Five Strategies For Cultivating The Grace To Go With The Flow
What would happen if you looked at the change as a good thing instead of a bad one?
Photo courtesy Lori McCray
Life is dynamic, ever-changing, and constantly pushing us out of our comfort zones. While some people seem to effortlessly dance with the rhythm of change, others grapple and flail endlessly when life takes on a new direction. If you find yourself struggling in the face of change, there’s good news. The ability to cope and thrive in the face of life changes can be cultivated. Consider these strategies for developing more grace and ease to help during times of change.
1. Embrace The Impermanence of Life
The first step towards increasing your grace and ease in handling life change is to recognize that change is an inherent part of life. Whether it’s the natural cycle of the seasons, the waxing and waning of the moon, or the inevitable aging process, everything in life is transient.
Once you internalize this understanding, you can let go of your deep-seated resistance to change. Instead of holding on to the way things were, you can become a curious explorer, eager to discover what the next phase of your journey holds. By embracing the impermanence of life, you free yourself from unnecessary stress, and open up to new experiences.
2. Cultivate A Flexible Mindset
Flexibility isn’t just a physical attribute; it’s a mental one too. A flexible mindset allows you to navigate through life’s ups and downs without being rigidly attached to outcomes. Instead of seeing things in black and white, a flexible person sees the various shades of gray and is open to alternative perspectives. Albert Einstein noted, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
One way to develop a flexible mindset is by challenging your own beliefs. When confronted with a change, ask yourself if there is another way to look at the problem, and what would happen if you looked at the change as a good thing instead of a bad one.
It’s also beneficial to surround yourself with diverse thinkers. Being in the company of those who approach problems and solutions differently can offer new angles of consideration. Embracing uncertainty and viewing it as a potential learning opportunity fosters flexibility.
3. Navigate Professional Changes With A SMART Strategy
Changes in your professional life — whether it’s a job change, a transfer, unemployment or even a promotion — can be as challenging, if not more so, than personal ones.
Approach professional change strategically, making sure you understand what you want from your career. Set clear goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Additionally, stay updated with the latest trends in your industry. Attend workshops, seminars, and webinars. This not only makes you adaptable but also more valuable in your profession.
Invest time in reading professional development books. Authors can provide insights, experiences, and tools that can be extremely beneficial in your area of expertise or interest, as well as about leadership, communication, or personal growth.
4. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Just as athletes train for their events, you, too, can prepare your mind for life’s inevitable changes through mindfulness practices such as meditation, journaling, or even simple breathing exercises. By grounding yourself and staying present, you can observe your thoughts and emotions without getting overwhelmed by them.
During times of change, it’s common to experience a whirlwind of emotions — from excitement and anticipation to fear and anxiety. Mental preparation helps you recognize these emotions without becoming consumed by them, enabling you to make clear-headed decisions.
Visualization can also be a powerful tool in this regard. Imagining potential outcomes and rehearsing reactions can alleviate some of the apprehension tied to the unknown. The late author and visualization guru Shakti Gawain wrote, “Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life. It is your natural power of imagination, the basic creative energy of the universe, which you use constantly, whether or not you are aware of it.”
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with stress-relieving techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can be instrumental when navigating changes.
5. Seek Support
No matter how independent or self-reliant you might consider yourself, everyone needs a support system. This could be family, friends, mentors, or professional counselors. Talking to someone about your feelings and concerns during times of change can provide a fresh perspective or simply give you a safe space to vent.
Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom. Recognizing when you need help and actively seeking it shows self-awareness and resilience.
Joining support groups, both online and offline, can provide a platform for shared experiences, making you feel less isolated. Sometimes, merely knowing that others are undergoing similar transitions can be comforting. Being proactive and seeking out resources, such as workshops or seminars focused on handling change, can also be immensely beneficial.
Anne Davis is a freelance writer from San Diego. She enjoys writing about health, medicine and spirituality.
