Dying to Change
by Robert Gerzon
April in New England brings a sense of anticipation -- changes are happening all around us in the world of nature. Winter's chill still descends at night, trees are still bare, and patches of snow remain where the spring sun cannot reach. Yet crocuses are bursting forth through the soil and a warm, sunny afternoon triggers thoughts of barbecues and beaches.
Change is the defining characteristic of spring. Every day the world outside looks a little different. We are changing too. Our body responds to spring with renewed energy. If we aid our body with a cleansing diet, exercise and fresh air, it sheds its winter padding, eliminates toxins and prepares for an active season.
Change occurs through the archetypal process of death and rebirth. For new cells to be born, the old ones need to die and disappear. For new plants to grow this spring, last year's vegetation had to perish. Traditional rites of spring including the Easter story of crucifixion and resurrection remind us of the holy necessity of death and rebirth.
Our body is constantly changing. Biologists have found that every few years virtually all the cells in our body are replaced. Physically, we are not the same person we were before. This is an amazing fact -- our body and our spirit are on our side, helping us change.
Many people are "dying to change" -- they'd love to have a more successful life and become a new and improved version of themselves. But far fewer are really willing to do the "dying" that's necessary for the change to happen.
Our ego mistakenly resists change. We become too attached to our self-image and our ideas about the way things are. When new cells are produced our ego forces these new cells into old, familiar shapes, instead of allowing our spirit to create healthier forms. The ancient proverb, "Do not pour new wine into old wineskins," cautions us not to miss the opportunity for growth and change that our body gives us every day. Cells are dying and being reborn so that we can change.
In my work as a holistic counselor and life coach I see amazing changes happen nearly every day. I have seen a man who lived through 40 years of days and nights plagued by severe anxiety, depression and insecurity, become a human being who enjoys life and feels good about who he is -- a fundamental change in personality. I've seen a woman who lived most of her adult life in the hell of frequent, severe, debilitating migraines and addiction to pain killers become able to live life drug-free and to enjoy glorious headache-free weeks -- a miraculous change in physiology as well as personality. I've seen individuals who for years had suppressed their true natures reclaim their lives -- change careers and find healthier relationships. I've witnessed many people who lived for decades under the cold, shadow of childhood abuse free themselves to live in the light of divine love and acceptance. These individuals had the courage to let old cells and old selves die, and new ones be born.
And I've also seen opportunities for change that are missed because fear, ignorance, habit and plain old stubbornness trap some people into resisting change, often the very change they are secretly longing for. Sometimes, as W.H. Auden observed, "We would rather be ruined than changed. We would rather die in our dread than climb the cross of the moment and let our illusions die."
In my own life, I continue to be amazed at the depth of change that is possible. I can hardly recognize the man I was 30 years ago. He was living in a different world, a toxic world of fear and alienation, out of touch with himself, unhappy, and unable to experience love and intimacy. My life today is so different -- I've learned so much, doing work I love, in a relationship that is everything I've ever wanted, and experiencing a closer connection to my Source. My life is far from perfect and a transition to the next level can still trigger confusion and resistance -- but it's exciting to imagine what could happen during the next 30 years!
Look outside at the world of nature. Then look inside. There is a change that is dying to happen in your life this spring. What is it?
Freedom of choice is an awesome thing. You can resist the dying and miss the change. Or you can surrender each day to the mystery of spiritual growth, letting yesterday's self die and allowing today's self to be reborn.
Find out more about Robert Gerzon’s highly acclaimed book Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety.
Find out more about Robert Gerzon’s Counseling and Coaching Services.
Read more articles by Robert Gerzon online at:
http://www.gerzon.com
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