ANDREA THIEL CONNELL: There comes a time when we have to make changes. Creating change however is difficult. It is the human way to become attached to everything and it's difficult to let go of the things we have invested our hearts and minds in.

But as we learn, as we grow, it is important to portray ourselves on the outside in ways that reflect the changes we are going through on the inside. In a perfect world the goal would be to have the heart and mind fully engaged in full alignment with each other. Mind is the interface between the inner world and the outer world. Heart is the transmitter/receiver that allows us to navigate between the worlds. In a healthy functional system they work together in harmony for your highest good.

We're all looking for happiness and peace of mind. What that means and how that looks is different for each one of us but in the end we all want the same things; we want to be heard, we want to matter, and we want to be accepted. These elements are the root of all the changes we ever try to implement in our lives. They are the essence of all that it means to be human. It is perhaps even the common purpose that binds us and in the same moment propels the evolution of humanity forward.

Change and changing are interesting illusions of our minds. I'm not yet convinced that we ever really change in our core. I believe we are essentially what we are. I also believe that we don't always know what we are and can spend a lifetime trying to find out. The mind has a way of camouflaging our essence to help us appear more blended with the whole of our lives. The true spiritual core essence can remain hidden for years but eventually it begins wiggling and worming its way out to the surface. We can get so side tracked in life that we head off on a path at a very early age that can leave us lost for a long time. To make sense out of a life we feel disconnected from we buy into and build up all the trappings that make us appear to be solid reputable citizens. Eventually that soulless solid looking box begins to crack and disintegrate leaving us confused, angry and afraid if we continue trying to hold on to it. So we come to slowly realize that we must start to surrender to the process of change and letting go.

Changing Mind in Harmony with the Heart
And so we change, everyday, slowly trying to be more fully what we are. As the days go by we either choose to do things differently, letting go of everything that no longer fits or we choose to hold on tighter, trying to create a reality that would fool the best of them. It is the heart that will guide you towards the changes you want, and your mind will decide if you do or don't. If there is disharmony between the heart and mind you will either stay locked in a battle that will seep toxicity into all areas of your life or you will start to mindfully and heartfully weigh the consequences of staying locked in a state of paralytic immobility to being free. You always have the choice.

Change doesn't have to be cruel or harsh. If we decide to make changes freely and easily, consulting with our heart and mind, we can make smaller, incremental changes that reflect our truth, stimulate our passion and empower our presence in the world.

When we are considering change in our lives we often feel very isolated and alone, convinced that the changes we need to make for our own sanity will be devastating to the ones we love. It is in most people to feel so convinced of their sacrifice for the lives of others that we lose complete perspective. The truth however is so very simple and uncomplicated. If we are living our lives from a center that is less than our full capacity for love and happiness then we are simultaneously robbing the very people we love the most of the best people we can be. They deserve us to be the best we can be. As we start to make small meaningful change in our worlds our loved ones will be simultaneously moved and encouraged to also make synergistic changes as well.

In every scenario where people are changing there is bound to be fear involved. Face your fears as bravely as you can, and graciously allow others their fears as well. Bear in mind that it is spiritually responsible to consider the best and highest possibility for all concerned in every moment and you will be able to do what is necessary for your best life as well as for those you care about.
Be committed to doing what you have to do to build a harmonious relationship between your heart and your mind for the highest good of all concerned to change peacefully and well towards the life of your best expression.