More thoughts on Change

“Strength of will, will get you some where.

Transformation comes from the heart.”

This is my second post about change and personal transformation. The first, asks the question “Why is Change so Hard?” It is a practical approach to deal with the ego mind and the natural resistance to change.

Willpower comes from a determined and strong ego-mind, usually responding to an external pressure or a driving need to achieve something. A strong will isn’t enough to bring about the inner transformation that leads to long lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Breaking free of the mind, and opening the heart, is a vulnerable path that requires courage. Courage, after all, comes from the heart, the origin of the word is from the French word for heart – “coeur”. (You can read more here.)

It’s even harder for those of us who have taken pride in our will power and intellect to solve whatever problems we come across. Like Pavlov’s dog, we have been conditioned and rewarded for our behavior.

The real shift here is not only from mind to heart, but also from an attitude of fixing something to embracing and trusting the unknown. From being in control to letting a new future unfold. We must learn to trust our heart and soul to guide us forward, and work on letting go of our reliance on our thoughts.

When we open our heart and let go of the thinking mind, our real spiritual journey begins.

We cannot think our way to transformation and awakening.

Namaste