Rhythm is all around us. The changing of the seasons. The sun rising in the East and setting in the West. The high and low tides of the ocean. The beating of our hearts. Our entire existence is a cycle of regularly recurring elements, activities, and patterns.
When life seems to be going great – good health, gainful employment, little conflict, positive energy — we feel happy, satisfied, fullfilled, and in rhythm. When something upsets that pacing – change in health, loss of a job, relationship conflict, negative energy—we feel anxious, unsettled, stressed, and out of rhythm.
Changes in rhythm may seem unnatural and stressful. However, changes in rhythm are just as natural as the rhythms themselves. A swirve in jet stream gives us a rare 60-degree January day. The times of the sunrise and sunset vary throughout the year. The high and low tides change with the lunar cycle. Our heart beats faster when we fall in love and stops when broken.
A part of life is recognizing a different pattern and learning to cope with the new beat. To experience true joy, we must also experience pain. During times of sadness, take a deep breath and remember, “this too shall pass.” Likewise, during times of happiness and pure joy, take in every minute and remember “this too shall pass.”
Simply being aware of the changes in rhythm, can help us adjust, remain positive, and in stay in tempo with our life’s journey.