Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Transforming Traditions


Traditions are beliefs and/or customs that are passed down from generation to generation.  During this holiday season, many people can identify with traditions in the form of behaviors and events.  A few common holiday traditions in the United States include gathering together with family or friends for dinner, baking cookies, decorating the home, and exchanging gifts.  Can you identify some of your seasonal traditions?

Traditions are not only events and activities, but mindsets and behaviors.  Traditions are formed by various parties including family, culture, religious, and political entities.  These traditions are a set of norms which are formed and adopted across generations.  Just as traditions are learned, behaviors are learned.  Many behaviors in which we engage in are due to traditions in our family, culture, or society.  This is equal to our mindset.  The way in which we think is passed down as a tradition.  These traditions of mindsets and behaviors can be beneficial, but they can also be detrimental. 

The point at which a tradition becomes detrimental, rather than beneficial, to us is when we follow a tradition in a legalistic (extreme conformity) manner rather than through a true desire of our hearts.  Examining our traditions can bring transformation to our lives.  Taking inventory on "age old" traditions can reveal aspects of ourselves we have sought to change.  Transformation of traditions can create a sense of freedom.  Asking ourselves: Why do we do we do that?  Does it have to be exactly this way?  How can we change it for the better?  Taking control of our own transformation, even in the aspect of traditions (family, cultural, spiritual, behavioral, and mindsets) can relieve stress and anxiety and provide a sense of self enlightenment into other areas of our lives which may be hidden. 

Perhaps some of your traditions need to be rewritten, or perhaps the font of the traditional text can be changed.  I challenge you to examine your traditions in order to identify which  traditions in your life are beneficial for you and which ones may need some transforming.  Challenging traditions means your transformation is just around the corner!

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