General Information – Change and the Soul
When we experience change in our private or social lives we will likely experience a soulshift. We may lose our enthusiasm or suddenly become energized. We may find our capacity for patience to be very thin or we may feel very forgiving and open-hearted. These soulshifts are very real and can be quite disturbing to ourselves and others.
When we are entering a soulshift the same wisdom applies as we have used for changes in body and mind. Change what we can, accept what we cannot, and have the wisdom to know the difference. Many will argue that emotions happen to us and we have no control over them. This may be true on the surface, but when we feel a “seismic” shift in our emotional state, we do have some things we can do to shape their intensity and depth. Our control may be limited by external circumstances and internal dynamics. But, many times we can redirect the energy created by these shifts in ways that helps us to endure and even grow through the experience.
One morning we wake up and our legs just refuse to move. We feel empty inside as if someone came in the night and drained our “battery” and our “gas tank.” We acknowledge that we have been under a lot of stress. We have dealt with several disappointments. We tossed and turned most of the night. We have awoken to a soulshift.
Rather than lay there, we decide that we do not want to waste the day. We get up and get moving. Before long, the spring in our step starts to return and our soul begins to rebound. We could have wasted a whole day of PTO on a bad morning. Instead we have learned just how resilient we are and that not every bad morning creates a bad day.
Soulshifts, when approached as an opportunity for self-care, can lead us to a greater sense of self. When they persist, we may discover the triggers to our own sadness or anger. When we can move through them, we discover the power we have for our lives and health. Self-care during the soulshifts can be profound moments of learning and growth.
When we are entering a soulshift the same wisdom applies as we have used for changes in body and mind. Change what we can, accept what we cannot, and have the wisdom to know the difference. Many will argue that emotions happen to us and we have no control over them. This may be true on the surface, but when we feel a “seismic” shift in our emotional state, we do have some things we can do to shape their intensity and depth. Our control may be limited by external circumstances and internal dynamics. But, many times we can redirect the energy created by these shifts in ways that helps us to endure and even grow through the experience.
One morning we wake up and our legs just refuse to move. We feel empty inside as if someone came in the night and drained our “battery” and our “gas tank.” We acknowledge that we have been under a lot of stress. We have dealt with several disappointments. We tossed and turned most of the night. We have awoken to a soulshift.
Rather than lay there, we decide that we do not want to waste the day. We get up and get moving. Before long, the spring in our step starts to return and our soul begins to rebound. We could have wasted a whole day of PTO on a bad morning. Instead we have learned just how resilient we are and that not every bad morning creates a bad day.
Soulshifts, when approached as an opportunity for self-care, can lead us to a greater sense of self. When they persist, we may discover the triggers to our own sadness or anger. When we can move through them, we discover the power we have for our lives and health. Self-care during the soulshifts can be profound moments of learning and growth.
Tips
Discern a Soulshift – Be present to your state of soul and do not simply accept it as inevitable. Realize the change that has occurred in your soul and name it. By naming you assert some measure of control over it.
Accept it for what it is -- Recognize that today may not be the day to make a big decision, but you do not have to allow it to ruin your day. A soulshift is a change within. Recognize that it will limit some of your capacities but it may enhance others.
Invest in a little TLC to ease the struggle – Treat yourself to some time for the things that give you energy. Some people like to be with people whiles others prefer solitude. Everyone is different. Do not expect miracles, but you can likely count on a brief respite from the discomfort.
Make peace with your soul – By accepting this as part of your life at this time you are free to let it teach you a little more self-awareness and show you the way in the future.
Resilience – Give yourself permission to bounce and ride the wave of the moment. We cannot choose how we feel but we do have the power to choose how we live our day. Honor the feeling but do not allow it to steal away your daily life.
Accept it for what it is -- Recognize that today may not be the day to make a big decision, but you do not have to allow it to ruin your day. A soulshift is a change within. Recognize that it will limit some of your capacities but it may enhance others.
Invest in a little TLC to ease the struggle – Treat yourself to some time for the things that give you energy. Some people like to be with people whiles others prefer solitude. Everyone is different. Do not expect miracles, but you can likely count on a brief respite from the discomfort.
Make peace with your soul – By accepting this as part of your life at this time you are free to let it teach you a little more self-awareness and show you the way in the future.
Resilience – Give yourself permission to bounce and ride the wave of the moment. We cannot choose how we feel but we do have the power to choose how we live our day. Honor the feeling but do not allow it to steal away your daily life.
FYI
I strongly encourage you to review the links below. They have some excellent information about dealing with the soulshifts in our lives.
The Emotions of Change
Finding Your Bounce in Times of Change
Self-Care and the Soul
The Emotions of Change
Finding Your Bounce in Times of Change
Self-Care and the Soul
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