Change

The Path to Self-Evolution

Among the greatest of natural laws is the condition commonly known as ‘change.’ Through observation of life’s process, we note that change preceded growth – and since all things are constantly in the process of change, it follows naturally that all things must be experiencing growth or evolution.

In the case of man, we find that there is an unrelenting desire for a state of static constancy in life, as opposed to the world of change in which he lives. This tendency does not altogether detract from man’s realization of his highest aspirations, but if pursued to an extreme, it limits his creative expression and the achievement of his cherished goals and ideals.

To illustrate this point, consider the artist who perfects the technique of one aspect of his craft and is quite satisfied to constantly use only that technique because of its proven effectiveness, never trying new ideas of deviating from the original method. Obviously such an artist would know little success, if any, from his craft, and would not have the inner satisfaction of the growth experienced by those who try new ideas and methods to better enhance their creative expression. Such a limited attitude and way of living are in direct opposition to life’s natural process of evolution, and are the cause of much unnecessary anxiety and fear any time a change of importance is required for the growth of an individual.

In order to achieve a greater degree of happiness and fulfilment in life, we must strive to accept change as a necessary and useful part of our lives; as a prerequisite for our growth and mastery.

To better understand change, we must remember that man is a creative being and, as such, is the prime cause of all the conditions he experiences in life; many times the creation of our experiences of change originates from the yearnings of the inner self for fuller expression and are not a conscious effort on the part of the objective mind. The objective mind or intellect of man creates change through the thoughts, beliefs, and subsequent actions that are a part of his daily life.

Therefore, man places himself in a peculiar paradox where he, being the creator of his experiences of change, feels that he is a “victim of fate” and is anxious and fearful of those same changes of which he has been the source.

This can plainly be seen in those who have a pessimistic outlook and tend to dwell on the negative, worldly aspects of life; they seem to manifest more of those same negative conditions and circumstances in their lives than would someone who thinks constructively and positively. Thus, if we want to be happy and have a sense of greater fulfilment, we must create those conditions in our lives that will foster such happiness and fulfilment.

Changes present opportunities of growth which are often mislabelled as “problems” or “obstacles” and are things which we often think of negatively, rather than as positive conditions in which we can evolve certain qualities and characteristics to a greater degree. We will find through personal experience that by greeting those opportunities with a positive and constructive attitude, we quicken our evolvement and attain a greater degree of mastery in our lives.

The opportunity to accept our self-impelled changes and to take control of our lives can begin right now – if we so choose. If we choose not to act, we may delay our evolvement, but only for a time. In the meantime, life will continually present us with more opportunities to evolve ourselves, and we will eventually realize the need of our accepting and taking full advantage of these opportunities if we are to further our growth and mystical development.

- Mark Ruffing