Riding the Waves of Transformation
Let’s talk about the process of transformation as it is certainly UP for so many right now. The transformational process is deep and rich and varies in layers and textures. Exploring the realm of transformation and its waves is a fascinating inquiry into oneself.
I do believe that we are individually and collectively in a reckoning of sorts.
Over the past many (many!) months we have been given immeasurable “opportunities” to reflect, re-evaluate and reconcile situations, relationships, ways of moving through the world….and, it hasn’t been pretty!
BUT, with that has also come incredible moments of clarity and healing from deep within. Moments of coming to terms with some old baggage and weights of the past.
It has been an excruciatingly beautiful journey, yet certainly not without growing pains.
Yes, I am admittedly a Scorpio and the pangs of the transformational process, of digging deep down and emerging over and over and over again happen to be my native language. It is how I operate in the world.
I am not scared of the darkness as I know with every ounce of me that the light that appears after a period of darkness is even brighter than one could ever imagine.
I know how to hold myself in the dark times of the transformational evolution as well as how to rebirth with embodied alignment and integrity in this new version of self. And, I know how to support others in their own descent and rebirth with skill and grace.
I honor that the transformational process is not an enticing one. There are many layers to our unique and individual ways of transforming in our lives, that take us into a wide array of the terrain of human existence.
It can be scary, very uncomfortable, sad, and jarring to the system on the whole.
The transformational process brings with it a dying of sorts.
As we transform we let go of old ways of living, being, and existing. Although these ways may not have been serving our highest good, the residual pangs of releasing them and pivoting in a different direction must be honored.
I find that every time I am enmeshed in a transformational endeavor in my life, I can find myself being washed over with grief, flooded with emotion, simmering in memories, and can even experience physical pains in my body. This is not a *bad* thing but rather I have learned to welcome it all as I know that I am being propelled into the next level of living.
The grieving process in midst of the transformational journey is not talked about enough which can lead people towards depression and anxiety when really what is going on is that they are grieving a loss…a loss of their previous identity and ways of being…and they are in the thick of the unknown territory of this evolution.
They are in the liminal birth canal and it can be frightening.
Whatever our natural tendency is when we are confronted with an unknown space of life, in ourselves, and in our hearts, it can show up in those moments.
We can find ourselves turning towards addictions of varying degrees, collapsing, becoming hyper-vigilant and amplified, and/or activated in our nervous systems....anything to keep ourselves from surrendering, softening, and really allowing the waves of transformation to carry us forward into the next realm.
What I know to be true is that if we do bypass these moments of feeling the void, the pain, and uncertainty of this unknown territory, we will live disconnected from the present moment.
We will close ourselves off from the heart valve of this magnificent and amazing evolutionary process that is humanness.
When we collapse to this unfolding, numb to the grieving pains, and avoid showing up to meet these moments, there can be a debilitating impact on our health and well-being.
Does this resonate for you during these times?
So, how do we ride the waves of transformation while staying connected to ourselves, our truth, our bodies, our hearts, and our own unique process of life?
The reality is that there is no simple and straightforward answer to this question. Of course, there are tactics in working within the breath of our transformational journeys but really what it comes down to is to give yourself permission to be exactly where you are in any given moment.
Do not resist the unfolding. Feel your feelings to the best of your ability. Take excellent care of yourself. Melt into the moments of angst. Up the ante on your practices. Write. Meditate. Pray. Dance. Commune with the natural world.
And, TRUST. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and faith in the divine unfolding of life.
These times are not easy, yet I hope that we can all come to a place of acceptance of this dance we are in together.
A place of clarity and light in that the long, dark tunnel we have been in is pushing us all towards evolution and transformation for the greater good.
As I close today’s offering, I invite you to take a moment and pause. Take some deep breaths into your belly, filling your rib cage, your heart space, your throat, the back of your body…..you can put one hand on your heart, one hand on your belly and really feel the contact of your own hands in support of YOU.
From this still place of connection, take a moment and reflect on the past however many months (I have lost track!) since this global pandemic swept our lives….use this moment to recognize your own unique and individual transformational process.
Where you have been, what you have come through, and where you are now.
Acknowledge yourself, recognize your diligence in becoming and taking shape in the truth of who you are, and, most importantly, honor the incredible resilience that you have gained during these times.
Breathe it in, remember, honor, fill your entire being with love and gratitude. Stay here for as long as you are moved to.
We cultivate resilience on the transformational path by consistently tapping into that inner well of unwavering strength...with acknowledgment and recognition, with practice and commitment to ourselves, and in choosing to meet the moments of life with love and presence to the best of our ability.
Wherever this finds you today, remember you are not alone. Please reach out if you need support or connection.
Take good care of yourselves.