Transitions

I’ve been thinking about transitions lately. A transition is defined as moving from one state or condition to another, causing you to leave the familiar. Transitions like moving from the daily grind to retirement, raising children to living in an empty nest, celebrating life and navigating grief, and even the physical changes of aging.

The one thing we can all be certain of is change. It’s common to resist a transition leading to stagnation or suffering. On the other hand a transition can be an opportunity for self-discovery. I find a common thread with transitions because I’ve experienced plenty of them. There’s this time I describe as “space and stillness” in the middle of the process. A space of unknowing, sometimes accompanied by fear, other times by anticipation and excitement. It can be unnerving or it can be exciting. It can be singular, one person experience, or global.

Our entire world has undergone a major transition; that is COVID-19. I wonder when we will stop saying pre and post COVID? I wonder if we are in the “space and stillness” time? Today, as we transition from the first half of the year to the second, I offer that we all savor moments of being outdoors, to play, explore and breathe fresh air. To celebrate Freedom. Life.

As a side note, coping mechanisms to navigate transitions are important, especially when they are sudden and unexpected. A few of mine:

• giving myself permission to slow down

• a lot of breath work

• seek support from a friend or family member

• take time to feel

• eat healthy and move.

• self-care rituals

If you are experiencing a transition you are not alone and it won’t be the last. Take time to feel and most important, try not to fight reality. Remain optimistic and hopeful. Transitions are a time of expansion. Be curious and open. Sit in the space.

This is the dance of life.