Transitions and Transformations, Part I

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

Does this seem familiar? Even for those who shelter their sensitive natures from the effects of the media and subsequent awareness of current events, there's no shortage of information outlining the paradox of our times. Stories of dismal consequences of war, resource shortages, global warming, and economic upheaval pepper the news like shotgun spew. Change, these days, not only seems constant, but comes in even more abundance.

In the rubble of broken-down political, economic, corporate and all manner of systems, lies the fodder for radically improved ways of being, a cultural revolution. More and more, I experience among my family, friends, colleagues, clients, and others, an increasingly calm acceptance of what's happening in our world. I'm not talking about complacency in the face of injustice, but rather a willingness to embrace what is. Even those I know who have lost their jobs, or experienced foreclosure and other hardships, are now finding that their lives hold more opportunity for love and partnership, for creative expressions, and for connection with others, where being too busy served as barrier before. Somehow, they not only get by, they thrive in many aspects of life.

My own life these past few years has mirrored this process. I've known transition, boy howdy, saying a painful goodbye to a beloved partner and life of fourteen years. I left a university faculty post that's been the most rewarding career of my life. At the same time, wondrous new openings have appeared - a new kind of unprecedented love, a remarkable home of my dreams surrounded by nature, and a new vocation that more closely aligns with my higher purpose in life. I now have the opportunity to create a new life paradigm, being of service, coming from my heart, and creatively living within the context of my highest values.

What do you sense is clearing away in your life?

What new avenues are open to you?

What do you want to create in this space?

And I've learned some things. Each day, I must choose who I will be regardless of what's happening around me. All my fears have emerged, provoking intense emotions and upheaval. "But I worked through that years ago!" has been a surprising new theme in my life. "Well, it looks like it's time to go deeper," seems the best passage to the new learning in old events and feelings.

What old patterns persist in your life?

Which ones serve you and which would you rather leave behind?

What do you want to do about it?

In this global transition, we have the opportunity to design and expand into new ways of being in the world. We may unearth and overthrow socialization, acculturation, and any other subconscious programming we've received and expressed that no longer serve us. Connection and collaboration may replace individualism and competition. Building fulfilling, joyful relationships may fill voids left by consumerism and other past-times of our former lifestyles.

Whatever it is, and whatever it may be, why not consciously create the life we truly desire right now? Why not invite transformation of our dreams and visions into reality?