Variables in Transformation

Transformation as a process is dependent on many variables. Key among them are the drive and intention to create change. By drive, I mean the internal motivation and energy needed to fuel difficult growth, and intention refers to the conscious decision to pursue self-improvement. Without drive and intention, transformation rarely happens on its own; one must actively choose to embark on the process.

Culture can significantly impact access to these internal resources. Certain cultural norms may discourage introspection, self-critique, boundary-pushing or expressing vulnerability. Conversely, some cultures expressly value things like grit, reflection, and self-mastery - cultivating the drive and intention needed for growth.

Grieving is the process of reacting to grief, the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall experience of undergoing loss and coping with the pain and disorientation that goes along with saying goodbye to what is familiar. It is highly personal and involves actively coming to terms with that loss and transitioning through the journey of adapting to a new reality. No two grief journeys are the same, not even for each individual.

The journey of grief has no time frame. How we grieve is influenced by where we are developmentally when we experience loss and both affects and is affected by our stage of personal growth and transformation. It is also affected by any unfinished and unresolved grief we may have tucked away. When grief is the result of trauma that occurred early in life and may even be unremembered, it can have many implications for how we make choices and whether we feel free to move forward in our lives. Grief can be a part of our self-image without our being aware of it.

Cultural grief has a major influence on many aspects of life today. It influences the conversations we have as a society, how we view our options, make choices, see and react to one another, and think about change. When grief is experienced culturally and collectively by societies facing substantial loss and change to their cultural norms, practices, and overall way of life, it can lead to growing anxiety, despair, trauma, and eco-anxiety. Climate change in particular acts as a cultural terminus forcing transformation; responding to the collective grief while adapting is an emerging challenge worldwide.

Transformation and self-empowerment go hand in hand. Those feeling empowered and in control of their lives inherently have an easier time consciously changing and directing their growth trajectory. They already possess the self-confidence, self-trust, and personal agency needed to critically examine themselves, envision alternatives, and manifest renewed ways of being. In contrast, those lacking self-empowerment face more obstacles to personal transformation. They must first re-establish a sense of confidence and self-worth, which their disempowerment has diminished. Only by claiming and stepping into personal authority can intention and drive be brought to the process of growth.

The interrelationship between empowerment and transformation may seem self-evident upon analysis. However, for those desiring change without yet possessing its requisite tools, the process remains unclear.

Individuals may find themselves stuck wondering why progress eludes them as the pathway forward requires intention and new empowered beliefs about themselves and their capacity for self-directed growth. McWind Transformational meets each individual in their process and will help to shine light on the variables affecting their growth.