Tuesday, October 25, 2016

The Word of the Season - Change

 
Change.
Change is the word of the season. Vivid colors, cooling temperatures, pumpkins. As I look around me I am absolutely taken by the beautiful array of colors this Autumn. It strikes me, the way nature so often does, the parallels and contrasts between nature and ourselves. So many clients who have worked session after session on accepting and embracing change are able to do so quite easily when it comes to admiring the changing leaves, but struggle so deeply with embracing other forms of change in their lives. I ask myself why, and I arrive at a few potential reasons:

-This isn't the first time we've seen change in the form of Autumn. It is part of a predictable, cyclical pattern that we have grown used to over our lifetimes, thus we know what to expect.

-The particular flavor of change we witness in the changing season is quite beautiful, unlike so many aspects of change we resist in other areas of our lives. Perhaps it is easier to accept change in this lovely form.

-Changing leaves is external to our Selves. Perhaps we are more comfortable with seeking and embracing that which is not within.

-The colors and temperatures of fall are physical, visual, sensory experiences. Might we more easily accept the forms of change that present in these concrete ways rather than the internal or abstract changes of our lives that are more nebulous or etherial?

-We have no choice whether the leaves will fall or not; we must simply go with it because it is, and always has been, what just is. Is it easier to accept change that happens outside of our control?

Just a few reflections to consider during this beautiful Fall season. I ask you, is there a change knocking on your door? And if so, how would you choose to greet this visitor?

Thursday, October 20, 2016

"Walk Tall" Great Book

I wanted to share a great book that I stumbled upon in a Japanese bookstore at Japantown in San Francisco during some recent travels. Below are snapshots of a few pages I like within the book, but really the whole book is pretty motivational and inspiring.