Two different and seemingly unrelated experiences recently coalesced into a common theme:  Releasing or transmuting the old to make room for the new.  We know this symbolically as the Phoenix rising - the bird that goes up in flames, only to be reborn from the ashes.
 
I had a wonderful dinner conversation with a friend recently, sharing how challenges in our lives caused us to gain new perspectives and begin to create ourselves anew, including how we show up, our work in the world and how we can be of service.  The image that came to us was the Phoenix rising.  The alchemical process of transmuting (burning away) the old shows up uniquely for each of us - from a physical illness such as a raging fever, to a work or relationship challenge. 
 
We observe these cycles of death and rebirth in our external world every year with the changing of the seasons.  What started out as the simple act of caring for my houseplants turned into a potent visual.  As I was watering my Pothos plants I noticed that there were some yellow and brow leaves.  As I was removing the dying leaves I thought about how these plants always grow a greater quantity of healthier leaves right after I prune the old leaves.  It occurred to me that it was a powerful metaphor for observing our thoughts and habits that no longer support us and releasing them to make room for the new.  When I looked up Pothos on wikipedia, it said "...it is a very hardy plant that requires little care." and "This is a robust plant that can stand a very high degree of abuse."  Well, that's great when it comes to houseplants; however we sometimes think of ourselves in a similar way and pay little attention to the signals we receive from our body, mind, emotions, and soul.  By paying closer attention to our bodies, thoughts, and patterns, we can more quickly and easily spot when something is out of balance - instead of waiting until our imbalance is yelling at us to initiate positive change.
 
I've seen the theme of the Phoenix rising more frequently in 2009 with friends, colleagues, clients, and myself.  This year in particular is about noticing what's not working, releasing it, and creating anew.  Sometimes the Phoenix rising process can be painful.  That's because sometimes it takes something big to get us to think differently, shift our perspectives, get us out of our old habits and initiate change in our lives.  Let's shift that dynamic by making time on a regular basis to enter the Phoenix rising process consciously and purposefully, instead of waiting until something "happens."  Proactively observe what's not working and consciously choose:
·         a more balanced lifestyle
·         more uplifting thoughts
·         who we hang out with
·         what we converse about
·         to live from our purpose and passion
·         how we show up in the world
·         what we contribute
 
Here's to turning the Phoenix rising process into a joyful opportunity to proactively recreate ourselves on a regular basis.
 

Enoch on Hope