Personal Change (man in the mirror)

Dr. Deb 14 Jul 2018

It’s a word that excites some of us and scares some of us. Whether you like it or not, change happens; it’s an inevitable part of life.

Of course, we want others to change when they think or do things with which we disagree. We want them to change behaviors that annoy us; we want people to be more like us. Blaming others is a great way to avoid dealing with our own stuff; it’s often called scapegoating.

Many of us expend great energy to avoid personal transformation. Change requires pain, and the human tendency is to avoid pain at all costs.

History shows us that transformation must take place from within. As Richard Rohr recently wrote, “Jesus and other great spiritual teachers first emphasize a primal transformation of consciousness.”

When we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that true change happens from the inside out.

Below are the lyrics for one of the most profound pop songs that addresses this topic. Man in the Mirror (written by Glen Ballard and Seidah Garrett) was a huge hit by Michael Jackson.

How do we change the world? It starts by changing ourselves.

“I’m Gonna Make A Change, For Once In My Life

It’s Gonna Feel Real Good, Gonna Make A Difference

Gonna Make It Right . . .

“As I, Turn Up The Collar On My Favorite Winter Coat

This Wind Is Blowin’ My Mind

I See The Kids In The Street, With Not Enough To Eat

Who Am I, To Be Blind?

Pretending Not To See Their Needs

A Summer’s Disregard, A Broken Bottle Top

And A One Man’s Soul

They Follow Each Other On