Four basic principles for preparing for change

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, considered the greatest German literary figure of the modern era, wrote “Life belongs to the living and he who lives must be prepared for changes.”

Anthropologist Dr. Angeles Arrien did some research on how different tribes move through change.

She spent time with those in the tribes she called the “change masters” — priests, medicine men, shamans, seers. She wanted to know what they taught their people about how to do that effectively. What emerged were four basic principles common to all of them.

• Show up or choose to be present to what is happening.

• Pay attention to what has heart and meaning.

• Tell the truth without blame or judgment.

• Be open, rather than attached to, the outcome.

What does that look like?

Be as fully present to the challenging times as you are to the times when “everything is coming up roses.” The challenging times are those we often want to ignore, run away from or pretend they’re not really happening. Instead, pay attention and face them with grace, power and dignity.

Be authentic. Be the same person wherever you are and whomever you’re with. Refuse to edit, rehearse, perform or hide. Psychiatrist Rollo May said, “If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself.”

Say your truth — what is right for you — without trying to force others to agree.

Rather than believing you must always have the answers for yourself and others, become comfortable with “not knowing.” Allow the answers to come without your needing to manipulate the outcome. Allow the possibility that the outcome may be different from what you think or would desire.

There is wisdom in Goethe’s words. Changes come. Be prepared.