Life is all about change. Life is impermanent. Fear comes in when we resist life’s changes. Learn to surrender to change. We do not always have to be in control. Life involves many endings and many things passing away or passing on. Loss is a part of life. It could be the loss of a relationship, the loss of your marriage, the loss of a parent or the loss of your precious pet.
Pema Chodron in her book, “When Things Fall Apart “says:
If sometimes we can approach what scares us, and sometimes we absolutely can’t, then that’s our experience. “This very moment is the perfect teacher, and it’s always with us” is a most profound instruction. Just seeing what’s going on-that’s the teaching right there.
When I was selling the house I lived in for 25 years, it was terrifying. I was filled with so much fear. I felt that the very foundation of my life was crumbling and I guess in a strange way it was. What I did was replace my fear with faith. I believed the Universe had a master plan and I needed to surrender to the change. Instead of focusing on my fear, I began to see that the loss of my house was also a new beginning for me. It was another step toward my new life.
This poem by Rumi provided comfort to me during those times.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some monetary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the same, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.