Author: Melda Baysal Walsh
Fall is here and brings with it not only the seasonal changes we can witness in nature but also seems to carry a significance in the natural cycles we go through as humans. As summer is coming to an end, many of us may find ourselves transitioning into new routines; maybe these are familiar routines, such as heading back to school, a phase without any travel plans or a coming back into the known daily work schedules. Whether we are transitioning back into something familiar or are establishing a new, yet unknown routine, (re-)adjustment is on the horizon and (re-)orienting ourselves while navigating a new season might come with its challenges.
During times of transitions and (re-)adjustment, asking ourselves these three sets of questions might be useful while establishing new routines and a new flow:
- What do I know about myself when it comes to transitions? Do I know of something that I do that works for me when I need to (re-)adjust? Is there a familiar pattern I know of?
- What is this moment calling for? How can I be present for the very next step and look at what is right in front of me?
- How can I reach out to my “community of care” for support?
These questions draw upon the significance of a) our sense of self, b) the present moment and with that, its reciprocal interaction with the long view of (new) routines, and c) an understanding of individuals as relational beings and the need to go through challenges with the help of others.
I would like to specifically emphasize the importance of a “community of care”, whether this is an individual or a group of people we can trust and reach out to. Phrases, such as “This is my problem, not yours.” or “This is on me, not you.” and “This is my stuff to work through, not theirs.” are a reflection of an ever-growing individualistic culture which oftentimes contributes to an individual’s suffering. We are relational beings and need to go through life in community. (Re-)adjusting to (new) routines is only one aspect of life that, when done collectively, can be easier and in addition, strengthen our bonds with our community.
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