The Phoenix Effect

The phoenix is a well-know bird from mythology, originating from Greek myths and possibly Egypt, and later circulating through other cultures into modern times. This majestic bird was depicted as forever cycling through death and rebirth. It would burn up in flames, turn into ashes, and then be reborn from those ashes anew. The cycle would complete and return to start over again. The concept of the phoenix is well-loved and referenced over and over again through history and cultures, perhaps because it so much resembles pieces of our own lives.

Our lives go through cycles over and over again. As much as we humans like consistency and routine, it is inevitable that this is going to be shaken up by changes. New pieces of our lives are born and old ones must fall away. In fact, it is a healthy part of life. When we hang on to those things that no longer serve us, it can cause us to smolder and put our flames out, so to speak. But, if we let them go, burn brilliantly, and let those old pieces fall away to ashes, we can watch a part of our life be reborn with something new that will hopefully serve us better.

Right now, I find that pieces of my personal life are starting to see this “phoenix effect” again. Our lives are always phoenixing. I know that’s not an actual word, but “phoenixing” feels like a great way to describe the cycle of changes through our lives. Phoenixing can happen in both big ways and small. Sometimes, it can be as simple as something like changing teams at work, or repainting the walls in your bedroom. Other times it can be something huge like the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one. This year in particular has been hard for not just me, but for just about everyone in the world. 

We are experiencing a very unique time. The COVID-19 pandemic is shaking up our lives in so many ways. Some people are experiencing tragic and unexpected death or illness, others are experiencing birth and life in a whole different way, and some are experiencing change in work and life balance, adding whole new levels of stress they haven’t had to contend with before. We are also seeing another flame burning brighter now as more and more people speak up for racial and social injustice with the Black Lives Matter movement. Naturally, this is going to cause an upheaval for so many people. Many changes do, even those changes that are for the better. The world’s consciousness is changing and splitting in dramatic ways we have never seen before. The whole world is experiencing the phoenix effect, or phoenixing.

But, not all change has to feel like a wild rollercoaster that you just want to get off of. It can become a wild roller coaster that you enjoy and maybe even have fun on. Instead of fearing the flames burning up these pieces of our lives, you can enjoy the brilliance of the light and the beauty of the phoenix’s shining presence as it prepares for rebirth. Mindfulness can be an important tool to help us get through change.

There is a quote I ran across again today from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Being Peace. “Life is filled with suffering, but it is also filled with many wonders, such as the blue sky, the sunshine, and the eyes of a baby. To suffer is not enough. We must also be in touch with the wonders of life. They are within us and all around us, everywhere, anytime.”  When you’re feeling overwhelmed by change, remember to take a moment to breath and enjoy what’s around you right at this present moment. Your suffering and difficulties are not who you are. Take a moment to see the things in this world that are beautiful and that make you feel at peace inside yourself. Even the way the wind blows a leaf across your path, or the way the rain falls over your window pane can be beautiful. 

Change is powerful, just like the act of giving birth. I remember how difficult pregnancy and childbirth were at times. I had many sleepless nights as I grew my child inside me. His insistence on having a dance party on my bladder at 2:00am was not my favorite part of the experience. Yet, feeling him move around, knowing that he was active and healthy gave me so much joy. And then, when labor came, the intensity and pain of contractions was almost too much at times. But, I tried to remember my breath through it. Breathing and focusing on my own inner power pushed me through each intense contraction as it radiated through my whole being. And it was so worth it at the end to see my son’s beautiful face. In retrospect, the entire process of creating this amazing little life was intensely beautiful. And it changed my life in so many ways. My life had gone through another circle of phoenixing to bring me some of the greatest love I’ve ever felt.

As you experience your life’s phoenix burning up and beginning to move toward rebirth, enjoy the beauty of the experience in the ways that you can. I realize not all pieces are going to be pleasant and enjoyable. Some parts may be downright awful. But, between it all, there will be glimpses of beauty that can instill a sense of awe, wonder, and perhaps revelation. When you are struggling to remember that your phoenix will be reborn again, try breathing with this mantra:

Breathing in, I am present with my feelings.
Breathing out, I release my anxieties and fear.
Breathing in, I know that change is part of life.
Breathing out, I know that there is beauty in change.
Breathing in, I see the beauty of my phoenix’s flames.
Breathing out, I let the ashes fall gracefully down.
Breathing in, I see the ashes begin to cool.
Breathing out, I see a new flame begin to light.