Creating change through awareness

We are all in need of change — both at the individual as well as the societal level. Our survival and success depend on the ability to initiate vital changes in our life. How do we change ourselves?
A research was conducted involving several hundred people who were trying to make simple but important changes. These people were brought together and the group was split into two. Each group was led through a process to identify the changes they wanted to make in their own lives. They were asked if they were convinced of the need to change.
The two groups were given different me­th­ods to implement the change they sought. One group set very specific goals, such as running three times a week and eating only healthy food for ten weeks. They were asked to write down these goals and review them once a week and tabulate their progress. It was thought that the process of setting specific and practical goals, reviewing them regularly and visualising the progress enabled them to change.
The second group was given a different method. They were given cards and, in fact, asked to write down a few words or phrases that would remind them of the change they wanted to make. They were to carry the cards with them wherever they went for the next 12 weeks. They were also asked to look at the card and be aware of the choices they were making about ten to twenty times a day. Actually they were told never to go anywhere without the card. It was also impressed upon them to be optimistic about their success and they were not to engage in any negative self-talk. It was assumed that constant reminder of the need to change, coupled with the positive outlook, made change easier.
Twelve weeks later, both groups were brought together. Both the groups had made changes, but it was fo­und that the second group had on the whole ushered in a lot more changes. The awareness of change, constant repetition and a positive approach to change were the main factors in their success story. Through the simple act of paying attention, change happened.
It is also the natural way of a child, for instance, who lea­rns to walk, by paying attention and experimenting. She wat­ched, observed and experime­nted till she got it right. Imitation was the key to her success in walking. The positive and warm reception given by her parents also contributed to it. Learning our mother tongue is also such a natural change that occurs through awareness, imitation, experimentation and parental support. In fact, we create change by holding something before us and by experimenting with it.
Specific goal setting and sustained attempts at reaching the change normally produce the desired results, but there are many cases of “relapse” and fa­lling back to the old habits. This may create new negativities affecting our ability to change.
On the other hand, creative and susta­ined level of awareness together with positive orientation of our ability to bring about such changes can create miracles. Belief in God or in a higher power can contribute to positive orientation. Such a change is possible both for individuals and society.
Today, as a society, we need to relook our lifestyle. For example, the ecological problem confronting us is definitely the result of our dated mode of living and demands also a spiritual response. Awareness of the need for a new paradigm for sustainable living, together with specific commitments, can contribute collectively to ach­ieving the goal.

The writer is professor of science and religion and director of Jnanam, Pune