The world around us is subject to constant change, change that is often unstoppable, uncontrollable and unpredictable. The Bhagavad-gita (02.16) indicates that the best way to cope with change is to focus on the unchangeable: our spiritual nature and our spiritual connection with Krishna.

This focus energizes us with the confidence that no external change can:

1. Harm our essence, our indestructible souls

2. Stop Krishna from loving us

3. Stop us from remembering Krishna and experiencing his loving shelter.

Awareness of these unchangeable realities of life reassures us that the external changes are not the end of the world. When we render devotional service sincerely and prayerfully, we realize the tangibility of Krishna’s presence, shelter and love. This realization takes us beyond conceptual awareness to experiential confirmation of reality’s changeless dimension. Knowing that external changecan’t affect our core identity, we don’t become disturbed by it and so don’t get broken down or blown away by it. At the same time, knowing that external change does affect our circumstantial activity, we don’t deny or neglect the change; with due concern, we act intelligently to deal with it.

Thus, by showing us how to be concerned without becoming disturbed, Gita wisdom enables us to tackle change calmly and resourcefully.