you have to let go to be
free.
The Mexican poet Octavio Paz
said, "Wisdom lies neither in fixity nor in change, but in
the dialectic between the two".
The choices are clear and present at every fork in the road; routine
or non-conformity, more of the same or something new, regular
or diet? It's up to you.
( See my song, Everything's Change )
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