Transformation

It’s our last full week of NaPoWriMo (National /Global Poetry Writing Month) and the A-Z Challenge. I hope you’re enjoying the A to Z of Depth.

Depth can lead to transformation. Transformation is change:
a. change in composition or structure
b. change in outward form or appearance
c. change in character or condition

Looking at our depth definitions, transformation could come from: 1b. A profound or intense state; also: a reprehensibly low condition. Or definition 3. The quality of being deep (when looking at the third definition of deep), definition 4. The degree of intensity; also: the quality of being profound, or full (as of knowledge), or definition 5. The quality or state of being complete or thorough.

Stages of Change

According to Nahrain Raihan and Mark Cogburn in their article Stages of Change Theory, The transtheoretical model (TTM) is “one of the most commonly applied theoretical and clinical frameworks in mental health” for understanding the factors that influence change behavior.

Let’s look at how this model relates to depth and transformation. In the Transformation section of Walking In This World, the second book in The Complete Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron writes, “It is a spiritual law that when we are ready to transform, transformation will come to us.”

1. Precontemplation = Shallowness. The state of being before we are ready to transform.
2. Contemplation = Looking deeper. Having an open mind and thinking there might be something better.
3. Preparation = This is when we consciously foster openness, and creativity in ourselves, opening ourselves up for opportunities for growth and change. We are now ready to look more deeply into our inner lives and begin a journey of self-discovery.
4. Action = This is where so many of the definitions of depth we’ve been exploring come in: Abstract and concrete thinking; Belief; Complexity; Data; Facing Fears; Deep Image; Depth Psychology; Questions; Deep Knowledge; Mindfulness; Reading; Reflection; and everything we do to think and live more deeply.
5. Maintenance = The transformation that becomes deep-seated; a “constant collaboration between what we are made from and what we wish to make of ourselves.” ~Julia Cameron

So why are we so resistant to change? Fear of loss. Research has shown that fear of loss is twice as powerful as the joy of gain. Fear of losing the safety of what we know wins out over the hope of positive change in the unknown. But as long as we continue to want to change and see set-backs as a natural part of the cyclical nature of change, transformation can be achieved.

Today’s Poem

I Am an Open Book, but Someone Tore Out the Pages

“Both a bird and a shaman are common symbols of transcendence, and often are combined” ~Joseph L. Henderson

Not thinking seriously about the dove’s deep coo
at my second-story window, I note it until
its blonde wing flutters at the pane, pulling
me from deep reading. I contemplate how
rarely I hear that full-throated
croak so close, and I’m not thinking seriously
I’m distracted, but it’s deeper than the moan
of the lone lovebird: it’s the complete betrayal
of these walls to keep me safe, protect me from
outside noises of the unknown.
I’ve got to do something. But what can I do?
Now, sitting with my wireless headphones
not thinking seriously about the swirling
stereo sounds, I wonder if the spring dove’s coos
have attracted a mate. I’m distracted by the deep
loss in my inner voice, and search the empty
panes for doves.

This poem was inspired by today’s prompts at NaPoWriMo and Writer’s Digest’s April Poem a Day (PAD) Challenge.

Thank you so much for coming by and reading my post. Any thoughts or questions about transformation? Come back tomorrow for more depth exploration and poetry.