Change happens. It’s the only constant… take comfort in it.
Recognizing and understanding its pattern and process can be enlightening (your choice).
Change happens both in and at the level of patterns. And also, at the level of decisions. Big changes are opportunities in desperate times. Though you have to look at it right.
The Pattern level is like seasons in gardening or the lunar phases of the moon. Spring (prep), Summer (doing), Fall (harvesting), and Winter (death and rebirth).
The Choice level is about the daily choices and responses made at the individual level. It doesn’t matter what happens. But it matters your response (not reaction), i.e., your decision. It is not the “terrible situation/position,” It is the “what, how and why of your response.” Which is an opportunity to change (or not).
Back to the winter (death and rebirth): An easy way is to think of winter’s three phases. First the “breakdown.” An evaluation and letting go (like the Serenity Prayer). Second, the “break open.” A rediscovery and renewal of the self (your meaning and purpose). And third, the “breakthrough.” Which is rebirth and an emergence.
When things are breaking down, a person can feel anxious/fearful based on fear and loss. It is a response to what feels immediate in their face and their perspective is short and constricted. While another can feel excited about what might be next. A longer and expanded perspective. The subtle difference between fear and excitement is perspective.
Most challenges and opportunities are to transcend the dichotomy from either/or to both/and. Simply to gain an elevated/enlightened/expanded perspective. Then it is on to the next adventure.
Enlightenment is an action and a process… not a static state. But a dynamic state of BEING… to BE.
Blessings!
Tim