Stepping Over An Edge: Embracing Change

Change is a constant in life, often appearing unexpectedly and urging us to embark on a new journey.

Today’s full moon in Capricorn is a biggy. It’s an opportunity to embrace change and create a new world for yourself.

Maybe you’ve been waiting for someone else to tell you what to do, or who you can be. But no more. It’s time to trust yourself and take the leap…

Embracing change, particularly when driven by an inner truth, is like stepping over an edge into the unknown. It’s brought me to revisit the poem ‘The Journey’ by Mary Oliver, which describes that idea so beautifully. It’s that moment when you dare to honour that knowing. Maybe it’s lain dormant for many, many years, then one day it bursts into life.

The Call of Inner Truth

In every person's life, there comes a time when the voice of inner truth becomes impossible to ignore. This voice, often silenced by years of societal expectations and personal fears, finally breaks free, demanding to be heard. Mary Oliver’s poem eloquently describes this moment of awakening, when we decide to honour our own truth and set sail on a new path:

‘One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice…’

These lines encapsulate the essence of listening to one’s truth amidst the cacophony of external influences. It is a moment of clarity and determination, where the journey towards change begins.

The Long Preparation for Change

Embracing change is rarely an impulsive act. It often takes a lifetime to prepare for this moment of transformation. Years of experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, shape our readiness for change. Grief, mourning, and the inevitable softening of the soul through life’s trials pave the way for this new beginning.

The period of preparation is often a slow but necessary process of being softened over time and broken down, much like the way nature prepares the soil for new growth. The experiences that we endure, the lessons we learn, and the resilience we build all contribute to our readiness to embrace change.

The Necessary Death

For a new life to emerge, something old must first be let go. This letting go can be likened to a form of death—a death of old habits, outdated beliefs, and ways of being that no longer serve us. This necessary death is a prerequisite for rebirth and transformation.

As we shed these old layers, we make room for new growth. This process can be challenging and filled with uncertainty, but it is essential for change to happen. It may feel like you’re being buried - but remember there is very little difference between burying and planting.

Stepping into the Unknown

Taking the first step into the unknown can be daunting. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt often accompany this leap of faith. However, staying in a place of stagnation is not an option. The journey towards change requires courage and trust in the process, despite the lack of guarantees.

‘And there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world…’

Oliver’s words remind us that as we move forward, we discover a new voice—our own. This voice guides us through the darkness, helping us navigate the uncharted territory ahead.

The Beginning of a New Journey

Embracing change is the beginning of a new journey. It is an act of faith, a declaration of trust in oneself and the process of life. As we step over the edge, we embark on a path of self-discovery and growth, leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the realm of endless possibilities.

WITH CHALLENGE COMES CHANGE

Stepping over an edge and embracing change is a transformative act. It forces us to learn to listen to our inner truth, prepare for change through life’s experiences, let go of the old, and courageously step into the unknown. This journey is not without challenges, but it holds the promise of a new, more fulfilling life.

So, when the moment comes, dare to listen to your inner truth and take that first step into the dark. The journey awaits.

The Journey by mary oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognised as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.

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