“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. – Alan W. Watts
I’ve heard it said that change is inevitable, and that change is the only constant. I believe I have come to the place of welcoming change in my life, knowing that it is part of the circle of life. But how much change is one capable of embracing at the same time?
I guess embracing change is the action that seems appropriate and courageous when change presents itself. Yet many emotions come with change, which makes it challenging and even scary to embrace.
Within the past month, a giant wave of change has enveloped my life. My son, who is my youngest, moved to Florida with his girlfriend. My middle daughter, who has been on a road trip, landed in Washington State and is now here gathering her belongings, her kitty cat, and moving there. The awareness that Glenn’s and my purpose for being in Asheville is now complete. Doors are closing here and opening in Atlanta. Friendships are ending. Our landlord is selling the house, and we’re moving to Atlanta on October 31st. And one of the saddest changes was putting our beloved Buttercup (our long time purring member of our family) down yesterday.
All of these changes came crushing in, or at least it feels that way. There have been signs along the way showing me that these changes were coming, but knowing that change is coming is a lot easier to be with than when the actual change takes place. I feel a bit ungrounded. What was no longer is. What will be is unknown, and I’m left with riding the wave of change.
Remembering that I’ve ridden this wave of change before helps me to trust that I will get through the grieving of what was, and that the unknown is not as scary as it appears. It may seem as though I use the word trust lightly, yet it is because of this trust that I have been able to walk through the many changes in my life. It is this trust that helps me pay attention to and embrace the guidance, as unreasonable as it may seem. It is my trust in the Divine, the Universe, God, Gaia, Creator—the One with many names, which helps me to plunge into, move with, and join the dance of change.
Wow Maria, big stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Alana, thank you for reading my blog. I wish you all the best.
Peace,
Maria
Maria, the ever flowing river of life, like so many other things is always there… Sometimes it’s good to stand in that river and let the water move around us, and other times we let go and flow with it. I hear you. I will miss you not being in Asheville, and pray the Atlanta will be more fertile grounds for you and Glenn. Wherever you go, and wherever this river takes you, you always have your heart and medicine with you. I love you and Glenn, and I am sad I didn’t make a greater effort to see you both more – forgive me. Wherever I am, and wherever this river takes me, you always have a friend and a place to be.
Always with love,
Andy
Andy, thank you so much for your kind and wise words. There is a special place for you in our hearts. You are such a bright light, please keep shining. Know that no matter where our journey takes us you will also always have a friend in us and a place to meet to nourish each others soul. Peace and Love, Maria
We are both going through big changes: you moving to Atlanta, and I opening the monastery in Toms Brook VA.
May God accompany us all the way as these new chapters in our lives open up!
Thank you Father Paul for your continuous support of my blog and my journey. Your words always leave me with a gentle reminder of God’s presence in our lives. We will meet again along our journey, until then I will carry you in my heart and I will continue to welcome your wisdom as we enter and walk in the new chapters of our lives. Blessings.