Societal change happens gradually for the most part, and this is a good thing. It gives us time to adapt and bring forward that which is intended to improve our condition and how the world operates. Generally speaking, our past must give way to something new and better, at least eventually. This imminent change is challenging and somewhat stressful for the majority of us, but this “tension” will indeed subside over time as we become more comfortable with it. This, we must always remember. The past way of doing things attempts to hang on, however, through our experience, and the new or future way has not yet been fully established. Hence, our challenge and difficulty. We are, in a very real sense, living in two different worlds simultaneously. We always seek to define ourselves through an understanding of who we are, what we are, and where we are. In our current time, however, we are not quite sure of any of these things. Our uncertainty creates the tendency toward resistance, you see. Let’s take a closer look.
A stubborn past
Life is an ongoing creative process, as we are always seeking a better way. Once something works in our experience and becomes accepted by the majority of us, it becomes established or what we would consider to be the “norm”. The problem, however, is that we have a tendency to adhere to these norms and expect them to be a forever thing. We become too comfortable with the way things are. This unfortunately leads to an undesirable complacency. If we believe something is forever, or at least should be, we stop the creative process and do not allow ourselves the opportunity to bring in the necessary changes and adjustments to the established norms to make them better. We become imprisoned by our own creations. Even though we are uncomfortable and sense that something needs to change, we hang on to the past way regardless, because at least we “know” how that would be. What we are in the process of realizing today is that the old and established way is no longer working. It has come time for us to let go of the past and enter our next phase of development. The “tried and true” must give way to the “new and better”. Within our individual lives, I think we all understand that just because we have always done something a certain way doesn’t mean we should continue. Perhaps we could bring in that childlike sense of wonder and exploration. This may provide us with a sense of ease and joy, and a willingness to allow change to happen in our lives.
Going with the flow
At a more personal level, we all want to be accepted by others. This is normal and understandable. I do believe, however, that the ultimate goal for each of us is to be ourselves, even if it is different from everyone else. For the most part, it’s important for us to comply with the established social norms to a certain extent, for it brings a necessary understanding of “group cooperation”. Keep in mind, though, that “going with the flow” may be an “adherence to the past”, to a certain degree. It’s equally important, then, to discover our own way and who we are as an individual. We are unique and must find what it is we can contribute to society to make it better, richer and more interesting. Yes, we do in fact bring societal and world change by just being us. We must be practical, reasonable, and respectful in our individual pursuits, however. We cannot go against the grain just for the sake of being different. This can lead to an unnecessary isolation. Our real gift to the world, then, must contain value and lasting purpose.
Trusting an unknown future
We cannot fear change and what the future might bring us forever. We must all fully recognize and understand the need to move forward. We have clearly outgrown our past and need something more. There is a higher plan for humanity and the world. Although we would like to know what that is, it may not be possible or even necessary just yet. We do have an inner knowingness, even if it be vague, that something good is in the works. We have to let go of the old way first, however, to make room for that “something better”. When we refuse to let go of the past and the old way, they begin to suffocate us. Our discomfort can indeed be a great motivator. Life is once again analogous to a river. It is creative and constantly moving. Our best bet is to place ourselves on a raft, float on it, and flow with it. We never know where we might end up. It could be a much better place!
It’s time for a new motto
If you are looking for something a little more specific in order to participate in the coming changes more consciously, consider this. Our motto of the past has been, “if I work hard enough, I can have whatever I want”. Our future motto could be, “if I do what I love, I’ll always have what I need”. Contemplate that! We’ll have a little more insight into this possible change to our life perception with an upcoming article, “Ambition” – stay tuned in.
Thanks so much for joining me today. Our future is positive and our opportunity great!
All my love and support, stay safe and be well