Is challenging your A-priority belief system a regular exercise for you? One of the many things my father taught me was to always challenge what is assumed to be true. I don’t think this was meant to be a lesson in subversion, but it has certainly materialized as such. Where this has lead me is to a search for real truth that can stand the test challenge. In science, this is a failure to disprove the hypothesis. You always leave room for new information, for new truth, to challenge your previously held position. Using this principle, I’ve begin addressing my understanding of transition. My belief has always been to get through transition. Transition was about getting from point A to point B, and only when you arrived, could you experience peace. What I’ve come to understand is there is another way. A way to have presence through transition, not to get through, but to experience your movement. The implications are enormous for your journey and pursuit for purpose and meaning.
Presence through transition
The core of transition seems to be about destination. It’s been ingrained in us ever since we read about the stress impacts of different life events. Although there are life events that create incredible burdens and shocking new realities, the transition period is not a stress point in an of itself. So why is transition so stressful? The answer lies in your belief that transition is about destination. Transition is about movement. Presence through transition is knowing you’re on a ship and that ship is heading toward a destination. There are days that you are actively working on getting to that destination and there are days when you are just enjoying the ride. In both circumstances, you are heading toward your destination. Even when a storm blows you off course, the ship readjusts and you continue the trip. The stress of transition comes when you try to row, every day, to reach your destination faster. This shows up in worry, restlessness, feeling like you have to do something, etc. It’s this unease and focus on just the destination that causes stress in transition.
Embrace the void
Here’s a little secret, you are always transitioning. Life is about transition and growth. If you are not transitioning, you are becoming stagnant. I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying. So how to you embrace the transition and lean into it. In my transition, I’ve identified 3 key principles for embracing your transition and finding peace as life shifts.
Embrace your mission and purpose
When you have ownership and trust in the big things, the fall things fall in line. Constantly go back to your mission and vision. Understand and believe that as long as you are adhering to your purpose, you are journeying to a destination worth arriving at. When each step you take pushes you closer to purpose, it’s easier to feel satisfied.
Meditation for 10 minutes a day
If you have never meditated before, use the Headspace app. It will get you started. If you have meditated, set up a discipline in the morning to get quite and meditate, either guided or not. The introspection and focus this will deliver will help as the chaos ensues around you. As entropy has taught us, we should expect things to go awry, not get upset when it does. Meditation is your prevention to loosing presence.
Focus on the journey
At the end of the day, this is a wonderful life. Feeling bad for yourself has literally no value no matter what situation you are in. Whatever journey you are on and whatever transition you are going through, focus on what you have control on and enjoy the ride. You are alive and you have the ability to pursue greatness through your mission and purpose. It’s a privilege you shouldn’t take lightly.
As I walk my family through a massive transition, I’m overwhelmed by the responsibility. I understand, however, that our journey is rooted in a faith that provides peace and direction. It’s not on my shoulders to make it all work. That blessing keeps me grounded and I’m excited to continue a step at a time.
