Everytime we walk through a door, leave one room and go into another, or go outside, we are stepping into a new world.
While we strive to master our inner world, the outer environment is affecting us, too. The seasons change and the weather fluctuates. Our bodies change and so does how we feel inside of them. There are changes that happen without our input and ones that we choose.
There is a portal we walk through that brings us from indoors to outdoors. That is how simple it is to make a change when we go outside for a walk. The hardest step is the one that takes me through the front door.
Last Sunday, when the grandsons slept over, we were all awake before 6:00 a.m.. By 10:00 a.m., we were ready for a change in scenery. Feeling groggy and unsure if we had the gear to meet the weather outside, we decided, nonetheless to manage the transition by layering on clothing and heading to the park.
We helped the boys squeeze into two pair of pants and layers of sweatshirts, topped by hats pulled down over their ears. When they climbed into the wagon equipped with cushions, blankets and a bag of pretzels, they were ready for a cozy ride.
My husband and I popped on down jackets and off we went. Before leaving, I will tell you that we were all a little tired. Based on the difficulty getting the boys into so many layers of clothing, I could say we were borderline crabby.
But discomfort is not a reason to not go out the door. We were determined to go to the park so we worked through the discomfort. In the process, we shared a few tricks for keeping shirts and pants from bunching up when layering on clothing. Transitions teach us how to work through the discomfort of finishing one thing, preparing for another, and heading into the unknown.
At the playground in the park, there were many children, acquaintances as well as new friends to play with. The children climbed, jumped, slid, ran, and pretended they were in a swamp with crocodiles. When the younger grandson got tired, he climbed into the wagon to watch the action from his comfy seat.
We spoke to young parents, bumped into a friend and enjoyed watching the children play. We knew their parents would be grateful for a leisurely morning. After a robust session at the playground, we pulled the children back home in the wagon.
On the way, we noticed how energized we were feeling. We were still looking forward to a nap in the afternoon but also feeling invigorated by the fresh air, scenery, and socializing.
We were both glad we persisted in putting on outdoor gear and walking out the door. If we hadn’t, we never would have known the experience awaiting us outside. Also, bearing the discomfort of the bulky gear makes it easier to transition next time. And to appreciate when we can go out with out any extra layers! That transition is coming!
On the way to doing what we want to do, we may experience discomfort in the transition. The fact is all learning involves transitioning from a comfortable, familiar place to venture somewhere new.
Now, my husband and I are getting ready for another transition, a trip. We are going to visit my husband’s old friends and our family in Europe. Preparation includes: packing, pausing the mail, cleaning the house (love coming home to a clean house), and taking care of business.
Travel is like a walk in the park. Fresh sensory information leads to new connections and insights. Leaving the portal of my home, opens up portals in my mind. For example, foreign languages open up a part of my brain awakening connections to words I have not experienced in years, even decades.
It also opens up the experience of my husband and myself as a couple enjoying the discovery of new things together. We relish the experience.
Still transitions can be difficult. It would definitely be easier to just stay home, but I would miss the stimulation. When travelling in Scotland years ago, we took a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Residents wished us a smooth crossing, knowing the waters in the channel can get churned up. And one way, the waters were rough which made us grateful to arrive on shore.
The boat ride impacted us both while we were on the boat and when we stepped off of it. I have noticed that one of the amazing things about going to new worlds, is when I return home, I experience it anew.
A change in environment changes me; making me new in a way. When I change the external environment, I am changed inside, and everything outside of me changes, too.
If transitioning is what faciliatates learning, growth and change, then I will embrace it. I wish for smooth crossings and if not, the capacity to weather it well.
And on arrival, to appreciate solid ground as if experiencing it for the first time which in a way, I am.
