Category

coping with change

Adaptation; The Art of Graceful Change

By Adaptaton to stress, coping with change No Comments

If there is one thing in life that’s constant, it’s change. A change of jobs, a change in relationships, a new addition to the family, a dramatic change in finances, or even climate change (and all this may bring to each of us). Change is a big part of life (how boring life would be without some change). By and large, people do not like change, particularly change they cannot control. As they saying goes, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby.” The rest of us don’t like change! But change is inevitable. We cannot stop the winds of change, but we can adapt to them. Ironically, adaptation is another word for change. When faced with change, we can fight it (not recommended), or we can move gracefully with the flow. Those who fight change often do so with words, in the form of grieving (more commonly called bitching). While grieving is considered healthy and hence, essential, prolonged grieving is not beneficial. Adaptation begins with an attitude, then quickly becomes a strategy for moving on, moving with the flow. Some call adaptation resiliency! No mater what you call it, make the transition gracefully.

Stress Tip for the Day:

Adaptation beings with a new mindset. Sometimes it’s acceptance. Other times it may include creative problem solving (getting from point A to point B gracefully). Where in your life do you feel stuck? Once you have identified this situation, create a strategy to help you adapt and move with, rather than against the winds of change. Some people call adaptation the art of being a chameleon. Others refer to adaptation as augmenting your inner strength and power. There are many ways to adapt to a situation and do it gracefully. No matter what action you take, adaptation beings with a positive attitude.

Links, Books and Movies Worth Noting:

Here are a few links with more information about coping with change:

http://www.aliveandwellnews.com/self-help/how_to_cope_with_change.shtml


http://ezinearticles.com/?Coping-with-Change:-Develop-Your-Personal-Strategy&id=51313


Quote for the Day:

“Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; sweat will get you change.” — Jessie Jackson


Photo for the Day:

While I was doing some work with the US Army in Hawaii last year, (the Wounded Warrior program of returning soldiers with PTSD), Jeremy Grooms took time out of his duties as my host to demonstrate his meditation technique. To be sure, returning soldiers go through a HUGE process of adaptation as they return from the war theater to civilian life. Thanks Jeremy!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 12 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net.

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.