SHIFTING Bravely (eBook)

Shifting is a process of growth. Its genesis—seeds. Remarkably, we carry them within us. How is it we do not know of their existence? What is it we are doing or not doing that contributes to their dormancy? What is behind this mystery?

As we explore why our seeds “may currently be dormant,” we begin by understanding there is no deficiency within the seeds themselves. Nor is it a fault of our own, or not noticing them, or not searching hard enough. The awareness to do so is simply not available to us. It is important to embrace this truth.

We are shielded from dormant seeds by various forms of camouflage—disruptions and diversions which consume us and often control the course of our lives.

Forms of camouflage are deceptive. Their presence often appears to provide us with opportunities for growth or change, at least in self-satisfying or superficial ways. On closer examination, forms of camouflage typically limit our growth, conforming us to patterns of survival, some beneficial and some not. In order to begin the process of acknowledging sleepy seeds and of discerning their presence, we must familiarize ourselves with the most prevalent forms of camouflage. Only then can we understand the concept of SHIFTING Bravely and begin our journey through a seasonal process of self-growth.

One common form of camouflage is stagnation and settling. Many of us have come to accept that getting by is good enough, even if we feel stuck or unsatisfied. Others of us, who know we are not living up to our potential or pursuing our dreams, feel trapped and resigned to predetermined destinies. Day after day, our growth is stunted by settling for a degree of security and stagnating in mundane routines. How does this happen?

Because diverse internal and external sources of influence shape our developmental years as well as our own choices, we enter into young adult years with perceptions and expectations regarding self-efficacy. Some of us view ourselves as independent, free to choose what we want for ourselves and our lives. Others of us may feel obligated, or in many cases, bound or oppressed by our circumstances, forcing us to settle for something we do not want.

Stagnation and settling shroud our thinking with self-doubt and self-blame. More importantly, over time and with repetition of behavioral patterns, these agents of camouflage condition us into believing we don’t deserve anything more, anything better, or different. Or perhaps on some level, we convince ourselves we should be grateful for what we have and what we know.

From the many stories I received regarding “A SHIFT in My Life,” let’s begin with Robert’s experience. His words convey the dormant nature of his seeds, settling for what he was taught and feeling resigned with the status quo—securing a future for himself.

Robert accomplished what was expected of him. His loyalty to his family and to the business rewarded him financially. Although settling and stagnation served him well for a period of time, the seeds of a more fulfilling dream lay dormant under layers of monetary success. In Robert's words, “I added teaching high school to my life. I found teaching to be a real challenge and joy but was committed to building the club and becoming economically independent.”

Another form of camouflage that presents itself in countless individuals is psychological pain. Some of the most common disorders such as anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and behavioral / substance addiction wreak havoc with our lives. Their causes are complex and complicated. Their symptoms can be chronic and debilitating. When they are unattended or when denial prevents their acknowledgement, we are held hostage to their manifestations. And thus, disturbance determines our destiny, shutting out other pathways to growth.

When disorders are diagnosed and addressed, effective psychological interventions as well as medical treatments require compliance and commitment, focusing our energies and resources on symptom reduction and management. This is as it should be. Our mental health must remain a priority. Therefore, it is understandable why dormant seeds of change remain in their states of hibernation, as individuals courageously explore their roots of pain and embrace their recovering journeys.

From her story, “A SHIFT In My Life,” Annika’s words speak to this form of camouflage.

As Annika’s story illustrates, her addiction to alcohol impacted her psychological and relational health. Making her recovery a priority, she focused her energies on a twenty-one-day treatment program. Thus, during periods of camouflage requiring rigorous focus and concentrated investment into recovery, the cultivation of an awareness of seeds within dormant states can be stymied, or as in Annika’s case, it can be redirected towards self-care.

Often psychological disturbance is accompanied with physiological disease. Or vice-versa. Either way, disease of any kind, especially if it is chronic in nature, requires tremendous investment into our healing. And thus, just as with psychological disturbance, there may be periods of time in our lives where our physical health dictates our path and our priorities. This type of camouflage takes on a protective role of sorts, unintentionally helping us by redirecting our attention away from dormant seeds. Our bodies and minds are in weakened states, calling on us to pay attention to them.

Dedicated educator Britt describes in her story, “A SHIFT In My Life,” how illness caught her off guard, redirecting her energies from her beloved work as she began searching for causes and exploring treatments. Remarkably, as Britt tended to her physiological disease, she began to unearth dormant seeds nestled beneath her layers of camouflage.

As Britt’s story portrays, it is important to note that psychological disorders or physiological diseases can be the impetus for uncovering layers of camouflage as individuals begin to question the challenges they face and search for trusted direction and tested remedies. However, it has been my experience with most individuals who are in the midst of life-threatening storms, it is critical to channel their energies on...