The Three Shocks Of Change

We want the world to change, in order for it to be a better place for all. Realistically, this is lunacy because of mass, collective karma which is constantly reinforcing a mistaken view of reality. Thus, we realise that it is we who have to change.

Change is not turning one thing into another; it is changing the inner dynamics. Fixated ideas drop away and clarity dawn: the fixated ideas never existed in the first place and clarity has been there all the time!

Through meditation, study and a lot of life-knocks and heartaches, we suddenly realise that a change has taken place within us. The dynamics have altered. We hadn’t noticed the gradual shift in our attitude and behaviour: that is the first shock. We fear less and desire less. There is more a sense of altruism, emptiness and non-violence. There is a realisation of how our minds have been working, and that is a shock in itself.

The second shock is realising the type of person we were, and that there are still remnants of those old attitudes that keep popping up in our conduct and expression. I talk from genuine experience: I’m working class with a poor education, and as common as muck, lacking any refinement 😉 and I still say and think things from that old self – I still sing songs with the wrong words!

The third shock is when others who know us don’t accept the changes that have taken place, and see us either in the same way, or as a would be/status seeker/wannabe/upstart… “Who do you think you are, talking that way? Know your place!”. And so we have to move away. People do not like to see change as this threatens their views. Our very presence means we seem not to respect them and what they do: even though we try to show kindness, they hate it!

Change is truly unnerving as there is nothing to get hold of or to rely upon, and nothing we can do about it – we cannot go back! All we have is that present moment, not the past.

Another way to see this is the difference between vertical and lateral thinking. Vertical thinking is, “We do this because we’ve always done this.” It’s a set pattern, with one thing following another.

Lateral thinking is, “What is it?” “What is its function?” “What am I?” We go back to the beginning.

Real change is a release. 😀