Snowstorm in the Desert

I just returned from a weekend in the high desert in Southern California. I planned to enjoy the rejuvenating waters of a hot mineral spring and witness the desert flowers blooming this time of the year. Sometimes the best laid intentions can get turned upside down – especially during a storm.

The storm turned out to be a thick blanket of snow surrounding the area of Warner Springs where hot sulfur baths heat the body at 104 degrees. The dramatic shift in weather made me realize that unexpected changes can occur in an instant. Even the trees had difficulty adjusting as a number of branches cracked under the weight of the accumulating snow.

The sudden climactic change made me contemplate the very nature of change. I tend to organize my life by setting intentions and expectations to complete projects, further my career, maintain relationships, achieve optimum health, and establish financial security. However, the universe doesn’t always work according to my plans. It relishes surprises such as snow in the desert. While I personally don’t like the cold, I was offered an opportunity to melt my perspective.

One thing is for certain. We will all experience unexpected changes at some time or another. They may be mild relational rifts such as those that occur with couples and families or they may be severe life-threatening challenges or devastating financial crises. Though the disruptions may wrench us out of our comfort zones, they can teach us important life-altering lessons and help us grow as human beings.

Fortunately, when faced with any change, we can choose our responses. We can complain about snow or we can bundle up and admire a winter fairyland.

So when life hands you a cold, bone-chilling incident, practice these tips to warm up and :

• Witness the change as an unfolding process. After all, each day offers two stark contrasts of daylight and nightfall. You can recoil at change or be inspired by the unfolding process.

• Look for the lessons and the opportunities for growth. Within every disruption lies a seed of growth. For example, a life-threatening illness can prompt family members to relate deeply and lovingly toward one another.

• Choose your response. If you look at change with soft eyes of love and compassion, you can shift a perspective and respond in an accepting, loving way. Instead of cursing at the snow, you can rejoice at the miracle of white crystals tumbling from the sky. The choice is yours.

Create a wonderful day of change. Welcome Home!

Leonard