When everything looks hopeless we do have the chance to grow into something better: what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, we call a butterfly! But, like a butterfly, the journey to such growth can be a difficult one, including having to transform ourselves as completely as a caterpillar does. But we can do it—YES WE CAN!
The US has just gone through one of the greatest changes in world history: a white majority electing a black president. We have gone from treating black people as second-class, lesser human beings to honoring them as our equals; from having a corrupt, self-centered president who instigated an illegal war and depleted vast funds, to a president who is of the people and for the people, and who says, "I am in it for you". This is testament indeed that positive change is always possible.
The US is now facing the most serious change in financial history, brought on by a greed and negligence that said: 'we get what we want but it's not enough and we want more and we do not care how we get it.' As a result we have gone from opulence and seemingly endless riches to confronting an economic meltdown.
This is a monumental change that challenges us all. It is creating fear, turmoil and chaos. Every which way we turn we see the consequences: people losing their jobs and living in tent cities, a million dollar heiress now cleaning houses for a living, and others who have committed suicide.
So how do we live with this change? We believe the best ways are to recognize that change is inevitable as it is the essence of all life; that there is always the potential for positive change in every moment; and to stay grounded and in touch with our peace.
1. Recognize that nothing is permanent
The financial collapse we are facing should not be surprising as nothing lasts, not our money or investment, our feelings or our loved ones; everything is constantly changing. This latest change is just further proof of that truth. Seeing this impermanence of all things means that this too shall pass.
Just as our thoughts and feelings are constantly changing, in the same way life never stands still. As Swami Satchidananda said, "Life is all about coming and going." Everything that is happening now will change into something else, every structure will one day collapse, and new forms will be created.
Without change in ourselves we become stifled and stagnant; without change in the world we will not survive. The wisdom we learn in this way is invaluable as it makes us stronger and better human beings.
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