Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009! Transitions and Transformations

December 27th, 2008 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Most of us have never experienced total completion and the ability to create what’s next. If we did we would find ourselves the hero in our own lives. Joseph Campbell said that there’s really only one story that keeps being told over and over again, and that’s the hero’s journey.

While our lives reflect a journey through stages and phases, almost none of us have noticed that the sweet space between them, known as transitions, is where the splendid power of completion lies. If you can really be in that limbo transition space, it means you’ve let go of where you’ve been. An authentic “let go” has at that very moment an instant completion. A total completion. A transformation

As I’ve been learning to ride dressage on my horse, Chance, I’ve learned that the mastery (not to mention where most riders lose points in competition) lives in transitioning between gaits (walk, trot or canter). As a rider, if you can be in the transition with your body and mind balanced, you create a movement that is graceful to watch as well as ride.

My trainer, Stephanie, teaches me how to transition beautifully as I ride horses, but who really teaches us to transition in our lives, to let go?

We all have heroes whose approach to life has made an impact on us and therefore, usually at an unconscious level, we behave like them in times of transition. These heroes could be our parents, an inspirational teacher, friend, historic figure or a movie star. Sometimes it’s even our pets showing unconditional love.

All of this is good. Yet what I’m pointing to is something a bit more.

As we are completing 2008 and entering 2009, we literally exist in a transition. A splendid opportunity is right before us. Are we going to let go, our very own selves standing vulnerable, alone, and naked in the face of the unknown? That’s the way we were born …

It’s like the flying trapeze, where you’ve come as far as you can until the peak of the movement, and then you let go. There you are … suspended in limbo … blind … looking for the next bar to grab onto … committing … grabbing … and then enjoying the ride into the New Year!

When you land on the other side, you’re not the same person who took off! Voila! A transformation. If we don’t seize the opportunity to have continual transformation as we live, what’s the point?

Of course, right after landing there’s work to be done. Focused, disciplined and inspired action is required. For some, projects and goals work well.

Only you can create that next place for yourself to grab onto … this is what makes you your own hero.

So what are your goals and projects for 2009? Are they big enough, are they bold enough?

Helen Keller said, “Life’s a daring adventure, or nothing!”

So, let go and enjoy the ride … goodbye 2008, hello 2009!