Navigating Change, Week 1
Since becoming the senior minister at Unity of Louisville I have experienced a great deal of change all around me. From my parents' health deteriorating to decreasing my rental property business, this past year has been one big change after the other. But perhaps the biggest change has been in me. My initial thoughts about my new position were that I was going to make great
changes in our church. I couldn't have been more wrong. The reality is that it was me who needed to change. It was me who needed to see things differently without judging others and myself. And, while I can say for sure I have made progress, I see even more change coming.
Change is, of course, one of the most challenging yet inevitable aspects of life. Whether it's a shift in career, the end of a relationship, moving to a new place, or an unexpected turn of events, transitions often bring uncertainty, discomfort, and even fear. But change, when viewed from a spiritual perspective, can be a powerful catalyst for growth, self-discovery, and transformation.
Life itself is a continuous cycle of beginnings and endings. Just as the seasons change, so do the circumstances of our lives. Spiritual wisdom teaches that clinging to permanence only leads to suffering because everything in this world is in a state of flux. When we resist change, we resist the natural flow of life. But when we embrace it, we allow ourselves to evolve, adapt, and move closer to our highest potential.
Instead of seeing change as an obstacle, we can learn to view it as an invitation…a call to deepen our understanding of ourselves, trust in the journey, and let go of attachments that no longer serve us.
Many of us struggle with change because it disrupts our sense of control and stability. Our minds are wired to seek familiarity and predictability, making uncertainty uncomfortable. Fear of the unknown, self-doubt, and resistance to letting go are common barriers that prevent us from fully embracing life's transitions.
However, beneath this discomfort lies an opportunity to cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a deeper connection with our true selves. It's in moments of change that we learn who we really are and what we can become.
When I moved back to Kentucky five years ago from Unity Village, I was very grounded in Unity principles and prayer. I had just lost my dream job, and my heart was really hurting. But what I didn't expect was to come home to a family that was steeped in nearly fatal dysfunction. Unintentionally, my family became my ministry and over a period of three years, I guided them back into a functioning life. When I look back, I discovered some spiritual approaches that I would like to share to help you also navigate change.
1. Trust the Process
Change can feel unsettling because we don't always see the bigger picture. But just as a river flows effortlessly towards the ocean, we too are guided by an unseen force that leads us exactly where we need to be. Trusting in life's unfolding, even when it's unclear, allows us to move through change with greater ease and grace.
2. Practice Present-Moment Awareness
This is a big one for me. Much of our anxiety about change comes from worrying about an unknown future or clinging to a past that no longer exists. Grounding yourself in the present moment—through meditation, deep breathing, or simply noticing the world around you—can help ease feelings of uncertainty. The present is the only place where transformation truly happens.
3. Let Go of Resistance
Resistance to change often stems from fear. We hold onto what is familiar, even when it no longer serves us, because it feels safer than stepping into the unknown. But growth requires surrender. Letting go isn't about giving up; it's about making space for something new and trusting that what is meant for you will come.
In my next “Bobby Pen” I will share with you the last four spiritual approaches that I use to help me navigate through change.
Join us for our 11AM Sunday service when I share about the importance of looking ahead in our lives by “Giving in to What We Love.”
Many blessings, Rev. Bobby
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