Change of Routine

Change is good
For Christmas 2011, instead of partaking in the usual seasonal festivities I decided to step off the grid.

Just for a change of pace and a new experience, I chose to take a seasonal sabbatical in order to unwind from many years of recurrent routine that was established from years of acquired conditioned habits.  Naturally a sabbatical can occur at any time of the year, but for some reason it seemed especially important to take this over the Christmas season.

This particular choice was not easy, because it also affected family.  However, after much contemplation and I mean much, the realization was that this decision should not really affect the choices that others still wished to maintain.  In fact it should open an opportunity for them to establish their own seasonal celebration according to their particular expectations or beliefs.

Habits are difficult to break
For the most part, it is difficult to dissolve acquired thoughts, or old habits and customs at any given time.  But at Christmas and New Year’s, it is even more difficult, mainly because deeply attached emotions to long-established expectations will arise.

Habits and customs can be deeply rooted to a variety of causes such as:

1. Religious indoctrination

2. Cultural conditioning

3. Social beliefs

4. Family obligation

5. Mind control (cult mentality)

6. Fear - fear of the unknown, fear of being lonely, fear of being different, fear of criticism or fear of change

The number one culprit for why people find difficulty breaking habits that no longer serve their higher good is - FEAR.  Fear is thus spurned by ego rampaging on the loose.  Since ego likes to maintain safety, security and control, when “possible” change is introduced, it panics and rebels.

Fear can present itself under many guises, but the ones that are usually encountered are revealed at the emotional level and may encompass feelings of:

1. Guilt or blame

2. Stress, anxiety or panic

3. Disappointment or failure

4. Depression

Change stirs the pot
People are generally afraid of change, especially if the issue is deeply-rooted.

Instead of remaining open-minded, understanding and respectful, friends, colleagues or family may quickly over-react or make false assumptions and accusations, or try to maintain control by laying a guilt trip or stubbornly remain insistent, despite your choice, in order to preserve established comfort and security for themselves.

For clarification, my decision is not based on any of the following scenarios.  It has nothing to do with………

1. Religious beliefs or practices.

2. Ill health – mental, emotional or physical.

3. Being lazy.

4. Being selfish or self-indulgent.

5. Being insensitive toward others.

6. Having a scrooge attitude or being too cheap.

7. Judging how others choose to celebrate.

8. Copycatting an established belief system or cult mentality.

9. Being brainwashed.

10. Becoming antisocial.

11. Turning into a hermit.

12. Running from responsibility or duty.

13. Deliberately avoiding friends, family or associates.

Slow to arrive
Be aware that this type of change is not something that happens overnight.  It is part of a life-long cleansing or de-programming process that needs to be nurtured with consistency, dedication, determination and faith.  It takes courage, strength and truth to break from an established mould.  It requires plenty of patience and it is also necessary to learn to trust in your own inner guidance - to listen to your intuitive directive.

It has taken many years to adjust into my present state of being.  Decisions made over the years are solely for my own personal and spiritual growth that satisfies my present beliefs.  Therefore, what works for me isn’t necessarily suitable for someone else.

Main intention and benefits
A sabbatical offers an atmosphere in which to safely unwind without distraction, as well as eliminate possible judgements or opinions from others.

The main intention is to seek, realize and accept the truth of your authenticity, not from a material, physical level, but from a soul, spiritual level and then live life accordingly.  Yet, in order to arrive at an honest conclusion you need time alone without interference.

Most people think they know or understand themselves well and this may be true at the material level.  However, at a deeper spiritual level they remain devoid, confused or immobile.

To arrive at total acceptance of the authentic self, a sabbatical provides a perfect backdrop of solitude in order to do in-depth self-analysis so that a stronger awareness of self is developed through quiet meditation, clearer observation, truthful contemplation, and most importantly.....a willingness to just let go to the natural flow of progression.

This in turn triggers many benefits such as:

1. Promotes independent thinking.

2. Reduces superficial ignorance while increasing universal wisdom.

3. Time and space become insignificant and non-existent.

4. Thinking and living in the Now becomes consistent.

5. Dwelling on past events or future scenarios become unimportant.

6. The mind is cleared from outdated cobwebs and clutter.

7. The mind becomes calm and free from interfering, mindless ego chitter-chatter.

8. Perception and perspective become balanced, thus eliminating self-induced stress and worry.

9. Developed faith and trust in universal consciousness releases the ego's need to maintain control.

10. Triggers realization and acceptance that you are universal consciousness and not separate from it.

11. Develop a deeper understanding that you are co-creator of your present reality.

12. Present beliefs, based on what is important or meaningful to self, releases outmoded and futile beliefs or habits.

13. Releases fear of guilt, panic or disappointment resulting from new changes or decisions.

14. Necessary life lessons are understood and learned.

15. Being in the company of others is no longer necessary; solitude becomes enjoyable.

16. Obsolete habits, material acquisitions, unhealthy situations or relationships, that no longer serve your higher good, are willingly released.

17. Conscious thoughts are re-balanced and restructured.

18. Self-confidence is strengthened.

19. Knowing and trusting that you are never alone is strengthened - spiritual guidance always answers sincere and practical queries.

20. Living a more simplified lifestyle is embraced.

21. Essential life’s purpose is clearly understood and acknowledged.

22. Living in connected and continuous unity with universal consciousness becomes constant.

23. Accepting and honouring self with love, clarity, gratitude and truth strengthens self-esteem.

24. Liberation.

Ultimate achievement
Productive change should create a continuous cycle of healthy and balanced personal and spiritual growth.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to take a sabbatical – it’s a personal endeavour.  A sabbatical can be a long or short duration, and it can remain simple or be filled with complex rituals – the choice is yours.

But the experience does entail having enormous truthful introspection (without ego interference), massive destruction of outmoded ideals, superficial behaviour or caustic issues, and a hefty dose of sacrifice.  In order to maintain consistent clarity and focus on the foremost intention (finding the authentic you), it also requires tremendous willpower to overcome relentless mental and emotional anguish and upheaval caused from ego annihilation.  It definitely is not an easy task and many people will find it far easier to opt out or to ignore completely, and instead remain in denial, than to bravely continue ahead.

However, keep in mind that perseverance results in positive changes for an improved future. Truthful abundance will easily be recognized and will compensate you materially, as well as spiritually.  Your search becomes less obsessive as you become more peaceful and more contented within - this is your ultimate reward - your ultimate achievement.

So go ahead…. try it!  Learn to be an independent explorer, so that you willingly take a giant step forward; you may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.


© Margaret I. Jang
www.onesourcelearn.com
Jan 5, 2012

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About the author: Margaret Jang is a spiritual poet and inspirational writer, as well as an intuitive arts teacher focusing on psychic/channelling development.  She also dedicates her time to soul numerology readings and is a Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner.  Margaret established One Source Learning Centre for Inner Healing in 2005 in Vancouver, BC, Canada.  She may be contacted via e-mail.

Note: Articles, poetry and soul inspiring expressions are © Copyright protected - all rights reserved. In order to copy, reprint, publish, quote, electronically transfer, post to websites or blogs, or reproduce in any manner, please obtain written permission from author Margaret I. Jang.

Disclaimer
The above information is not intended to replace, diagnose, prescribe or treat any ailment or to be used as a replacement for medical treatment or consultation.  It is only intended to enhance your knowledge or general interest and is offered as an alternative and complimentary source of information.   In all cases, it is recommended that you continue to follow medical treatment as prescribed by your medical physician.
 

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