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Our world is dynamic and ever-changing, in a state of constant flux and motion. It is when we learn to embrace these changes that we open ourselves to endless possibilities and new vistas. Every moment of every day can present us with an opportunity to evolve and grow.
Going with the flow
While some may find change to be daunting or unsettling, developing a positive attitude toward change can have a positive effect on our psyches and the trajectory of our lives, according to Tiny Buddha blogger Ani Alexander, who highlights the many spiritual benefits of change including: accelerated personal growth, flexibility, adaptability to new situations and environments, and reinforced life values.
“During my life I have lived in five countries and in over twenty-five apartments, changed five schools and about five different careers. Changes connected with moving from country to country impacted my personality. Thanks to them I became more flexible and open-minded. Now I understand cultural differences and appreciate diversity,” Alexander explained.
Alexander discusses the empowering effect cumulative changes can have on our lives: “Often we give up because we cannot accomplish the difficult task of making a huge and immediate change. That is when small changes become extremely valuable. One shift at a time, small changes will eventually lead you to the desired big one.”
Adaptability in the face of challenges is key
According to the HuffPost, learning to become adaptable is one of the most beneficial life skills people can develop.
“You have to be aware of what your coping mechanisms are. Most people just forge ahead and try the same thing over and over, rather than switch strategies. When we encounter failure, we have to question our strategies. What in your preparation -- in your thinking, planning and effort -- went wrong," psychologist Guy Winch, Ph.D. told the HuffPost.
In addition to overcoming challenges and adversity more adeptly, adaptability helps people learn how to be proactive about living in a more positive way, always on the lookout for joy and contentment.
"We constantly meet psychological challenges. Some of us succumb, we feel hopeless, disempowered, give up and some meet challenges, take the knock and learn something from it. Our ability to have life satisfaction, to be happy [and] to have good relationships really depends on our ability to adapt," Winch explained.
Aim for change from within
Robert Puff Ph.D.explains on Psychology Today that it is best to accept that change is an inevitable part of life and that when change occurs it may be jarring or sudden. Anticipating that change will come and internalizing that changes are a natural part of human existence help people to cope with life shifts without being overwhelmed.
“We tackle change by acknowledging that change is a part of life. We shouldn’t look for someone else to blame, nor should we embrace bitterness. Instead, we must search for adaptation skills. For instance, with a cancer diagnosis, sometimes we can treat it, and sometimes we cannot. Regardless, we must change our lifestyles either to fight cancer or live with this predicament,” Puff stated.
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Adopting a positive mindset about the many changes that are bound to come our way can arm us with the ability to remain strong in the face of adversity and can enable us to lead happier, more contented lives.
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