“Transition to Transformation” describes A Traveling Time’s Instagram Live series about re-entering community as life evolves post Covid-19. Never did we anticipate that transformation would be about the whole of American Society. Is the idea of big scale “Transformation” too huge or a hollow promise?
The “Perfect Storm” of recent events is not a coincidence. Each of us is being asked to make changes, aka transform. Perhaps this “Ask” is an antidote for Covid’s destruction. The mandate for personal change is unequivocal. In this evolving Post-Covid moment not only are we being asked to consider new ways of living and thinking, but also to take action for creating a peaceful and just society.
More than “Leaning in”, taking action often means experiencing discomfort. If our defense mechanisms are on alert, we will react. Often reactions are about self preservation, feeling safe in case a lion jumps out of the bush, for example. When noticeing an emotion, using the brain’s Executive Function, versus reacting, we’re better able to live alongside discomfort. “Leaning In” means creating a space between stimulus and response, thereby discerning what’s truly happening. So how do we begin and set our sails on a new tack, regardless of challenges and especially discomfort?
Society is a collective of individuals and it’s here that we find opportunity. We start with ourselves. Thank you to Marianne Williamson who once said, “Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.”- Begin. Ask yourself: How are you seeing your life now? What has changed? What do you know truthfully about yourself? Celebrate your insights and take necessary actions. Remember that small changes have ripple affects.
- Commit. No one else can live your life. There’s a special reason that you’re on this earth and it’s your dharma, sacred duty, to share your gifts. How are you showing up aligned with your best self?
- Be compassionate always.
- Foster Self Care. It’s hugely important when transitioning, especially because there’s so much “muckiness” right now. When healthy, rested and able to find stillness, we’re more in touch with what we sense in our bodies. Body sensing helps us distinguish between emotions and thoughts and what’s actually happening, our experiences.
Let’s begin this growth journey and never stop learning and bettering ourselves and society. In the end with tons and tons of wrinkles, laugh lines and a tired body, we want to know that we did everything possible to use our gifts and serve.
“It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you implement that effort into your life. Every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs. Keep going. Remember why you started.” (Jillian Michaels)
