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| ~ ∞ ~ On Change and Transformation 1/3 - Awaken the Living Awareness Within ~ ∞ ~ |
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One of the central themes of this book is transformation – and thus, here, in this chapter, we will have a brief discussion about this underlying key aspect of this work. Before we go any further, it is important to emphasize the fact that both change and transformation can be either beneficial or detrimental, which is another way of saying that we as the collective human species can either evolve or devolve, depending on the choices we make.
In this book, when we talk about transformation, we are talking about conscious transformation – self-directed, mindful process of self-exploration that can transform one’s life; and not only that, but also the transformation of society, as well. You may consider this discussion as a starting point for a deeper exploration of the subject.
We begin this chapter by giving some basic definitions, namely change and transformation. These closely related terms are often used interchangeably, but the question is: Are they really the same? Well, the short answer is no, they are not the same. There is indeed a clear distinction between change and transformation. This leads to a follow-up question: What is the difference between the two? Let us explore this further and find out, shall we?
By definition, change is something that uses external influences to modify actions to achieve desired results. In contrast, transformation happens from within – it doesn’t require any external influence to maintain. Change is often temporary and can be reverted. In contrast, transformation is permanent. Change is an incremental alteration to the existing processes, whereas transformation is a completely new process.
Change is about improving something to be more, better, efficient. Transformation, on the other hand, invents or redefines a whole field, paradigm*1, process. Transformation is a clear change from one state to another. In other words, transformation is a breakthrough into a whole another level entirely.
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*1 A paradigm is the collection of ideas and assumptions that pass from one generation to the next and which seem to be immutable. The paradigm shift, then, is when the paradigm shifts. In this process, everything that no longer serves its purpose – begins to fade away, to be replaced with something else; and with it goes all the old, outdated and outmoded structures that are limiting us. This in turn gives way to a new understanding, a new way of seeing, a new way of living, being, and doing. Paradigm shifts are necessary for growth and transformation. This area is explored more in detail in the section titled INFINITE, in a chapter Metaphysical Paradigm Shift.
*1 A paradigm is the collection of ideas and assumptions that pass from one generation to the next and which seem to be immutable. The paradigm shift, then, is when the paradigm shifts. In this process, everything that no longer serves its purpose – begins to fade away, to be replaced with something else; and with it goes all the old, outdated and outmoded structures that are limiting us. This in turn gives way to a new understanding, a new way of seeing, a new way of living, being, and doing. Paradigm shifts are necessary for growth and transformation. This area is explored more in detail in the section titled INFINITE, in a chapter Metaphysical Paradigm Shift.
To give an example: as the caterpillar hangs itself up to begin its transformation, its skin hardens into a chrysalis. Inside this chrysalis, deep in the caterpillar’s body, tiny cells called ‘imaginal cells’ begin to form. What happens next is nothing short of a miracle: once in the cocoon, the buds – essentially, stem cells – link up and build a butterfly from the chrysalis fluids. A butterfly is a transformation, not a better caterpillar – see?
The miracle of metamorphosis in one species is just one facet of a much bigger story. You see, all Creation is in process of transformation, in process of returning to, and, into the fullness and awareness of its Source. We too are in process of transformation, but unlike the caterpillar, we have the privilege of having choices; through our free will, we can work with the dynamic of transformation, or against it. The way we make our choices will determine the future of human life on Earth, you see?
That said, we can move the conversation forward by pointing out the obvious: humans generally lack the will to evolve, change, or transform and transcend beyond self-imposed limits. This has a much greater impact than most realize – not only on the individuals themselves, but also on the society and the environment, as well.
Indeed, it is the lack of will that impedes from following the way of wisdom, which is another way of saying that the weakness of will, combined with ignorance is causing people to wander in complete oblivion. As such, most people live their lives with little thought of who they are, why they are here, or where they are going. By the same token, we can say that most people are moving through their lives completely unconscious, without present moment awareness.
Now, someone might point out that these people live their lives in this way by their own volition. Well, if that’s the case, then what does that say about us? That we choose ignorance over truth, blindness over sight, and in the end – stagnation over transformation?
Clearly, we are well aware that we have a choice – in everything we do, in every moment, in the whole of life, between creation and destruction, yin and yang, as it were. For you see, everything is a choice – even not to choose is still a choice; we can decide to have life “do us,” or we can choose to “do life,” the choice is ours to make – see? And here we enter into the territory of free will, which is another topic of its own, and is therefore covered later in this book.
In the context of transformation, it is necessary to ask the following question: How can anyone change or go through transformation of any kind, if they don’t know where they are falling short? Cultivating the present moment awareness throughout the day is the key in solving this issue. It is through mindfulness that we can become aware of our thoughts, feelings, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviors – the way we think, speak, and act – see?
