Dealing with change.
- clearstreamzendo
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
This week’s topic for reflection is dealing with change. Some change is desirable like a pleasant vacation. Some changes are not desirable like the death of a loved one or loosing a job. Many changes come at us and we don’t have a choice about it even though we desire control and a sense of certainty. Since change is a fact of existence, let’s reflect on how to deal with it.
The first step is to try to see how things actually are. What is the situation? This includes you. Where are you standing? This might include how you are feeling. You can only deal with the situation effectively if you see it accurately. Be realistic.
Next own the situation you’re in. This is sometimes hard to do. If you allow yourself to become a victim you will limit your possible choices. Ownership does not mean control or a judgement that it’s your fault. It simply means facing the situation knowing you have choices. Ask what is possible? Be courageous.
It helps to be confident that you are capable of dealing with change even if you don’t know what will happen. If you’re coming from love and a desire to be helpful your choices will probably work out. The world needs love and a helping hand.
Of coarse change can feel painful and confusing. Try to experience this as a necessary part of change. Welcome the pain and confusion as it’s here to show us where we are trying to hold onto something that cannot be held onto. Change is teaching us that nothing is stuck or permanent.
Senkei and I are buying a house in Eugene and leaving our ten acres of woods here on the edge of the wilderness. It will be quite different living close to neighbors in the suburbs. The sounds and activity will change from the patient, natural chaos of the woods to man made order and City provided and regulated services. There are many opportunities available in the City that we don’t have now and the timing is right so here we go. I look forward to changing with the changed situation. I won't be needing my little tractor and chainsaw any more.
Last of all smile. Have a sense of humor. It’s magical.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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