Change is Growth

Change is hard. It goes against our essential nature to rewire the known and adapt to the unknown. Yet, it is vital for growth.

A common theme I hear during therapy sessions is a reluctance to accept or sometimes even see the changes already made. It is almost the toad in the pot situation. Changes happen so slowly that they are overlooked until someone prompts you to reflect on your past.

Why is that?

The simple answer is that the body and mind unconsciously adapt when things slowly change. It becomes a part of the routine and is filtered out; in the same way, the brain filters out the sensation of wearing clothing or background noise. This way takes longer, but it also has a more solid foundation.

The challenge of this method is that it also takes awareness to make these changes.

Dichotomy to the extreme? Probably, yet I have also told you that life is not that simple, and the key is balance.

The body and mind are built to survive, so routine is safe because the outcome is known. Routine is also automatic, like walking. Most people do not consider the mechanisms required to walk across a room. Getting from A to B seems simple, right? Yet, those who have had to relearn how to walk know that it is not as simple as we may think.

So, unconscious awareness is the answer? Yes and no.

Let’s go back to the toad in the pot. He is aware that the water is warming up, just like an individual is aware that they are making changes. For the individual, it is a conscious effort to catch key behaviors or thoughts and actively change them. The more they do this, the easier it gets until it becomes a rhythm or habit.

For the toad, as the water warms up, it becomes less sensitive to the heat and adapts to its environment. Unfortunately, in this scenario, the toad’s lack of awareness leads to its doom; in some ways, the same goes for the individual. Why?

When you forget where you started, it is easy to perceive that nothing has changed. This can lead to negative emotions and thoughts about yourself and the situation, which is a shame because you are no longer in the same place. Instead, you’re a few steps closer to your goal.

So, do yourself a favor and make note of your small wins and losses. You may be surprised at what you see when you look back upon them later.

If you would like more guidance or are just curious and would like more information about any of this, feel free to contact me.

Love and Light,

Jodie Nicole.