Summary

The article discusses the inevitability of change and the productive outcomes that can arise by embracing it through open-mindedness, living with uncertainty, surrendering to the unknown, recognizing when life is not working, and viewing struggles as opportunities for transformation.

Abstract

Change is an inevitable part of life, whether it is self-initiated or imposed by external circumstances. The article emphasizes that change, while often difficult and uncomfortable, can lead to personal growth and the discovery of deeper life truths. It outlines five principles to navigate change effectively: remaining open to different perspectives, embracing life's questions without the need for immediate answers, surrendering to the unknown without fear, acknowledging when current life paths are no longer serving us, and recognizing that periods of struggle are crucial for personal transition and growth. By applying these principles, individuals can transform their experiences of change into opportunities for self-discovery and positive life transitions.

Opinions

Change can be a catalyst for profound personal development or a chance to reassess one's life direction.
Resisting change by clinging to familiar but outdated ways can prevent growth and adaptation.
Embracing other worldviews can broaden one's understanding and enhance one's experience of the world.
Living with unanswered questions and embracing uncertainty is seen as a path to true wisdom.
Surrendering to the unknown is not a sign of defeat but an opportunity for wisdom to emerge.
Recognizing that one's current life circumstances are not fulfilling is a prerequisite for meaningful change.
Struggles and dark periods in life are viewed as valuable teachers that can lead to personal transformation and the emergence of new possibilities.

Forced to Change — Now What?

Photo by Linus Nylund, Image displayed on Upsplash

Change is in the air. This could be as profound as revamping your religion or as mundane as your hairstyle.

Some changes you choose. In other cases, life chooses them for you. That’s when “the moment that changed everything” creeps up on you without even a whisper.

If we so choose we can become different people afterward. Unless of course, we cling to the bow of our sinking ship and rail against the heavens “Why me?”

But in all cases, the winds of change can provoke deeper life questions with no easy answers like

What opportunity can I find in this climate of change?

What’s most important to me right now?

What is my life’s mission?

Though change is difficult, even painful, it can also be very productive if we keep in mind the following principles:

1. Remain open to other ways of knowing

For a number of years I taught a class in a business management program on world religious traditions. Many students came to respect that there were other ways of seeing the world. Some found it difficult to accept other ways of addressing ultimate questions but the ones who did broadened their view of the world and of themselves. An open heart and mind is a key to productive change.

2. Focus on living the questions

Acknowledging that we don’t know the answers and, consequently, living the questions opens the door to discovering true wisdom.

People who seek certainty in absolutes often are more interested in security than the pursuit of truth. Also, ironically, “facts” can get in the way of experiencing underlying truth. In this information age where knowledge is everything, life’s deepest questions are better approached with “I don’t or I can’t really know”.

Daniel Pink captures this process beautifully when he remarked that when we ask questions,

“life becomes a dance rather than a wrestling match.”

3. Be willing to surrender to the unknown

At times, our moments of greatest opportunity lie in periods of confusion. “I give up” is not necessarily admitting defeat. Wisdom comes to us when we are not afraid to open ourselves to the unknown. When we admit ignorance, barriers evaporate and wisdom shows us its face.

4. Recognize that life “as it is” is not working for us

Maya Angelou once said, in effect, that when there is great pain in front of you as well as behind you, change paths. We always have the power to choose a different way. Habits of the past do not have to be our future destiny. Some of the more profound changes in life happen when we choose to face (as opposed to escape from) our pain, ultimately leading us to make better choices for ourselves.

5. Remember that times of struggle and fragility can be times of transition and transformation.

Don’t automatically reject life’s darker moments. View them as teachers that introduce us to expanded versions of our selves and greater possibilities. That’s why I love winter as a time for solitude and reflection. Our winter of discontent eventually gives way to spring with new and yet undiscovered life.