Honor the Space Between No Longer and Not Yet
-- Nancy Levin
It’s no secret today our lives are moving and shifting at an unprecedented pace! As a result, staying in the present moment, taking the time to “stop and smell the flowers,” has become one of our biggest challenges. We often find ourselves either dwelling upon the stings and pains of the past or anxious about the great unknown of the future.
In spite of understanding the reality “the only constant in life is change”, for some, sudden change triggers fear and visions of the “big green monster coming to scoop them away from safety.” For others with more developed“transition muscles” earned from experiences like moving house, changing schools, joining new communities-- the sheer pace of life prevents them from the joys of living in the moment.
It seems those blessed with the wisdom that comes with age and experience have the most luck embracing what noted spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle calls “the power of now.” Experience has taught them to come to trust in the present moment as a doorway to fulfillment and to understand that transitions can create new opportunities and provide a platform for growth!
Tolle writes:
Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge
As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love –even the most simple action.
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.
So how can we honor the space between the past and the future? What can we learn to do to take our fingers off our panic buttons and let go? How can we endeavor to develop and trust in our resilience in order to learn to accept change and harness the power of now?
The ladies in our June Circle agreed that life’s experiences are our teachers. No matter at what pace our lives are moving, the only thing we can control is “how we show up and how we feel in the face of what’s changing! This is your life. It's imperative to step up and learn from every moment of the journey!"
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Here are some of their suggestions about how to do just that!
Meditate, go quiet and deep to find and tap into your inner peace
Get out in nature and remind yourself of the beauty and divinity of everything around you
Remember in most circumstances change is gradual. You can slowly practice acceptance to develop your emotional muscle and flexibility. Noted Life Coach Tony Robbins teaches that the person with the most flexibility will be the happiest
Trust that the “processes of life” are all for our highest good
Use prayer to call upon a higher power for support
Be grateful and remember “this too shall pass.” Remind yourself of all the change you have been through and try to take the lessons
Find creative outlets that bring you comfort and joy such as cooking, painting, music, exercise etc. You can always “bring them with you” as you move into the new
Find confidence in yourself and believe and repeat the mantra “I create my world and my reality”
Find sisterhood and a supportive community
Don’t try too hard! Force yourself to pause in the face of change and simply observe and feel your feelings. Try to control the knee jerk reaction of letting your ego hit the panic button
See change and transition as an opportunity to be who you want to be. Change those negative and scary thoughts to positive ones
Always remember --Love is Everything. Turn to love to see you through
Can you honor the present moments and enjoy the ride? What tools do you use to keep you in that space? We’d love you to add your suggestions to this list below.
Resources:
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spirituality and Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle