The paradoxical nature of change

Beisser (1970) propounded a 'paradoxical theory of change' that asserts 'change occurs when one beomces what he is, not when he tires to become what he is not' (p77). Change happens in an organic natural process not in a forced time frame with extraneous presures. The theory maintains that instead of working to change something, oneself perhaps, you need to enter fully into all aspects of your own experience, be fully aware of all that you are. When this is done change will naturally follow. Self acceptance has a transformative power to change ones perspective and attitude to many things, including oneself. The paradox here is that in order to change you have to give up trying to change, instead surrendering to the natural process of growth and change through awareness. Find out how to live more fully and authentically.

Thank you Joyce and Sills (2001).