Change and the Void Created

Whenever change happens a void is created. When it happens that something is left behind or removed from our lives then a void is created within us. A void leaves a hole, an empty space within our being and it’s a scary feeling. We crave to either regain, or replace what was lost. It is this feeling of loss; this fear of having lost this piece of ourselves that drives us back to what we lost or pushes us forward to fill this void created.

This is the reason that so many people will return to or hold on to a spouse that is abusive or other unhealthy situation. The unknown future of a lost relationship is scarier than the abuse endured by the abused. When the loss is great enough in the mind of a person, the attempt to fill this void can be through drug, alcohol or extreme behavior that lashes out at other people or society in general. We as people strive to feel complete, and in doing so we make rash decisions reaching out to grab the first possible solution to our dilemma.

In our attempt to fill this void created, we as a society so often end up in much the same situation that led to our dilemma. I have noticed that people with a solid spiritual foundation will avoid these undesirable situations more often than not. It seems that having the ability to retreat into prayer or mediation of some sort helps to ease the pain of loss that first fills the void. By first drawing back into a reflective state of mind, by accepting the past as a fact, by keeping those facts in the context of reality, the anxiety of the future is lessened.

As our anxiety is lessened or relaxed we are increasingly able to see the present in the context of reality. The essence of our existence becomes increasingly self reliant. This feeling of being self-reliant leads to a self confidence that in turn helps us make better and increasingly thoughtful decisions. This can then lead to a better quality of life. Not just in our physical state, but in our spiritual state of being as well.

As we created a better understanding of our spirituality we are better able to fill the voids created by loss with our spiritual center. Instead of reaching out into the physical world to fill these voids we have the necessary tools to step back and evaluate our lives. This ability to step back and to see and accept the how and why of our place in time can bring about peace in the void created.

“Patience is a virtue” is an old saying that gets thrown around quite haphazardly. But patience by itself isn't worth much unless you can fill it with a productive process. Developing a process that has the inclination to bring about a positive outcome in your life is essential to personal peace. Developing a strong spiritual center can go a long way in preventing negative events that may have, in the past, taken control your life. Each person has to find their way of spirituality, most find it in a combination of styles. Many in today’s society find combining traditional prayer with other kinds of meditations increasingly fulfills their needs. They have a better grasp of their spirituality and this makes it harder for them to be shaken by natural events that are bound to happen to most of us.

Life is an unexpected experience, be prepared for the uncertainty of life with a strong spiritual center. When voids are created and pain attempts to fill this void and drive your life, have the strength to step back and meet the pain head on. Have the strength to embrace and accept the events of life. For me this spirituality centers on the Holy Trinity, for you spirituality may be a whole other experience.

It is my hope that this may, even in some small way, help you to find your spiritual being and to find peace in this life.

May the peace and love of Christ be with you.

By David E. Gonzales