The Purpose of Change
To evolve is to change.
You may believe that you are subject to change; that things are outside of your control (determinism). Alternatively, you may believe that you create change; that you are the master of your actions (free will). Regardless, change is happening whether you like it or not.
Impermanence, also called ‘Anitya’, is a Buddhist doctrine of existence – that all things, including the self, are impermanent and constantly changing.
To resist the reality of change is to be in a state of denial. Denial is a defense mechanism in the face of fear.
Change for some can be uncomfortable and even scary. The prospect of the unknown can trigger a range of emotions that can be unsettling.
Fear has its place as a source of protection and safety.
To evolve however, it is necessary to step beyond fear and take action towards positive change.
By accepting change you create an allowance to flow with it. By managing your fear you gain the capacity to crystalize perspectives, to discover opportunities, and mobilize resources toward the creation of your optimal reality.
In dealing with change, usually a range of choices is presented, and therefore the need for making decisions is required. To effectively make decisions it is best to utilize both your left-brain (rational thinking) and right-brain (intuitive and creative) processes.
Carefully considering what your choices are and weighing up the pros and cons can be complemented by mapping out the ‘bigger picture’ of your situation and being guided intuitively by how you instinctively feel on any given matter.
You may need to grieve the loss of what you may be leaving behind in the wake of the changes made.
Change may occur in stages that require you to be patient and considered in your response or change may be sudden and may elicit a more instinctive reaction in you.
Depending on your personality traits you may have a pattern of how you tend to deal with change. Self-reflection on these patterns may reveal some core beliefs, some of which may be helpful and others unhelpful to your situation. This awareness may serve to guide you in your decision-making.
Whatever your situation, in which change is occurring, it is important to discover your purpose within it and to find courage to take a course of action that best suits that purpose.
Written by David Kalmar
Psychologist
Psychology Pathways
