The reason we sometimes struggle with change is due to the sense of insecurity it brings about. People are often comforted by the familiar.
In Yoga we learn to keep the mind in the present and not to dwell in the past. This also means not allowing the mind to jump forward. Of course, sometimes it’s necessary to project, to predict; this is how we plan the activities of our lives. However, the future is an unknown landscape. We may forecast what ought to happen but we cannot know it. It is this uncertainty that can unnecessarily generate fear.
Our minds are ever projecting an image of what our lives should look like but, as John Lennon said “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. Anxiety and frustration occur when what we have predicted doesn’t match with what we’re experiencing.
As we age our bodies can become more inflexible; there’s only so much we can do about that. The greater tragedy, however, is when our mind becomes inflexible. The mind must always continue to evolve. The thought patterns and beliefs that served us previously must always be under scrutiny. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t make it the best way. Habit is a very poor reason to justify any action.
As we age our bodies can become more inflexible; there’s only so much we can do about that. The greater tragedy, however, is when our mind becomes inflexible. The mind must always continue to evolve. The thought patterns and beliefs that served us previously must always be under scrutiny. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t make it the best way. Habit is a very poor reason to justify any action.
And
Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out’ – G K Chesterton
Together these caution us to be open to fresh ways of looking at and doing things yet still discerning. Always ask yourself which action aligns with your true nature; the kindness and generosity of your heart. In which direction do you wish to evolve?
Change is inevitable and evolution desirable so always look to the lessons to be gained by change that appears to have been thrust upon us.