“O God! Resuscitate us; give us sight; give us hearing; familiarize us with the mysteries of life, so that the secrets of Thy kingdom may become revealed to us in this world of existence…” (Revealed by `Abdu’l-Baha, “The Promulgation of Universal Peace”, p. 91)

Understanding the “change”
with an intelligent and informed optimism!

We know that change is a natural phenomenon inherent in the realities of all things of the physical and mental, corporel and spiritual, visible and invisible; yet, almost at every outset of change, however minor and whatever the magnitude, it surprises us, to say the least, influencing our thoughts and morals, and our sentiments and moods, causing disappointment, creating fears, giving rise to anxieties, distresses and even rejections and denials. Why it is so? Why do we people resist the “change” even when it is logically expected and proven that it should happen, when it is known and experienced to be a natural occurrence and part of human life’s drama, and yet when it was earnestly sought and awaited for it to happen?

Concept of “change” could of course be discussed and viewed from so many different aspects and in numerous levels. And it does appear nowadays, more than ever, that everyone is talking about it, though somewhat it seems a very few are actually changing anything—well, anything of a kind that matters the most and lasts, having real meaning and purpose at last. It is also in the methods, ideals and incentives, by and because of which the changes happen—which make them effective and worthwhile, or otherwise undermined in their status and value once they finally get established and are won. Even if not spoken loudly, in people’s day to day life the common reference to “change” is ceaselessly implied by choices and decisions, adding the new arrivals to our collections and picking the fresh styles and goods—or by adapting different attitudes and the kind of moods with which then the commitments and made choices are left behind, got broken and kept undone. Often it is said that “change” is good, and within that connotation variance and renewal, or just a break from ordinary and routine is meant and understood. 

A “change” which matters the most, deserves the spirit and meets the truest meaning of the word, is the one that interprets as “a transformation”—a healthy and living growth and advancement. While such a change may well register to have a dramatic outset, which the annals of human history provides countless examples of the kind, it could just be a quiet and gentle start like the germination of a tiny seed sown in the soil for some days or weeks. Whatever the case, a transforming change is a process, and as the faithful meaning of the word “transformation” reads into “a complete and improving change”, it refers to development, progress and perfection. Now observing the reality of “change” from this high point, it is not only good, it is always better; and unlike its ordinary and daily implications for varying appetites and tastes, locations and paces, altering the colors for looks and the places for weather and moods, this kind of change in appearance and by nature is not always welcomed and pleasant—and it certainly is not easy, but difficult, pain-staking and highly challenging. Imagine, how very difficult and a mere challenge it must be for a tiny and tender seed to find and push its way up in the darkness of rough soil and through annoying sands and pressing pieces of rocks and stones to reach to the surface, and yet bearing the trying cold, the storms and its blows, or the burning heat and its drying glows to keep growing and rising high! However uneasy, it embraces hardships and fearlessly persevere, keeps on, resisting chilling wind and grateful in hailing rain, winning the morning sun and delighted by moon—it grows lofty, yielding its blooms and fruits with pride and grace. Such a “change” is not good, nor is it better. It is the best and the excellence itself!

“O Thou Almighty!  I am a sinner, but Thou art the Forgiver!  I am full of shortcomings, but Thou art the Compassionate!  I am in darkness of error, but Thou art the Light of Pardon! Therefore, O Thou Benevolent God, forgive my sins, grant Thy Bestowals, overlook my faults, provide for me a shelter, immerse me in the Fountain of Thy Patience and heal me of all sickness and disease.  Purify and sanctify me.  Give me a portion from the outpouring of holiness, so that sorrow and sadness may vanish, joy and happiness descend, despondency and hopelessness be changed into cheerfulness and trustfulness, and courage take the place of fear. Verily Thou art the Forgiver, the Compassionate, and Thou art the Generous, the Beloved!” (“Baha’u’llah and the New Era”, p. 99, by `Abdu’l-Baha)

You are welcome to visit the recent posts on my two other blogs—English and bilingual—below:

Inked ThinkPenhttp://inkedthinkpen.blogspot.ca/
Timeless Treasures: Words with Meanings
http://timelesstreasureswordswithmeanings.blogspot.ca/