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It was rightly stated that impatience
can also become a virtue if practiced upon one-self. An important reason for
the absence of change, even after making resolutions, is that the level of
‘discomfort’ with the state of things, is not strong enough to trigger the
needed change. This level should reach that critical point of becoming more
than all resistance and fear within for change, either through the dawn of
wisdom within or through problems encountered from situations without. It is
then that the needed breakthrough is achieved, through the generation of a
powerful wish power (icchasakti, in Indian parlance). This potent force
within is the font of all creativity.
Rising this level of
‘discomfort’ and also lowering the resistance within to change – these two
are thus the two vital factors for effecting the needed change within.
The Bible observes (Mathew; 4,4) that man does not live by bread alone. The
issue of raising the discomfort level is thus simply through awakening the
call of this spirit within through inspiring company (satsangathi),
reflection and analysis, besides exposure to excellence in real action.
So far as lowering the
resistance within is concerned, this manifests in different ways – fear of
having to give up a familiar, though a decadent world, fear of displeasing
others or being uncertain of one’s own real needs and priorities. The age
old injunction, “Know Thyself” enables the aspirant to realize the real self
within and then to proceed undeterred, unperturbed, unrelenting and unnerved
to his chosen goal.
Dr. Susan George, a psychotherapist
and Transactional Analysis trainer explaining how inability to change is due
to the discomfort within not exceeding the fear within to change, also
powerfully illustrates the sequential steps for lowering this fear or
resistance. The first step is being aware of the symptoms of the fear of
change. This would lead to the recognition of the real nature of each such
symptom, enabling one to obtain the needed positive belief that a solution
indeed is possible. There-after, taking responsibility for obtaining the solution would lead to the process
of ‘spontaneity’ in looking for options and skills required for this
solution. Obtaining success, in this process, is the logical conclusion.
The old order, to use the
expression of Tennyson, “changeth, yielding place to new.” This verily is
real success as would be testified by the accomplishments and fulfillment
that would naturally follow. |
