As the fall leaves come to the Earth, my attention is drawn to transition. Not only in the change of seasons, but also a time of year that I find myself reflecting on my own transitions in life. As I prepare for winter, I love to nestle in and find comfort. Comfort can be difficult to find when we are experiencing change. Transitions are often unpredictable and can leave us with uncertainty which in turn can produce anxiety about what is to come. This season, I have set an intention to accept the transitions I am experiencing into curiosity, spontaneity and joy rather than worry, anxiety and despair.
One pattern I have been seeing more and more in my reflections is that of overthinking which often leads me to disconnect from others, set goals that are perfectionistic, and generate stress that is unnecessary. Intentional living really provides an opportunity to accept the world just as it is. If worry, fear and anxiety are in control, then I am setting an intention to live in that. I must admit, before I came to practice yoga, this was my way of life. With my ego inflated to believe that I was in control of my external world and therefore responsible for much more than I can handle ~ I was spending my life and energy on those things that were not in my control. This is a very frustrating manner of living.
Today, I still struggle with these ideas of controlling life, however with the awareness of the issue, I am intentionally looking for opportunities to change that. Rather than seeing this shadow of behavior as my “true self”, I am willing to see those behaviors for what they are… an illusion. This is liberating me to step into my authentic self, who trusts, loves and accepts the good and the challenge with optimism.
Embracing Change…
-Angie
