Moving & Mindfulness: 5 Simple Ways Mindfulness Can Ease Difficult Transitions
Mindful Therapy Works has been in the midst of a major transition. As the owner, I find it challenging to balance transitioning not only my personal life, but also uprooting my private practice. By allowing myself more grace during this time, I realized how being mindful helps to ease unnecessary stress. So, whether it’s a big move to a new city or a big move within a company, here are some ways practicing mindfulness can help you learn to enjoy the shifting season in your life.
- Savor the last moments. Before fully emerging yourself into the new situation, take time to slow down and enjoy the things (or persons) you will no longer have regular or predictable access to. These moments may include setting up final meetups, going for a run along your favorite route, or even shopping at that boutique one last time. Whatever you do, be totally present. Mindfulness will allow you to capture these fleeting moments and leave a positive mental imprint as you move forward. Try not to rush to the next phase without a moment of pause.
- Have patience with yourself. Self-compassion will have to be at an all-time high during a major transition. It will take significant time to navigate your new life and there will be ups and downs along the way. Establishing a “new normal” is the name of the game. This is the time to let go of perfectionism and control. For some, the adjustment period may take a month or two, while it may take a year or so for others. Trust that you will know when you are starting to get the hang of things again.
- Properly deal with your feelings. Whether the change comes as planned or a surprise, expect an array of different emotions. It is normal to feel sad and happy about the change at the same time. Do not be surprised if some doubt or anxiety creep in. Our emotions have jobs to do, so when a strong or unexpected emotion comes on, ask yourself “what is this feeling trying to tell me?” The answer to that question may reveal a lot more than you think.
- Go with the flow. Ease on into this change! Busying your schedule or listing a mile-high to-do list may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Leave room on your schedule to get lost or explore a new part of town. Even a return to a familiar town may be completely different from when you left it (e.g., moving back home after college) and you may quickly discover that old friends may be in different phases of their own lives. You may even find yourself asking “where do you fit in at this new job, city, or within an organization?” These answers may not come automatically. As the answers come, this may require additional adjustments as you figure out your own way.
- Accept impermanency. This last point is adulting at its finest! Take the time to give kudos for successfully going through life and navigating change as best as you can. It is difficult to accept that nothing in life is permanent but holding on can cause more emotional harm than good. There is no growth without change.
I hope this list benefits you as it does me. Moving and change can be enjoyable in the midst of uncertainty. Anyone else out there going through or preparing for a major transition currently?
P.S. Remember growth can happen anywhere, even in the stuck places.
