We're moving into a new season – a time of change. As the leaves turn from shades of green to yellows and crimsons and brown, bees and butterflies disappear, and clouds reappear, we too undergo our own seasons of change. Ever dying to the old and emerging into the new you'd think we'd get used to change. Although we may have pioneering spirits, our bodies still tend to prefer the status quo. How we handle change and negotiate it with our bodies will determine how much flow vs. resistance we will experience.

If your mind is anything like mine, whenever I embark on a new adventure that might entail some risk, it squeals and whines with doubts: "Are you sure this is safe?", "What if it doesn’t work?", "What if we FAIL?” These are just some of the one-way conversations running through my head. As I put those concerns aside and take my next step forward into the unknown, the cravings for salts and sweets begin, followed by the usual urge to climb into bed, pull the covers over my head and stay there forever. Once I've made it through this phase, I come out the other end feeling free like a butterfly that's just burst out of a cocoon. Was it worth it? Yes. Could I have made it easier on myself? Definitely yes.

As we go through change in our lives, it means we are letting go of something old or outdated for our current situation. If we cling to the past or resist the process we will increase the tension, anxiety, and doubt, and we will feel stuck, moody and basically miserable. If we want to feel at ease in the flow of our lives we need to release the past, embrace the present and trust the future.

Explore these questions to gain insights into how you handle change:

* What changes are you currently going through? They may be internal, external or both. If you were a season, what time of year would you be in?

* How do you experience change? Do you often initiate it, embrace it, passively participate, or strongly resist? How does this support you and what does it cost you?

* What are your physical, mental and emotional reactions to change (i.e. do you tend to feel angry, sad, excited, do your thoughts slow or increase, do you have bursts of energy or feel drained, do you crave foods or activities)? What do you do to support your body during times of change (i.e. get more exercise, rest, eat healthy foods, have fun)?

Try these inspiring ideas to support you in handling change:

* Reflect over the past year or two and notice the changes you've gone through. Do you view them as positive, negative or neutral experiences? If you currently view them as negative, brainstorm a list of possible positive reasons for the change (i.e. opportunities for growth, important life lessons, unseen gifts as a result).

* Right now, notice the changes you are going through. They may be small and insignificant or big and life altering. Become aware of what your body needs during this time of change. It might help to close your eyes and ask your body what it needs and listen to its response (it may be in words, pictures or sensations).

* How do you need to view and handle change so you can move forward with ease and joy? Make a note of this so you can refer to it whenever you need to.

Author's Bio: 

Gini Grey is a Transformational Coach and Author of the book, From Chaos to Calm, and the CD, Create What You Want in Your Life. For more information on powerful transformational sessions, Insights & Inspiration monthly e-zine or other articles, visit www.ginigrey.com.