The heavy rains and flash floods of the past few weeks have changed many of our plans. Sometimes the weather makes the decision for us. But these disruptions have also made me think about something larger: how do we respond when circumstances change and the plans we made no longer make sense?
eople wade through floodwaters along Taft Ave. in Manila on August 17, 2026, following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or “habagat.” (Mark Balmores/Manila Bulletin)
I have always believed in showing up. When I say yes to something, I consider it a commitment. I make the effort to be there because, for me, it is a matter of integrity. But does integrity always mean sticking to the original plan?
Last Saturday, I was supposed to watch Taginting: 70 Years of Bayanihan Legacy at the Metropolitan Theater. I had been looking forward to it, but with the strong habagat rains and flooding that day, I decided to stay home. Even then, part of me wondered, Should I have gone?
Adapting to Change Without Losing Your Values
We make decisions based on what we know at a particular moment. Then circumstances change. New information comes in, and what made sense yesterday may no longer make sense today. Adapting to change does not necessarily mean becoming less committed. It can mean staying true to what matters while remaining flexible enough to respond to what is actually happening.
In Kundalini Yoga, we speak about living in the Aquarian Age, a time characterized by rapid change, increasing complexity and an overwhelming amount of information. Navigating these times requires discernment, intuition and adaptability. Things we once relied upon may no longer work in the same way. Sometimes the adjustment is significant. Sometimes it is as simple as deciding not to attend a performance you had planned to see
There will be times when growth requires us to show up even when we would rather stay comfortable. There will also be times when changing the plan is the wiser and more responsible choice. Our commitments still matter. But integrity and flexibility do not have to be opposites.
What Is the Right Response Now?
Integrity in changing times may not be about rigidly following every decision we have made. It may be about staying true to our values while responding honestly to what is happening now. So when circumstances change, perhaps the question is not simply, “Should I stick to the plan?” A better question may be, What is the right response now?
Let the answer be guided by what serves everyone best, including whether your presence may be more useful at another time.
In loving service,
Rosan
