Sunday, April 04, 2010

Tip#344: Accept Big Changes – Hachiko: A Dog's Story


There have been big changes all around me in downtown Toronto on Queen St. West. My favourite breakfast place called The Stem has closed forever (see tip#20) and other favourite restaurants of over 15 years, like Taro Bar & Grill, have closed their doors. It's like they represent the ending of an era for me.

And it would be very synchronistic because I am going through a pivotal and profound change in my life and work at the moment. Seeing these restaurants shut down reminded me of how loyal I was to them and how I must emotionally let go in order to move forward to new life experiences.

It's like any unexpected change in career, relationships or life situations you must face. It's our responsibility to let go of emotional attachments that no longer support us because they will never allow us to be truly free of the past.

Hachiko (Hachi): A Dog's Tale 2009

The movie, Hachiko (Hachi): A Dog's Tale inspires with its themes of loyalty, devotion and letting go. It's based on a true story about a puppy shipped to the US from Japan and being found at a train station by a professor named Parker (Richard Gere).

Parker and his family adopt the puppy calling him Hachi, the name on his collar. Over time Hachi would go and wait faithfully every day at the train station when Parker arrived home from work. Sadly, Parker dies unexpectedly while at work. To Hachi, his master just hasn't arrived home yet.

For many years, Hachi continued to return to the train station at the usual time Parker usually came home. The movie is a powerful story of undying devotion and love. It is also thought-provoking for knowing when to let go in your own life.

When big changes happen in your life, relationships or career it can be an extreme challenge to change your deep-rooted thoughts and emotions about these things. And yet it is your duty to learn how to accept these unwanted changes and release the invisible tethers keeping you in the past.

So accept the emotions that envelop you when unexpected change or crisis occurs. Be mindful not to stay stuck in this "grieving" period of shock or loss for too long. You are in control of your life so have the courage to know when to let go of the past.

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© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I always used to arrange to meet friends at the statue of Hachiko at Shibuya station when I lived in Tokyo (although the statue & area has changed a lot too since then)

Kirby I.A.

Head Health Nut said...

Your message of emotionally letting go of the past and accepting change is an important aspect to personal growth, Emmanuel. Thank you for reminding us! :)

Steph @ Live Lighter.org