As we approach 2019, we are aware of the notion that new usually implies the relinquishing of the familiar. That can be difficult, or indeed frightening for many of us. Even if our current situation is making us feel less than happy, we still often stay here because it’s familiar and if we were to change things (a) where would we even begin and (b) we fear we might actually end up being worse off. So, let’s just look at change this month as we breathe gently from this year into the next, a change we can’t stop.
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus proclaimed: “Man cannot step into the same river twice.” For it’s not the same river and you are not the same person – both are constantly changing. In fact, the only constant in the world is change. So why do some people just hate change?
From my experience, this resistance comes from a place of fear. Fear of what the change might bring, the unfamiliarity, the lack of control that people experience when something, anything, changes. This isn’t a criticism of anyone who doesn’t like change. It’s merely an observation that each and every person should be encouraged to be themselves, just as they are in this moment.
Let’s look to nature and see what happens when things change without resistance. The change in weather – generally speaking – marks the four seasons of the year. In spring, seeds take root and vegetation begins to grow. In summer, temperatures increase to their hottest of the year and this helps our grass, crops and our livestock to flourish. In autumn, temperatures cool again and plants may begin to grow dormant. Then winter often brings the cold and our fields and livestock, much like ourselves, wait patiently for the growth that spring will bring and the cycle begins again.
So you see, change is a natural process, but we often get caught up in the fear of change and that can be paralysing for us, as it can stunt our natural growth.
Mindfulness Exercise
If you sometimes find yourself resistant to change, let’s look inside at how our breath changes from the inhale to the exhale. Can you notice what happens just before the change? A pause. Our body pauses gently to prepare for the change and then it moves without resistance into the next phase. Do you think you could take a gentle pause when faced with a change? Pause, breathe and slowly move forward, knowing that as we change, we grow.
You could be even kinder to yourself by using this affirmation daily: “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I continue to grow, may I continue to change, may I feel loved, may I feel supported.”
Repeat this to yourself three times when you wake up in the morning and as many times as you like to during the day, but particularly say it to yourself as you drift off to sleep each night.
Catherine Callaghan for Irish Country Living Magazine. \ Ramona Farrelly
Physical Exercise
Seated forward fold: Start sitting on the floor with legs extended out in front of you, ankles together, toes pointed upwards. As you inhale, lift the arms up above the head and as you exhale, fold forward. Don’t worry about touching your toes. Wherever your hands fall, let them rest there and give yourself some physical soothing by gently rubbing your legs as you fold forward. Repeat to yourself “all is well”, and I’d suggest making a mantra of “may I be happy, may I continue to grow, may I continue to change”.
Something To Ponder
We all know if you change nothing, nothing changes; but change doesn’t have to be drastic. Change can be slow and gentle. A great change can absolutely happen one step at a time, one breath at a time, so be gentle with yourself. Even the longest journey begins with just one step, so pause, breathe and step off. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year. CL
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As we approach 2019, we are aware of the notion that new usually implies the relinquishing of the familiar. That can be difficult, or indeed frightening for many of us. Even if our current situation is making us feel less than happy, we still often stay here because it’s familiar and if we were to change things (a) where would we even begin and (b) we fear we might actually end up being worse off. So, let’s just look at change this month as we breathe gently from this year into the next, a change we can’t stop.
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus proclaimed: “Man cannot step into the same river twice.” For it’s not the same river and you are not the same person – both are constantly changing. In fact, the only constant in the world is change. So why do some people just hate change?
From my experience, this resistance comes from a place of fear. Fear of what the change might bring, the unfamiliarity, the lack of control that people experience when something, anything, changes. This isn’t a criticism of anyone who doesn’t like change. It’s merely an observation that each and every person should be encouraged to be themselves, just as they are in this moment.
Let’s look to nature and see what happens when things change without resistance. The change in weather – generally speaking – marks the four seasons of the year. In spring, seeds take root and vegetation begins to grow. In summer, temperatures increase to their hottest of the year and this helps our grass, crops and our livestock to flourish. In autumn, temperatures cool again and plants may begin to grow dormant. Then winter often brings the cold and our fields and livestock, much like ourselves, wait patiently for the growth that spring will bring and the cycle begins again.
So you see, change is a natural process, but we often get caught up in the fear of change and that can be paralysing for us, as it can stunt our natural growth.
Mindfulness Exercise
If you sometimes find yourself resistant to change, let’s look inside at how our breath changes from the inhale to the exhale. Can you notice what happens just before the change? A pause. Our body pauses gently to prepare for the change and then it moves without resistance into the next phase. Do you think you could take a gentle pause when faced with a change? Pause, breathe and slowly move forward, knowing that as we change, we grow.
You could be even kinder to yourself by using this affirmation daily: “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I continue to grow, may I continue to change, may I feel loved, may I feel supported.”
Repeat this to yourself three times when you wake up in the morning and as many times as you like to during the day, but particularly say it to yourself as you drift off to sleep each night.
Catherine Callaghan for Irish Country Living Magazine. \ Ramona Farrelly
Physical Exercise
Seated forward fold: Start sitting on the floor with legs extended out in front of you, ankles together, toes pointed upwards. As you inhale, lift the arms up above the head and as you exhale, fold forward. Don’t worry about touching your toes. Wherever your hands fall, let them rest there and give yourself some physical soothing by gently rubbing your legs as you fold forward. Repeat to yourself “all is well”, and I’d suggest making a mantra of “may I be happy, may I continue to grow, may I continue to change”.
Something To Ponder
We all know if you change nothing, nothing changes; but change doesn’t have to be drastic. Change can be slow and gentle. A great change can absolutely happen one step at a time, one breath at a time, so be gentle with yourself. Even the longest journey begins with just one step, so pause, breathe and step off. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year. CL
Read more
Mindfulness: Remembering our dearly departed
Mindfulness tools for dealing with a diagnosis of breast cancer
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