Several years ago, my family had some chaotic changes in our lives. During the time we were trying to cope with the changes and find our way back to stable ground, I put everything in my life on hold - participating at events, my metaphysical studies, even myspiritual practice. I felt so lost. I put my head down and tried to power through the chaos. This didn't help. By the time we found that stable ground again, I felt so far from where I had been mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It took me quite some time to find a sense of balance. Since that time, I have grown a lot. I have finally found a sense of peace in my spiritual practice since I finally found my direction. Yet, as life always does, changes have again found us. I began to enter that space where I was putting everything on hold. This time, I felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the thought and feeling of completely halting all the things I have begun to find peaceful, comforting, and guiding. This is what brought me to the title of this article 'fluctuation does not equal stagnation.' Just because we are entering another phase of change for us, that does not mean that I can not continue with my practices while we are handling these changes. In fact, my new spiritual practice has become a source of peace and grounding for me. It has also helped me to cope with the challenges of caring for an aging parent in all of this other chaos.
While you may also be facing changes, you too can choose to hold on to the things that bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Sometimes those changes can shake us to our very core. It is at these times especially that we need to remember and maintain the positive practices that have helped us feel grounded. Remembering that change, while unavoidable, is also temporary. You will also find your way back to stable ground. You will appreciate that much more that you have not put everything on hold during the chaos because those important practices are what help get you through.
