Writing as a means to heal and inspire transformation

This article aims to provide a response to the question “Why do you write?”. I started writing during the pandemic, during a period which was turbulent for me on many levels. As life regains a sense of normality for me, I have become more structured and elaborate in my writing. If you have been following this blog for a while, you may have noticed that the average article length has increased, and the content has become more reflective. My hope is that by taking you on my journey of learning and self-development, it can benefit you too. Typically, my articles take some notion of conditioned thinking and analyse it through the lens of well-being and self-development. Does it make sense to keep this conditioned way of thinking? Often, I conclude that the ways we were brought up to think are unhelpful and detrimental to our health and that the momentum of the mind in maintaining these ways is strong. Hence, it feels difficult to make changes. As a result, many people accept their conditioning and assume it is not possible for them to change. While strong, conditioned behaviours can be recognised and modified through practice. Positive change is not something which happens overnight. Transforming conditioned behaviours can certainly happen with sustained effort and belief over time. Asking for help and guidance in dealing with challenging situations can help.

My journey has been one of transformation. I changed how I relate to myself and to others. How I relate to work has also changed and I feel more balanced and experience joy at work more often. Limiting the influence of the achievement-focused ego in working relationships, I am able to find joy in working and serving rather than viewing work as an opportunity to prove my self-worth. I have become more generous with my time and efforts, valuing other people and their needs highly. I have started to give without the expectation of receiving. I have found increased levels of peace of mind, just resting in the present moment. A reduced need to consume information and engage in distractions, a reduced need to exercise intensely has followed. I am more in touch with my body, its needs and its physical limits. While I engage in competitive tennis and go to the gym, I do so in a more balanced way.

Photo by Dorota Dylka on Unsplash

My desire with this series of posts is to share my experiences because I have found understanding the concepts I write about deeply transformative. While I am aware that wisdom can be acquired and not transmitted, I think that discussion and knowledge sharing can inspire change for the better. If we think about the world around us, it is constantly changing and evolving. Nothing is in a state of inertness for a long time, certainly not forever. Our mind is just as open to change as any other object and this is an opportunity for us. The objections to change which may arise in the mind are natural. Doubt and skepticism, even fear of what might replace the known thoughts, are automatic responses meant to protect us. In certain circumstances, these responses do protect us, yet, in many cases they limit our abilities, curtail our efforts and diminish our potential for development and well-being.

A transformative journey can take many shapes and forms and does not have be characterised by big goals or large-scale changes. The power of transformation is in the process. Starting is the hardest step because that is when the grip of doubt is strongest on us. Once we embrace change, it is easier to continue along this path. Part of transforming is about finding joy in the process, in self-development and in personal growth. This kind of journey opens up the possibility of a more intimate connection with one-self and one’s surroundings.