Three words to live by

and the one we never like to hear

Ever-changing Sunset © Kathryn LeRoy

Hello friend,

Change.

We don’t like the word, the concept, the consequences—even me. I want to think I am adaptable and comfortable swimming in the sea of ambiguity and uncertainty. I am, until I’m not.

Panta Rhei: These two Greek words summarize the teachings of the ancient philosopher Heraclitus. NASA noticed this concept with the Hubble Space Telescope as scientists observed the ever-changing nature of the cosmos.

Panta Rhei . . . basically means, everything flows. And everything in the Universe is indeed continually on the move, spiraling and shifting through space.

No wishing or wailing will alter the fact that everything—every single particle, on earth, in the universe, human and non-human—changes constantly. We are intricately interwoven, and there is no going back to any “good old days.”

This brings me to the question: how do we cope with the transformations evolving around us, those we make, and those that make us?

What if we look for glimmers, metanoia, or ikigai?

Try looking for a glimmer. Laura Dawn defines a glimmer as small miraculous moments that require noticing; moments that enchant you, open your heart, and make you come alive.

Consider metanoia, a change of heart or way of thinking. We miss opportunities and new connections if we hold too tightly to the past or our circumstances.

My favorite is living with purpose, ikigai (ē-kē-gī), bringing value and joy to life. This Japanese concept roughly translates to a reason for living—making time for giving, relationships, and pursuing our passions.

Rather than moaning and complaining about this or that thing uprooting my comfort, I will let go of all the negativity and search for a hand to hold, a smile to share, a kindness to give.

Will you join me?

Web of Life © Kathryn LeRoy

Change is never easy or all it’s cracked up to be. I’m done!

Tim Tamashiro has a short lesson on how to ikigai.

Bob Dylan’s words still resonante because The Times They Are A-Changin’

“Its not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place between what we fear ... Its like being between trapezes.  Its Linus when his blanket is in the wash.”
—Marilyn Ferguson

Fleeting Beauty © Kathryn LeRoy

If you want to read more from me, visit my website. I’ll be there waiting for you.

With gratitude,

Kathryn

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