As I’m blissfully laying on the table at my zenned-out acupuncturist’s office we talk about the philosophy and deeper applications of this form of Chinese medicine. He says something I write about all the time but somehow it clicks in a notch deeper; our bodies were made for transformation. I know, it sounds pretty straight forward. We spend our lives transforming, our bodies change, we change our attitudes and beliefs, we transform our career and family life, we change our haircuts, foods we like, exercise routines, and the list goes on. This is the nature of life, constant change and transformation into greater wholeness on every level.

But then he goes on to talk about emotional transformation and the five biggies that can bog us down and halt our growth. Rage, grief, fear, worry, and selfishness correspond to the five elements of wood, earth, fire, water, metal and healing each one comes through transforming them. Rage turns to love, grief turns to gratitude, fear turns to courage, worry turns to joy and selfishness turns to generosity. This shifting and subsequent opening to the deeper levels of these positive emotions is the essence of navigating our lives as human beings and every small transformation has an impact in how we live our lives. Life lessons that inspire this inner emotional movement keep coming until we transform what they have to offer within us, until we find that balance and live from this more open state of expanded awareness and understanding. Our thoughts help transform our bodies, and we are made to handle bliss.

Of course a big part of learning to live from these transformed emotions is by letting go. Holding a grudge or refusing to move forward, inciting pain or guilt in another on purpose keeps us stuck in the same old, ever-repeating patterns. We get mired in negative emotions and outmoded ideas that hold our body, mind, and soul back from embodying the irrepressible lightness of spirit that runs through our veins. In order to transform we release what doesn’t work and create some inner spaciousness to see what does. When we do it becomes easier to live from a foundation of love, gratitude, courage, joy, and generosity. Think for a moment what your life might be like if this was your everyday approach.

What are we really transforming into? A wise being, an enlightened master? I think it’s as simple as transforming into the best version of ourselves. The one where we feel right at home in our own skin and delight in daily routines and everyday miracles. This is the mystery that’s waiting to be transformed, an inner alignment with joy, grace, and gratitude. And when we do we’re able to live more of the mystery and magic that surrounds us all the time.

We don’t have to look far to see what needs our loving attention. What’s got you in its grips right now? What is an irritation or an aggravation, a sticking point you just can’t let go? Begin right there and see what it’s really asking of you, what’s underneath all the defenses and judgement waiting to be transformed.

Begin transforming what no longer works. Your body was made for it.

kb