CHANGE: FEAR ME NOT – EMBRACE ME: Five thoughts on fostering change

CHANGE: FEAR ME NOT – EMBRACE ME

Five thoughts on fostering change

Most people are resistant to change. This is true for any society and for people from all walks of life.  Change requires a lot of effort, commitment and energy; we often prefer the path of least resistance.  We enjoy being in our comfort zones, and tend to fear change, because it brings uncertainty and leads us into the unknown. Perhaps the greatest fear of all is the fear of the unknown.  Fear is natural, but if we recognize and embrace it, we can transform it into something positive and productive.

Like hatred and prejudice, fear is a very strong emotion, thus it can produce an enormous amount of energy.  That energy can be very destructive. We need to pause, reflect and recognize it.  In doing so, we will see that the cause of fear is not knowing. The people who fear change the most, often feel insecure, unprepared and inadequate to conquer new endeavors. Sometimes, change makes them feel like victims and out of control. But in reality, we are in full control of our response.

While we can’t control anyone else’s thoughts, speech, actions or emotions, we can control our own. Controlling our own thoughts, speech, actions and emotions is the first step in facing change. Once we recognize and face change with mindfulness, we can embrace and transform it. Here are five thoughts that can foster our acceptance of change.

1. Lay a foundation of compassion and love with a moral purpose.

2. Control your own emotions and well-being.

3. Be sincere with regard to your intention and mission.

4.  Have confidence in your own abilities and flexibility.

5.  Harvest the labor of love and be proud of the work you do.

Nurturing change is the process of planting the seeds of compassion for the greater good. To put it succinctly, change is a natural process and it is like a weed-- it is easy to grow and to react negatively to it. But it takes a lot of time and love to mold something unpleasant into something beautiful like a bonsai.  Changes present a great opportunity for fulfillment.  When we challenge ourselves, there is great potential for the end result to be extremely satisfying and beneficial for all.  So, why be fearful? Life is a constant process of change--it’s impermanent.  Embrace and enjoy the beauty of it.

Source: An Essence Of Mindful Leadership: Learning Through Mindfulness And Compassion, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, November 12, 2015.