The best way to thrive in today's ever-fluid, volatile world, is to become a master of change. A "Change Master" not only welcomes, invites and celebrates flux of constantly evolving life, but also consciously drives and directs these rhythms. When you live "smart," you drive change. You don't have to let change drive you. When you shift from a "resistance-to-change" mindset toward a self-empowered frame of mind, you unlock your vitality, creativity and spirit. The better you manage change, better you manage your happiness.

Change, Unwelcome Guest

Most of us were not raised to welcome change. On contrary, our modern Western culture promotes opposite: pursuit of predictability. We're advised to try to keep our life as regular, set and stable as possible. The status quo is sacred. The unknown future is portrayed as dangerous and threatening. "Don't rock boat!" we' re admonished. The collective strategy is that more aspects of our life that remain same, less we have to adjust and adapt. And less we have to change, easier life will be. The party line is that change is inevitable-unfortunately!-but certainly no fun. Having to constantly change and grow is experienced as a struggle-a challenging, hard ordeal-by most of our elders. Their motto: "Avoid change at all costs." Look at message of our public buildings. They are granite monuments to immutability and permanence.

Make Change Your Ally

Indigenous peoples have a different approach to change. Native peoples live closer to Nature than most Westerners do. And they take their cue from Mother Nature who advises: "Make change your friend, your ally. Allow change to work for you, not against you." The natural world suggests we learn to roll with punches, so we can enjoy life exuberantly expressing itself through continual change.

Feng-shui Your Life

If we observe elements of nature, we see that water and wind flow with life's tides of constant change. Water and wind are flexible and fluid, willing to transform shape immediately with fluctuating forces acting upon them. They move in direction of movement of change. They take quickest, easiest path-the path of least resistance-no matter what changes in form are required. Hence, whole philosophy and practice of Feng-shui: art of nurturing energy flow, health and aliveness. The very term literally means "the way of wind and water." In Chinese, "feng" means wind, " shui" means water.

Change as Opportunity

Native peoples wisely view change as a personal opportunity, not as a threat. They know that change brings fresh perspectives and new possibilities. Indigenous peoples look for gift in every curve ball that life throws us. Indigenous cultures welcome surprise and spontaneity that naturally accompany change. They know that more we flow with fluctuations of life, more resilient and happier we are.

"How Can I Steer Change to My Advantage?"

It's that time again, almost February. Deep winter in New England. Not only is it bitter cold and everything's covered in ice and snow, we're still months away from spring. Although calendar says it's spring at end of March, if you live in New England you know spring doesn't reliably show up until May. Ok, late April if we're lucky. Anyway, in addition to my obvious struggle with climactic reality there's another factor that make this time of year particularly significant for me. My husband leaves for a three-week vacation/vision quest (alone) to southwest. Every year for past 16 years he packs up his truck, decked out for camping and drives off on what he calls a pilgrimage.