Transformation is Possible
We see the world not as it is, but as we are. ~Einstein
My inspiration lies in the belief that people can learn and change. Not superficial changes, or temporary changes - I’m talking about transformational changes. There is no better time than the start of a new year to think about change nor has is there a better time than after the year we have just experienced.
We have the ability within us to rearrange our inner and outer landscapes and transform ourselves, our lives, our communities and our world. Our brain is incredibly plastic. And yet, so many change processes fail. Why? Because our subconscious is so strong, and our mind and body has been trapped in a pattern of behaviour for so long that any stress causes us to go back to our “automatic” ways. Our capacity to change has always energized and inspired all my work for it gives me deep hope (not hope that is altruistic but hope that is pragmatic) and expansive possibility. I believe we can learn to observe ourselves and create the awareness to stop doing the things that hold us back or cause suffering to ourselves and others and create a life—and a world filled with meaning, justice, sustainability, peace, and joy.
Outer transformation can’t begin without inner transformation. As the saying goes, we can’t change the world without changing ourselves. But, in our world’s complexity and uncertainty, changing ourselves alone is not enough. One of my coaching teachers and mentors often says, sending a changed person into an unchanged world isn’t sustainable. So, as we focus on inner transformation and observing ourselves, we need to take action to create change and serve others.
If you have ever tried to change habits, you know how difficult it is. Our cells, brain, and even heart create strong patterns to do the same thing over and over again. And of course, if we do things the same way, we get the same old results. Do you ever wonder why your new year’s resolutions fail? Too often, you create the change, do it for a little while, but soon find yourself back in your old habits. Self-transformation, even for the tiniest habit, takes a lot of work. New cells and pathways need to be created. Cell memory needs to be rewired. Many of us aren’t up for the work that is required. Besides mentally focussing on the task, we actually need to learn to observe ourselves – observe our emotions, our body, our language, and our actions. Emotions and language are a precursor for action.
I’ve been fascinated by human dynamics for a long time and spent many years learning from various experts on how to support change processes. We need to change and evolve – it’s the only way forward. When we have this ability in our toolkit, the world opens up to possibility. Our lens to see the world becomes wider. And thus, we have more choice. And from choice, comes empowerment, and from being empowered, we experience greater satisfaction, peace, and fulfillment.
So, my dears, what will you do with your one and only wild and precious life? My first hope is for you to chart a path of evolution for yourself – begin with just one change that will take you closer to the wild dream that lives in your heart. Every sustained step towards your dream brings you more and more aligned with the grace and light that lives in your heart and soul. My second hope for you is to take the change process with lightness, levity, compassion, patience, perseverance, and much self-love. You are heading down a road that many don’t brave.
A few reasons for why we give up on change efforts:
Intention is vague
Having an inadequate or non-existent support network.
Not willing to have a “beginner’s mind”
Expecting perfection, falling into guilt and regret
Not scheduling daily time and small acts for the change process
Relying on determination alone
Not tapping into emotional learning or the body’s wisdom
Listening to the old self-limiting stories with no “new” stories you are moving into
Understanding that mastery is a long game; giving up when you’ve messed up instead of restarting the practice no matter what.
Change is possible. Dig deep, create your vision, and orchestrate a plan. And it’s ok if you don’t know how to do it on your own, most people don’t. Enlist support.
Xo
manjit
