Change of any type is unsettling; moving is moving for sure. There is pause for review, there is the process of deciding what to keep and what to pass on, there are trips down memory lane as one goes through “stuff”, and there is uncertainty. “What will I need in the future? What can I let go of? What will I regret having let go of? What have I never used but felt necessary to move along with me time and time again?”
Part of it is selecting was is the best for NOW rather than before. There is no knowing what will be best in the future, but we know a lot about this moment if we listen. What is the change of address? What is the new beginning? Can we clear out old woes, useless memories, destructive ways of thinking or mementos that no longer serve to support and enhance our lives?
Whether we are moving in a physical sense (I am not) or moving in a spiritual, emotional, or developmental sense, the process is much the same. There is review of the past, there is evaluation of what we take with us, and there is the re-balancing as we go.
This process is outlined in the steps of recovery. We move from BEFORE our last drink, drug, binge, enmeshment to AFTER abstinence has started. What will we bring with us into our new life? What will we leave behind? This is not a one time process, this is a template for living. Practicing it first on recovery we can then take it to change of jobs or careers, change location, as well as any change in role or relationship. Growth in any form will require MOVING – from one point or perspective to another.
Having practice with the steps will add grace to the process. The process of change is moving in all the senses of the word.
Holding on to old ideas, however, is not useful. It is like packing two opposing thoughts into your brain and heart. It is like packing battling creatures in a container.
