“Take care” in a time of change

Posted on 25. Mar, 2010 by Susan Wright in Life Coaching

The first signs of spring are evident in my house with a change in sleep patterns and extended play time outside. I’m being challenged, with my parental attempt at maintaining some sort of nighttime routine, apparently bedtime, too, has “sprung forward” with the change of the clock. Evidently, there’s a shift in energy and naturally some consequential adjustments taking place. I think it’s fair to say, no matter what the change – seasonal, relationships, routines, work, and life – that we must pay extra attention to the subtle shifts taking place and remember to “take care.”

I was gently reminded to “take care” today and promptly thought how often we forget or neglect our needs in a time of change. Similar with my front garden, which has laid dormant over winter, I now must attend to its needs although some will naturally be met without my intervention. So where must we intercede in our own lives to successfully manage change? Well, much like a garden we mustn’t unearth everything all at once or randomly go about cutting, seeding, and watering. It might be helpful to focus on key elements that nurture our transition and promising growth. Those key elements being:

• mindfulness
• rest and relaxation
• play
• nutrition

Without adequate support provided by all these elements we fail to deal effectively with the challenges and adjustments that comes with change.  So I suggest we need to intervene where the need is felt most deeply. If you feel overwhelmed then coming to a still point or present awareness can offset this unsettled feeling. If you are lacking sleep due to a change in routine and new demands for your time and energy, then why not partake in a brief nap or indulge in a long soaky bath, chances are you emerge a little less tired and whole lot more creative and energized. The point is not to dismiss the signs that come with change but rather listen, observe, and pay attention.  In doing so, you will inevitably manage each day with a little more ease.  There is a cumulative effect that takes place when we take care and connect most intimately with our own landscape.  We are not unlike a garden with all it’s systems and identifiable structures. Often it’s helpful to notice what’s shifting or what adjustments are naturally occurring. When we observe, feel, and experience this then it is likely one can take appropriate measures to manage the change.

For now, review the four elements and take note of the one that will support you in this time of change. In my next post, I’ll offer some ideas on how to take action in those areas.

Until then, I might have a few more trying nights (getting kids to bed) but I’ll remember this, too, will change and in the meantime, I’ll take a nap.

Susan