DRASTIC CHANGE CAN BE UNSUSTAINABLE!
How do we reset our life? Let’s start with a warning... Some people have a major sudden realization! They strongly feel the need for a major change in their life! Some rush off and make dramatic, radical or even a drastic change to their lives. But such a dramatic change is not essential. In fact, major sudden changes are probably not the best way for us to shift our life.
…Can you see how making drastic changes can be risky?
IS A COMPLETE SEA CHANGE TOO EXTREME?
There are stories of people who, after a life crisis, completely change their job, their home, lifestyle and even their relationships. This is sometimes called making a complete ‘sea change’.
For example, a merchant banker or top business executive who gives up their career to run a small hobby farm. Others might simply give up any external projects, and instead meditate in nature.
Some make a complete physical break from their old lifestyle & relationships! Some move to a commune or adopt an alternative lifestyle. A few shut themselves away completely, or live a hermit-like existence, in some secluded spot. This is one strategy, but it will not work for everyone!
EXTERNAL CHANGE DOESN’T FIX INNER PROBLEMS.
But this ‘sea-change strategy’ is usually not advisable. Some radical changes may indeed be better than our previous self-destructive patterns. But such radical change comes with its own problems! Often such drastic change is not sustainable.
Remember, the core underlying problem is an imbalanced inner world. Making external changes does not guarantee inner growth & spiritual progress. An inner transformation is what’s primarily required. That is much more important than making a dramatic external change.
…Can you see that most of the required changes are internal not external?
INNER CHANGE DOESN’T REQUIRE A RELOCATION!
Changing or ‘transforming’ yourself does not require a drastic change in work or surroundings. We may not need to go anywhere special, or even change our job or friends. The radical ‘sea change’ method is certainly one way to start, but it’s not necessarily the best way for everyone.
A personal transformation is more than just changing our surroundings. An inner transformation requires a change of ‘heart’ or mindset! However, by following through with these inner changes, some external change will naturally follow. But this should feel spontaneous & inevitable and does not need to be forced.
STEADY ONGOING CHANGE IS OFTEN BEST.
Rather than a dramatic upheaval, there are more moderate ways to transform our situation. An analogy would be to release controlled amounts of water via a tap, rather than just opening the floodgates of a dam!
Slower and more controlled action is often better long term. This enables us to fine-tune our life and allows more subtle feedback. As these small changes build progressively, significant transformation can occur. Each small positive shift builds upon the next, without a huge disruption! Perhaps a more sustainable long-term outcome will result.
WE OPTIMISE OUR LIFE BY CHANGING OURSELVES.
The aim is to stop our suffering, and instead create a joyful and meaningful life. A critical realization is that this is not achieved by changing others or changing our external world. Instead, the only way to lasting happiness is through changing ourselves. Changing our inner world is how we optimize our quality of life!
…Will you prioritize improving your inner world?
SUFFERING IS A CHOICE!
The goal is to savor ‘every precious drop’ of our human existence. The purpose of life is to experience joy! We are given the freedom to choose how we do this. Or whether we choose something else, other than joy! We call that other option ‘suffering’! One way or another, we grow in the process. But the path of suffering involves much more distress. When we are really sick of suffering, we will choose the path of joy and loving kindness instead?
…Do you mainly choose suffering or joy?
WE ARE PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR JOY.
Will we choose a path of joy, or just more suffering in a slightly different guise? Will we accept that we personally determine the quality of our own life? Will we accept that we are responsible for our own suffering?
These life principles can be quite difficult to accept. They can be hard to come to terms with. That’s because this seems contrary to common belief. Why would anyone choose to experience more distress or suffering? Can you work out some possible reasons? Maybe we are using these excuses to justify our own suffering.
PAST PAINFUL LESSONS CAN BE VALUABLE.
The aim of transforming ourselves is to maximize our joy, and to express our potential. As we progress on our inner journey, we increasingly value all that we have experienced. That includes our more painful lessons! We become more forgiving & grateful. We learn to appreciate even the difficult challenges of our life. Eventually we will understand and value every part of our life!
…Have you gained insights from your past painful lessons?
WE WILL WANT TO SHARE OUR JOY!
Once we overcome suffering, the next goal is to discover all our unique gifts and utilize our full capacity. We aim to optimize our talents and use these in service to others. We come to realize our talents are a gift for the benefit of all humanity. So, a deserted island, cave or mountain top may or may not be the best location for sharing these gifts with others.
YOUR INNER VOICE WILL AID DISCERNMENT.
But what is the best way to guide this process? The answer is to utilize our discernment in all its forms! This includes tuning into our quiet inner voice. Our quiet contemplation and inner guidance will help lead the way. This can present as a heartfelt knowing, as intuitive insight, or an inner nudge.
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