Change

“Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.”
Bertolt Brecht

I found a quote by Harold Wilson that said “he who rejects change is the architect of decay” I find it ironic because sometimes change is such a painful experience, it’s hard to imagine anything that could feel worse. (But decay doesn’t sound very pleasant either, does it?)
Here’s the reality of it though—change is constant, dynamic, and inevitable. We have all heard the old adage that the only constant in our life is change. I imagine few people would argue with that. Interestingly enough, we all tend to find ourselves at least once in our lives trying to preserve something, praying and hoping it will never change. However, even if we are successful in preventing change to this thing or idea, the world around it will continue to change and eventually, what we held so dear no longer suits us. So then, it’s our responsibility to recognize when it’s finally time to let go of our ideals, regardless of how tightly or how long we clutched them.
Though this is a short post for me, I’m going to close with a familiar prayer. “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change those I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” May you recognize the wisdom in yourself that I often ignore in myself until it is too late.
--Robin

Fingerprints

Have you ever looked at your hands? Specifically, have you ever carefully studied your fingerprints? I’ll bet if you ever did, it was probably as a child. Perhaps you did some craft project that allowed you to rub your hands on an ink pad then use them as stamps across construction paper. Maybe you’re like me and you remember your mother complaining because you left fingerprints on windows, doorways or walls through the house. However, unless one happens to be a forensic scientist, it’s not likely one even considers their fingerprints much as an adult.
The history of fingerprint identification is a fascinating one. The use of fingerprints for business transactions can be found on clay tablets and seals from ancient Babylon and China. Various studies as early as 1686 discuss fingerprint ridges, but the practice of using them as identification did not happen again until 1858 when Sir William James Herschel used them in Jungipoor, India on contracts with natives. Incidently, the use of fingerprinting in the United States. did not happen until 1882. Gilbert Thompson, an employee of the U.S. Geological Survey in New Mexico was the first to do so when he used his own thumbprint to authenticate a receipt he wrote to “Lying Bob.”
Many people believe that fingerprints are created by genetic influence. However, in reality, fingerprints are created by erosion of the epidermis. As a baby grows within its mother’s womb, amniotic fluid swirls around its body, carving grooves into the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. For this reason, no two people, not even identical twins, have the same fingerprints.
The way an individual touches is just as unique as the fingerprints. One could argue that simply because the fingerprints are unique, it is impossible for two people to have the same touch. However, let’s take this a few steps farther. Each individual approaches a tactile encounter with others differently. There are numerous factors to consider, such as the intent behind the touch, the part of the body receiving touch, the pressure used, the duration of physical contact and even the relationship between the two individuals. With all these facets to the encounter, it’s no wonder touch itself is as distinctive and discriminate as the fingerprints left behind.
Either way, an impression has been made. So, may you be attentive to the fingerprints you leave, whether they are on a surface or the heart of another.

Phase Changes

I had a friend complain to me recently that he felt like he was “stuck.” He felt like life was sitting stagnant and he was frustrated with the lack of growth that was happening in his life. I could relate to his frustration because at times, I have felt this way too. Sometimes, it seems like everything is in a holding pattern and I worry that it will never get going again. Another nagging feeling I have at the back of my mind is that others might view this lack of progress as laziness or even failure.
I know many people who go to the Bible to help find guidance for such times. That may work, but I find similar reassurance in my notes from my high school chemistry class. Honestly, the only reason I passed chemistry is because I made friends and became lab partners with some of the smartest kids in school. However, the one lesson that stuck with me was the theory of phase changes in matter.
Matter can appear in the forms of solids, liquids, gases, or even plasma. The difference between one form of matter and another is simply the rate at which the particles are moving. The rate at which the particles move is directly correlated with the temperature of the material. We’re all familiar with the phases with which water can change. When it’s frozen, it’s solid ice. As the temperature of the substance raises, it turns into a liquid and as the temperature raises even more, it becomes water vapor. Of course, these changes don’t just happen at random. There are specific temperatures at which these events occur. Here’s the part I find fascinating about these melting/freezing/boiling points—the temperature of the substance will continue to change until it reaches one of these points. Once the temperature reaches the point of phase change, the temperature ceases to increase or decrease. Although the readings from a thermometer would indicate that nothing is going on, this is actually the moment in which the greatest amount of transformation occurs. The temperature will not resume it’s climb or descent until all of the particles of the substance have completed the phase change.
Perhaps this same philosophy could be applied to that feeling of “being stuck.” Even in times when it feels like growth or change is eluding you, do not despair. This could be the time when the greatest transformation is actually occurring. So, be patient with yourself, prepare for the change like you know it’s going to happen, and be ready to celebrate when you realize your accomplishment.
--Robin

Introductions

This blog is an adjunct to a new business, Lightbulb Moment Seminars. I’m, Robin, the host of the blog and my partner, Jim, will also contribute at times. Our company provides continuing education to massage therapists. Specifically, we provide CE classes for clinical massage therapy and reiki. We will expand our menu of massage classes eventually, but for now, we want to focus on these two and make sure we are providing quality classes to our students.
We currently teach classes in southern New Mexico. Within the next few months, we will be expanding to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, and Denver. With that said, we’re adventurous—so if you would like to host a workshop in an area other than the cities I listed, get in touch with us. We would love to see someplace new!
My posts may have information about upcoming workshops, but don’t be surprised if you see a few blurbs about my thoughts on science and spirituality. (Hey…I need an outlet somewhere…) Also, I’m always looking for ideas on things to write about, so if you would like to send a prompt to get my creative juices flowing, please do!
--Robin