Transitions and Transformations

Change… it is said, is the only universal constant. Our lives and our bodies are always in a state of flux, changing with the seasons, and over our lives we are faced with those that are sometimes clear and obvious and others that are subtle. However, there is often little written and spoken about how these affect our lives and how we see ourselves.

Springtime gives us clear signals of change as we emerge from the cold of winter, and as the warmth of the sun battles back and forth with the cold and wind, we see all around us the clear signs of emergence. From the surge of growth of plants and flowers, the excitement of the birds as they ready their nests for a new season of chicks.

Personally, we all face sometimes more dramatic transitions that can leave us confused and confronted. Adjusting to these changes we may feel like we don’t ‘know ourselves’ anymore.

The onset of puberty brings physical changes that can be very challenging as we look for ideas outside of ourselves about who might become. We try different looks; patterns of behaviour seem to burst out of no-where and wonder why so little seems to make sense.

Parenthood also brings significant transitions. With the birth of a child , emerges two parents that bring new challenges about who we were and who we want to be for our child. We become not only responsible for ourselves, but for another emerging little human.

Perimenopause, menopause and andropause all bring physical and emotional shifts that again alter our perception of our reality. We need to look not only at what we eat more closely, how we exercise and notice areas of our body that we may have neglected and look for ways to remedy these things. In these areas classical texts offer sage advice. “Take kindly the counsel of the years, gradually surrendering things of youth” says Desiderata, while the Tao gives clear direction of eating wholesome foods, keeping warm and appreciating the rhythms of nature and the love of friends and family.

All of these changes give us opportunities. The chance to pause, review and reset and letting go of what no longer seems appropriate to the person you are becoming. Learning new ways of being in your body, appreciating all it does for you and how you can broaden your horizons by learning a new skill. Getting involved in community and charity can nourish us in so many ways.

This October I will be hosting a retreat right here in Kinglake at the fabulous Cheeky Fox to delve deeper into all the manifestations of transformations and transitions we go through.

Early next year we will also hold a one-day retreat to hone in on some fundamental aspects of how we can keep adapting to the fast-changing world. Each day it seems there is some new ‘update’, a new existential ‘threat’ to what we knew of this world we live in.

It’s so important to remember to give ourselves time, space, freedom and real rest to keep us from potential burn out. Look for ways that fill your cup. Nourish your body and soul.

I’ll leave you with final words from the sublime Desiderata;

“Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive them to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” Max Ehrmann 1927.

CALL (03) 5786 1889 FOR BOOKINGS OR MORE INFORMATION

Until next time, stay well.

Dr Angela Palmer. Kinglake Chinese Medicine.