We’re in One Big Transition
I’m sure the title of this blog isn’t a surprise. It’s been a year of transition and I don’t know about you, but I’m not at my best in the midst of a lot of change or transition. Everywhere I look it appears things in our external world are morphing and transforming. At both a collective and deeply personal level, we’re being forced to find new ways of working, relating, and being. You name it, it’s in flux and how we relate to these transitions (and lead others through them) can radically impact the experience of the transition.
When so much is shifting, I find it helpful to give language to the experience. In the book, Managing Transitions by William Bridges (an oldie, but goodie) he talks about the three phases of transition: The Ending, The Neutral Zone, and The Beginning. Of the three, the Neutral Zone stage can create the most anxiety. It’s a time where things don’t appear to be moving or making visible progress. The old ways are still dismantling, and the beginning is just starting to form. We’re between worlds and it can feel disorienting and uncertain.
Bridges defines the hallmark of the neutral zone: “a time that is ripe with creative opportunity.” Now, I know from personal experience when I’m in the neutral zone or middle part of a transition, I rarely feel creative. In fact, I’m mostly just trying to get through the basics of life and most of my energy goes to finding solid ground and keeping perspective.
Here are a few ways you might be able to access a bit more stability and perspective during transitions.
Remind yourself transitions are transient. Our low minds can take over (the part that wants to predict the future), and anxiety can build. It probably won’t be helpful to try and make the feeling of anxiety go away per se, but you can remind yourself (and your low mind) that this transition won’t last.
Notice the present moment. Nothing offers a sense of stability and perspective more than noticing the moment you are experiencing right now. The practice of bringing your awareness fully to the present moment gives you access to a different part of your brain that very likely sees the world (and the moment) with more clarity and objectivity.
Do something enjoyable. Allow yourself to do something fun, creative, or something that’s seemingly “non-productive”. You’d be amazed at the new insights that may flood in when you aren’t focusing on the discomfort or non-knowing of the situation, you’re in.
Turn up the self-compassion. Most of us are way better at having compassion and grace for other people, and not so great with ourselves. Transitions can be disorienting, bumpy and scary. So, try turning up the amount of compassion you offer yourself by taking a moment to notice all that you’re doing, all that you’re holding and how much you sincerely care for others.
I encourage you to re-read these perspective changers as often as you can when you feel stuck or overwhelmed in a transition. Because when it comes to transitions, sometimes all we need is a reminder that we’re ok right now, and that okay-ness offers us the stability to weather whatever is coming next.