Change vs. Transition

Change is really hard. Especially when it is sudden, forced on us, or was not originated by us. Why is this? The answer is because we are creatures of habit- we like our comfort zone, because.. well it is comfortable. In the comfort zone there is no opposition, there is no energy that needs to be expended- after all, comfort is a place of receiving and who doesn’t like to receive and be comfortable?

Change happens when it is time for us to move on, when things as they are (whether it be our current situation, our state of mind, or state of being) are no longer aligned with who we are. Change is necessary for growth. We are not always in control of that growth, sometimes, most times- we are not even aware it- life, God, Spirit ( what ever you may choose to call it) , moves us along to where we need to be, because our energy, or our journey is changing paths.

Change requires us to let go of what was, often times without knowing what will be. This is down right scary. Fear is the obstacle waiting for us when shifting occurs. Fear is often what keeps us stuck in our story- our situations; after all if we don’t change we don’t have to face the unknown, the fear.

Transition is the process of moving from one place, idea, or moment to another. The word itself sounds softer and less abrasive though it is still change. People most often use the term transition when the change they are experiencing is their choice. Transition is no less delicate, in fact, it can be more grueling- especially when we take the time to do the inner work.

The difference between change and transition is our mindset. By choosing to see the unknown as opportunity, adventure, or necessary to get to our next place, then we defuse the fear and can gain focus and clarity. Through change and transition we often learn something about ourselves- a.k.a. we grow: spiritually, emotionally, intellectually or physically. Some type of metamorphosis occurs.

If we find ourselves going through change over and over again, one of two things could be happening. Either we have not found the meaning or lesson behind the change, or we are developing, growing or changing rapidly- perhaps our energetic patterns are changing quickly. I know this happens especially during awakenings and spiritual growth processes.

Right about now you are reading this and probably saying, ’All this sounds great, but it’s hard!’ I get it! Notice no where in this blog did I say it was easy. I have been and still am in huge transition even as I write this. Healer and light workers are not exempt to this process. I have been growing and changing. The space in which I teach Yoga and see clients has changed- which is still morphing, I have had two, ‘day job’ changes, living arrangement changes, and I am currently in the process of becoming certified as a Holistic Life Coach. (As an aside I will be offering this additional service soon. I will still be using all my other modalities as adjunct tools to assist people in transition……really, I’m just making what I already do official with a certificate.)

The key it to reframe your mindset. Keep in mind that change is the process of transition, think of it as being in a state of metamorphosis. Approach change with a sense of curious inquiry. Trust in the process of why this is happening, and where it is taking you. Be present. Choose to look around, look inward- be in the moment of the change, don’t hide or put blinders on. Find the lesson, the reason.

If you feel overwhelmed, or lost it is OK. If you need help with grounding to be present through the change, or help to reprogram your mindset, then ask for help. There are many people out there to help you. I am one of them.

This will not pass, you will pass through it! You will emerge on the other side, changed, strong, and with the knowledge to help others who may be going through exactly what you just lived through-pass it forward- be their light.

Gratitude

Finding Gratitude is not always easy. It does not have to be momentous, but it can improve your outlook on life in general, create change in your life… and in the life of those around you and can even out the high’s and low’s of life- creating a more balanced emotional state. Finding Gratitude raises your vibration!

If you were not able to join me live on Face Book where I spoke about gratitude and shared my tradition of,  “The Gratitude Pumpkin.”  you can always catch the replay on my Face Book page @ 4spiritedhealth. The Gratitude Pumpkin was a place where if you wished- you could share and express your gratitude which I wrote on the pumpkin and read al the gratitude placed there by myself, my friends, family and viewers at the end of the month. This exercise is leading us into talking about peace in this next upcoming holiday season Where I will talk about what is peace and how to find it within.

Yoga is for Anyone

Why is Yoga good for everyone? Because it can be practiced is a multitude of different ways from modification for physical asana, to conventional and contemporary mediation practices, breathing exercises and through Service to others and Spiritual dedication if so chosen. In fact there are 8 different ways to practice Yoga and three of them mentioned above vary within themselves. For more information on the Eight Limbs of Yoga I recommend reading Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar or visit www.expressionofspirit.com William Doran does a pretty good job of breaking it down for you.

Specifically though for this blog post, I would like to talk about the Asana or physical poses that you know as "yoga class" ;) The main reason people don't start Yoga is, " I'm not very flexible...." To that I say, that you can't become flexible if you don't stretch. First, let me say that there are SO many classes to try that the possibilities are endless! Chair Yoga, Laughing Yoga ( Yeah it's a thing!) Face Yoga, Vinyasa flow, Asthanga, Prenatal, Kids, Partner, Gentle, Yin, Hot, Paddle Board, Goat, Swing and For Athletes Yoga.... to name just a few;) I mean you name it and you can design a Yoga class around it!

Yoga is not about the tight pants, being skinny or selfies for ultra cool poses(though there might be classes for that too lol!) --the truth is that not many of us in the non-yoga circuit will achieve these accolades without complete devotion and targeted practice. Yoga is about finding your breath, you know...the one you hold all day, somehow plowing through all the stress to go home to more stress. It's about finding that breath, with movement and sometimes without movement. It's about not fearing the silence, challenging your body to stretch and strengthen in a safe way and using your breath to support you through the difficulty of any of or a combination of the above.  Modifications are made because our bodies are different from each others. There is no such thing as being "too big", " too tall", "too short", or for God sakes "not bendy enough"--lol!

In my classes we joke, " It's a Yoga thing..." and through practice this phrase will come to make sense to you. Most people begin Yoga as simple exercise that 'does not require a lot of exertion...' Well a few things happen once they start....First, they find out that they are misinformed...lol! Holding poses is not difficulty, but not as easy at it looks either. The biggest part of this is the stillness and the lack of strength they never knew they had and the breathing....oh the breathing! At the end of class, "Oh that was easy or I don't feel any different...." said no one EVER! In fact most look like that have just woken from a nice long nap or sipped happy juice.

So the second thing that happens is that people are equally surprised at how relaxed and uplifted they feel at the end of class--and this leads them to come again...and again... and again. People want that "aahhh" feeling--that, "OMG I feel so chill right now." feeling. The,"Wow, My________(insert body part here) doesn't hurt or feels better."

The third thing that comes with Yoga practice is that this "good feeling" carries past the class, past the hours after class, and into people's everyday life!--Yes, it really does happen.

This is the peacefulness that is experienced and manifests within those who practice Yoga and this spreads to the world via the light that ignites in those who practice. Think about it. When you feel balanced and peaceful within, you effect those around you and the behavior of other affects you less. You learn self-care and realize the importance of your practice. You love your self and in turn spread that love to others(without eve trying). This is the " It's a Yoga thing..." and the only way to experience it is to practice. The physical and emotional benefits of Yoga are AMAZING and endless.

My classes are 1 hour and 30 minutes to incorporate community. We decompress and put all that doesn't serve us (aka the BS) at the corner of our mat. You can share or just listen. No pressure. We create the energy of the class together as we move through our shared practice. We never judge, we breathe through our discomfort and trustand listen to our bodies. We strengthen muscle to help us heal our weaknesses. We honor our bodies and at gentle with them. We do become more fit, healthy and calm minded. And we never take ourselves too seriously!--we laugh and have fun while cultivating our practice.

There is no prerequisite for Yoga. It is a Practice you build on from where you are when you start. YOU are a beautiful soul candle and Yoga lights your flame, then you shine--just shine!

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