By exploring our direction in life with self-awareness we open to the possibility of following the path of wisdom. With mindfulness, one can become aware of how and why one reacts to events or situations instead of responding impulsively due to past conditioning. With mindfulness, one can transcend this perceptual conditioning that separates us from universal wisdom; one then no longer experiences life through the narrow limits of conditioned perception – see?
This brings us inexorably here – to realize that we have come upon a time of convergence, a turning of the tides. As we head into the third decade of the 21st century and beyond, it is more clear than ever before: we as the collective human species are in dire need of conscious transformation – this will only become more pronounced as years pass.
Consequently, we need a catalytic process – a change of perspective, a spiritual awakening. By going through this process, we could reclaim our ancient ways of seeing and awaken ourselves to the world-wide awareness of our inherent Divine nature.
In the beginning stages, it all boils down to personal transformation – a change of perspective, transformation of one’s life; leading us to a point where we can experience a transformation of the world itself. This, in turn, can lead to the emergence of a collective awakening, which holds the potential for a balanced world where humans are conscious participants in the evolution of their cultures, and even of the entirety of human society, as well, you see?
Should we choose, both as individuals and as a species, to utilize our free will to rewrite our story, and consciously take part in our future growth and expansion, integration and transformation – is entirely up to each and every one of us.
Here we arrive at an important point: we may have a desire for change, but the honest truth is that it’s not enough – change has to come deep from within; and it to be permanent, what we need is transformation. You see, if we want our outer world to change, we must transform ourselves, and to do that, we need to have the will to change our ways, the will to change our values, the will to change our attitudes – see?
Having said that, it is worth pointing out that each generation comes into this world thinking they can make the world a better place – eventually ending up making the same realization: we cannot change the world without changing ourselves.
Therefore, it is essential to understand that change always begins with ourselves – we must be willing to change ourselves to change the world; to develop we must grow; to grow we must change, and to change we must transform. The world itself will change as the people on Earth themselves change – see?
And so it goes that at the moment, we find ourselves at a crossroads – a point of no return, where a decision has to be made: Do we continue our old ways, repeating our past mistakes, or do we take the critical first step towards the process of adaptation, change, and transformation? Do we move forward towards a bright future, or do we follow the old worldview and plunge deeper into oblivion?
The question facing humanity at this critical juncture in human history – a time of convergence, a turning of the tides, is whether we are willing to take up the responsibility and opportunity to grow, ripe and mature?
Will we embrace our inherent unity, interconnectedness, and interdependence as the collective human species and self-consciously adapt to the new conditions of our existence, or do we cling to inherent patterns of belief and behavior that are driven by ignorance and hubris – and learn the lessons of interdependence the hard way, through the deepening social and ecological consequences of a failure to adapt, change and transform?
Furthermore, are we willing to do what needs to be done to make things better, to keep things balanced, to be the best we can be? If we can answer yes to this, then we will find the way; we are the process – the way, you see?
This process implies not only the change and transformation of the individuals, but also the structure of society that will reflect the underlying principle, or truth, of the oneness of humanity. This principle entails the emergence of a consciousness that recognizes and acknowledges this oneness, which in turn establishes equality between all people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, nationality, language, and culture, you see?
What will our future hold is but anyone’s guess – what matters most is the truth that our future is ours to envision, discover and co-create together, learning from one another and helping to build a legacy for future generations.
This raises the question: Why do we accept the status-quo? Why should we continue to live like past generations? Why do we continue repeating things that have painful outcomes? Why don’t we initiate something new? What fears are holding us back? Why don’t we do everything within our power to reach our God-given potential? In many ways, it seems as though we are stuck in a loop, and thus in today’s technology-driven world someone clever might just ask: Why don’t we just break the simulation?
What would it take for us to see that it was we ourselves who held the key to our own transformation all along? That we are the ones who write our own destiny, with how we choose to live our lives, with what we choose to learn, unlearn, and relearn, with what we choose to let go and leave behind, with what we choose to envision and create, and what we choose to cherish and value. What would it take for us to see that the decision is ours, and ours alone, and has been so from day one? And so yet again, I ask you this: Why do we accept the status-quo and settle for less?
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~ ॐ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi ~ ∞ ~
Get the Book: Awaken the Living Awareness Within – Discover the Keys to Happiness, Inner Peace & Harmony
~ ॐ ~ Sambodhi Padmasamadhi ~ ∞ ~
Get the Book: Awaken the Living Awareness Within – Discover the Keys to Happiness, Inner Peace & Harmony
[ Click » here « to read the next part: On Change and Transformation 2/3 – Prologue: Part X ]
Extra Material: Video: You're It - Alan Watts. Video description: "An inspiring and profound speech from the late Alan Watts. Speech extract from 'Zen Bones and Tales' by Alan Watts"
