Ancient Chinese wisdom says that when the wind blows strong, the mighty oak which stands firm, will topple, yet the flowing reeds will live to see another day. Likewise, when we experience change, we must “go with the flow.” “Ride the tide.” We must adapt. For if we stand firm, resisting the change, like the mighty oak, we will fall. If instead, we bend like the gentle reed, we will live to see another day…and become stronger and wiser in the process.
Our bodies have a remarkable ability to adapt to change, that, is to change itself internally to best survive a change on the outside, receiving the fullest benefit from the experience. Left on its own, the human body would survive through tremendous trial and tribulation because of its wonderful adaptive mechanism. Infants who usually would be considered unfit to care for themselves, have been found lost in the woods or trapped in a well, alive and thriving after days, and even weeks, without food and water. Whereas these conditions may not be optimum for the health and well-being of a child, their resilience and adaptability is demonstrated in such situations.
The most primitive and best known example of our adaptive mechanism is the fight or flight response. This unconscious animal response occurs when the human animal is placed in danger. The body automatically prepares itself for one of two adaptive responses: to either confront the danger or run away. Whereas our civilization has eliminated much of our need for this response, it still stands, and protects us in times of physical challenge or emotional contention.
When such a situation arises, a number of internal adaptations occur. Our adrenal glands release adrenaline into our blood stream giving us a burst of energy. Our digestive system slows or stops completely to reserve energy resources. Our eyes dilate, pupils open wide, so that we can see further, more, and in less light. Our blood pressure and pulse rate increase sending more blood and oxygen to all the cells of our body, especially the muscles. All these responses are created in order to prepare us for action and increase our chances of survival in a challenging situation.
Whereas in the past our adaptive mechanism was responsible in determining whether we live or die in a given situation, and may even perform the same function today, due to our development of civilization, society and culture, these important responses to change may hold a more subtle, yet profound, function: To allow us to get the most out of any given situation, especially in the areas of healing, growth, and further evolution of our species.
If we are able to adapt to a change in the environment in such a way as to become stronger, smarter, or more sensitive, we can become more advanced as a species and achieve higher levels of awareness, accomplishment, and healing.
In order for us to reach our highest levels of health and healing, we must ensure that our bodies and minds are capable of effective and efficient adaptation to change in the environment. By becoming more sensitive and more perceptive, we are more prepared and forewarned so that we can make such changes. If this Response Ability to adapt or change ourselves in relationship to the outside environment is not functioning optimally, the perception is futile. For if we perceive a possible danger and are unable to respond to it, what use is the perception? It is like a starving man looking across a great cavern at an apple tree…in eyeshot, but out of reach. Unless we can adapt effectively to the changes that we have perceived, the perception holds no purpose and serves only to frustrate.
Understanding the important function of perception and adaptation, in the next entry we will look at the next Response Ability…the ability to recover.
An excerpt from the book, A Clear Path to Healing, by Dr. Barry S. Weinberg
With Love and Appreciation,
Dr Barry