Transitions vs Transformations

As we move into Springtime and time of rapid changes in the nature, I contemplate all the different transitions and, how I see this, in contrast with transformation. 

We are all transitioning - all of the time.

• We transition from child to adult.

• We transition through stages from maiden to queen, from queen to crone.

• We transition from night into day.

• We transition from one geographical place to another as we commute, holiday, or emigrate.

• We transition from one activity to another.

• We transition through the days of the week.

• We transition through the seasons of the year.

• We transition from our gender assigned at birth to our aligned gender.

• We transition from this life to another life.

  Transitions are often in response to changes around us (political, geological, economic, meteorological). Transitions are in response to our internal changes (hormonal, cellular, perceptual).

  Transitions allow space for us to align with these changes.

  Transitions are not easy. That was an understatement. Let me try again; Transitions are super hard!

  Transitions are also opportunities.

  Transitions are a vehicle for transformation.

  Transitions allow for evolution: personal evolution and collective evolution.

  We know that we are in the process of transition when we can no longer go back to where and how things used to be.

This realisation and transition in itself however do not mean that we have ‘transformed’.

A period of antagonistic pushing and pulling is often an indication of being in the transformation process. Longing for what was. Longing for the return of ‘normal’.. Avoiding what is. Denial. Grief.

This is sometimes referred to as the ‘messy’ middle. That chrysalis stage is where we live, not knowing what will be.

Resistance fuels and prolongs this uncomfortable, painful process. For our nervous system this ‘unfamiliar’ represents everything but safety. Emotional, physical, and mental distress may arise.

Transformation happens when we come to a place of acceptance. Acceptance of our change in situation, acceptance of who we are, rather than who we were.

Transformation happens when we let go of the attachment to that which was - sometimes this is a person, a relationship of a kind, other times a job, a role or status in the society, a belonging such as a house, etc. A LOT OF THE TIME the attachment is to an IDEA we aspired to, and even identified with.

Transformations are symbolised by a death of a kind. An ending. 

Transformations are about letting go of what we have known (our nervous system translates this ‘familiar’ as ‘safe’ no matter how unhelpful this may be) and opening ourselves to possibilities.

Transformations give rise to a new beginning, a re-birth. 

Transformations are an opportunity to come closer to our authentic, true, complete selves where we can open our wings and fly.

Film recommendation 

Joseph Campbell did a lot of work on this subject and if you have not seen this yet, I highly recommend watching the Hero’s Journey!

Over to you

• Where are you on this journey, my friend?

• When things around you change and you feel out of control, what is your safety? What is your anchor?

Summary

More than ever, the time is ripe for us to revise our beliefs of what is safe, right, and wrong and move away from black and white, good or bad ways of thinking and living.

We can do this work reactively or proactively. Whilst we have a choice we may not have the resources where we feel safe enough to be doing this work. For this reason I am here to provide space for people to do this work.