Finding Strength and Trust in the Cycle of Change

In ordinary times, the natural flow of constant change in our lives is gradual and often barely noticed. Just like the subtle physical changes from 30 to 40, the move from one home to another, or one season to the next, you flow through the changes without giving them much attention. You can even trust in the transition to death if it comes to those around you from old age, as you expect it. You experience the loss, heal, and then go on with life. You know instinctively and from experience that the nature of life around you constantly moves and expresses in rhythms and cycles.



What shakes up trust, comfort, and security is sudden change. Walking into the office one day only to find out you don’t have a job anymore, your mate delivering divorce papers when they haven’t discussed it with you, an accident or event that abruptly changes your life, or finding yourself in the middle of a natural disaster. It’s one thing when you want a change, to release what you are ready to let go of, but to be suddenly thrust by an external force into a vast expanse of change can bring all of your human vulnerabilities to the surface.



It’s in those moments when you need all the inner resources you can draw on. You see your ability to create success in life isn’t just about actively directing the forces of creation from a powerful internal position (although that is essential). You also need the ability to manage and respond to cycle of change in the world around you from as much grace, love, and compassion as possible.



Interestingly enough, the elemental forces can help you do just that. Each element (Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Spirit) develops your core strength in powerful ways that assist you in directing the energy of creation in your life as well as supporting your ability to manage external events. Learning how each one functions and learning to work with their tools can help you navigate when you find yourself in a sea of change. 



Here are three simple things you can do when you need inner strength to manage change:



Spend 15 minutes in Nature: Immersing yourself, even for small periods of time, in the natural world connects you to the essence of creation. This will energize your ability to think innovatively and creatively about how to effectively transform any situation in which you may find yourself. It also helps to calm your nervous system. If you need to balance yourself or find creative insights to enliven any area of your life spend time in nature. 



Move to release pent up energy or fear about what you are experiencing: Go for a walk, dance, ride a bike, do something physical to help you move the energy.



Open to the guiding wisdom of the natural world: Deepening your capacity to listen to the wisdom and guidance found in the natural world and you discover ways to access more intuition, awareness, and insight that can direct you in every area of life. Simply opening and appreciating the natural world is the best place to begin. 


If you need help on the physical level connect to the element of Earth.

If emotional balance is what you need call on Water.

Connect to Air if you need clarity of thought or an expanded perspective around the situation.

Fire will help you take the actions you need to take.

And finally, call on Spirit to increase your grace and trust in the cycle of life.