How do we as individuals and as a human collective interact with change? And what are the best ways to meet change in order to harness its powerful abilities?
Everyone is different, but generally speaking, when we fully immerse ourselves in something - be that an experience, a place, or an activity - it heightens our ability to see, welcome and embrace change. Giving ourselves over fully to something results in deeper learning and ultimately greater space for evolution of some sort.
How does it work?
The Brain and Change
The human brain is the most complex thing humans have ever discovered in our universe. How our brains interact with change is a rich area of research. And it is extremely multifaceted. What we can say for sure though is that the brain is malleable; it can be influenced and trained to adapt as a result of experience - hence neuroplasticity.
Functional plasticity: the brain's ability to move functions from a damaged area to an undamaged area.
Structural plasticity: the brain's ability to actually change its physical structure as a result of learning.
Our brain learns, it changes, it remembers. It can adapt and evolve, especially if we give it a helping hand by placing ourselves in situations that elicit the most powerful results; immersions.
Love It or Hate It; Change is Here to Stay
Change is one of life’s givens. It is always happening in the background (and in the foreground) whether we like it or not. And research shows that most of us don’t like it, or we feel apprehensive of it. But what gets interesting are the moments when we actively seek out challenges, wanting to bring them into our lives. These moments can be especially powerful spaces of change; allowing our brains to structurally adapt by responding to what we have felt and experienced.
But you have to dive in. Right into the deep end, and then allow the immersive experience to take hold of you.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” - Alan Watts
Immersion Generates Change
Experiencing something firsthand can be transformative. While learning Spanish through Duolingo is beneficial, nothing compares to immersing oneself in the linguistic heart of Barcelona, where the language envelops you in its melody and rhythm. Similarly, if you're drawn to hiking, dive into the wilderness, preferably guided by an experienced individual. There's an unexplainable magic in feeling the mountainous terrain beneath your feet and understanding how nature can rejuvenate the mind and body.
True transformation often stems from deep immersion. This total presence and commitment to an experience can be the catalyst for profound change.
Consider the Breath for Mental Calm, a 60-minute session with Retreat Leader Fraser Beck, as a way to hone in on such presence.
History is replete with figures who underwent transformative experiences through immersion. Mahatma Gandhi, having lived amidst intense violence and social turmoil, came to the realization that non-violence was the path he needed to champion. It was this firsthand experience with unrest that led him to pioneer change, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Similarly, Ram Dass, though having researched and sought spiritual wisdom for years, found his true path only after traveling to India and meeting his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, or Maharaj-ji. It was the complete immersion in that environment, surrounded by like-minded souls, that catalysed his transformation.
Such deep commitment allows one to reshape perceptions and redefine how they engage with the world.
Apply This to Your Own Life
Where in your life do you desire transformation? Dive deep into those areas and fully embrace the lessons that come with growth and change.
Embracing change can stir both apprehension and excitement. These feelings often intertwine, holding some back while pushing others forward. Understand that it's natural to feel this tension, but trust yourself to navigate it. True growth thrives in the right environment, so find your unique pace and rhythm with change.
In the realm of personal wellness, attending a retreat stands out. It offers you a chance to be completely supported while you dive headfirst into transformative experiences. If you're seeking a dedicated space for your wellness journey, we're here for you.
With encouragement and warm hugs,
Damian