Change

“The only thing constant is change” quotes on of my favorite music groups. I’m sure that many a Buddhist holy men have said this as well. Change has been the source of every significant event, every memorable moment of my life. If my life feels too stagnant I crave change. I’ll often take a road trip, shave my head or clean the bathroom. Change has been responsible for the most memorable experiences in my life – whether a crushing set back or a beautiful random encounter.

Awareness of change has allowed me to be flexible and open with life. This awareness has also allowed me to cultivate and respect my free will. Some say free will is an illusion. But I believe that through awareness of change a person has free will. By choosing how to react to change a person exercises free will. Also by making conscious choices a person can influence how some changes will impact them. It doesn’t seem like much but when living in the chaotic world of constant change any little influence we can have around a change can make a huge difference – even if it just influences our peace of mind.

I don’t bounce out of bed every day exclaiming with a smile “what wonderful change will I encounter today?” I wish I could be so ebullient and enlightened. Unfortunately, life is filled with the day-to-day tedium that makes it life. So instead, I wake up every day with the realization that although I have certain things (like Spanish assignments and paying the bills) I need to accomplish or appointments (like going to class or feeding the dog) I have to keep, I need to maintain flexibility for the unexpected. This has allowed me to not be in a hurry and forgiving of myself if I don’t finish something on time. It also allows me to be more open to life and to the random experiences life tends to throw my way whether it’s drinking a beer with a long lost buddy or dealing with a traffic accident. I have found that these random experiences are not only the source for many a story but are also the meat of life and existence.

Don’t get me wrong. Some days I absolutely resent change - I just want to get up and know what to expect. But I guess that’s where routine comes in. I get up every day and make a cup of chai, listen to NPR while I make my breakfast, toss the ball for the dog, pack my bag and head out the door. But knowing that ‘the only constant is change’ helps me be comfortable with, and even look forward to, what’s on the other side of that door.