Transitions

Last Sunday many central Kentucky churches and businesses were closed due to eight to twelve inches of snow on the ground.  This Sunday the temperature is expected to be in the sixties. Kentuckians like to say, "If you don't like the Kentucky weather, be patient because it will change."   Not only Kentucky's weather, but things change.  At the counseling Center, I often deal with people who are in some type of transition or significant change.  The transitions may be such events as a change in jobs, positions or relationships in a business, children off to college, divorce, death, moving to a new community, etc.  As a former Pastor of 21 years, I also sit with ministers and spouses who have been dismissed from their ministry position.  Many of these transitions have been created by a decision others have made.  In his book TRANSITIONS, William Bridges writes about making a good ending, going through the neutral zone and making a good beginning.  He writes that going through the neutral zone is a significant time.   In that neutral zone, which can last for an undetermined period of time, it is important to pay attention to ideas, thoughts, feelings, dreams, etc. He recommends that one keep some type of journal.  His thesis is that during such a neutral zone, there will be new ideas, thoughts, dreams, plans, etc. that would not have materialized without the transition and those things will bring new energy.  I think paying attention to the neutral zone, is something like listening to one's self.  I like this quote from Rachel Naomi Remen, "When you listen generously to people they can hear the truth in themselves for the first time."   Sometimes it is important that we listen to ourselves, as well as others, so that we can be attentive to the deep self that nudges us toward all that God desires for us.  Transitions may be opportunities for significant growth.