It has been quite a long time since I actively posted here.
Today, I would like to offer some reflections on facing big changes, such a as a geographical relocation, getting married, leaving a relationship, bringing a child into your life, starting a new job, helping a beloved person or pet pass from the world, losing your home and finding a new one, and …..____________________________ (you can fill in this blank with your examples.)
Change is the nature of our situation here on Earth, no matter who we are or where we come from. We are built for change, purposed for change, made to meet the challenges of adapting to constant changes in ourselves, our bodies, our families, our homes, the environment, the weather, social settings, knowledge, and on and one.
Nonetheless, many of us feel put upon by big changes (see the list above). We experience fear, uncertainty, anger / irritability, depression, and confusion when facing big changes. So, what can we do about these upsetting waves of feeling, thought, and experience that often accompany big changes?
We can lean into ourselves more deeply, listen more closely and carefully to our bodies and emotions, open our minds and mouths to others who can help us well, and sleep more / eat better foods / move more. Here are some ways to jump into practices that will support your big change process:
*LEAN INTO YOURSELF & LISTEN
-Write in a journal daily, even if all you do is write down the date and answer the question: “How am I feeling right now and what do I need to do for myself next?”
-Locate a “Values Clarification” exercise online and complete it as a means of getting a clear reflection of what you really care about in life.
-Take a personality assessment, such as the Enneagram, to connect with the aspects of your personality, your growth trajectory, and your direction.
-Stretch, breath, hum, sing, dance, sit quietly, pet animals, scrub your feet in the shower, roll around and laugh with your loved one or kids, stare out the window, cry, get angry if you need to, clear out all the junk you do not use any longer — and tune into your body and emotions all the while.
*OPEN TO OTHERS
-Speak to someone about the change you are going through — a friend you have not seen in a while, a family member, a therapist. Tell them what is on your mind and what this change means for you, how it feels to you. Ask them to just listen — and if you want advice or feedback, ask for that, too.
*SLEEP MORE
-If you are sleeping poorly at night, allow yourself to stretch out and rest or nap at least once a day during big transitions. Give this to yourself. If you need an herbal sleep supplement at night such as melatonin or passion flower tincture, use it.
*EAT BETTER FOODS
-First, simply add raw fruits and vegetables that you can digest well, or cooked ones if you have a hard time digesting raw. A the same time, lessen sugar, meat, fried foods, wheat, and dairy.
-Then, add more water, a multivitamin for 30 days, and an amino-acid and electrolyte supplement for 30 days while you navigate the change. 
*MOVE MORE
-If you are already exercise quite a bit, add yoga / stretching / restorative movement.
-If you are not doing any exercise, begin walking 2 – 3 days a week, and doing 20 minutes of yoga 2 -3 times a week (See DownDogapp.com)
-If you hate exercise, then just dance at home. Create some space and dance to your favorite music. Try: “Cri Igloofest” on YouTube for an hour of electronic house / dance music.