Breathe
By Gabriela Gorab
Transitions are crucial moments in the lives of individuals and societies, marking significant and determining changes in the course of existence. From a psychological, cultural, anthropological, political, social and biological perspective, the importance of transitions lies in their capacity to foster growth, adaptation and renewal.
Psychological Perspective: Resilience and Courage
From a psychological perspective, transitions are essential for personal and emotional development. Resilience, understood as the ability to recover and adapt in the face of adversity, is strengthened during periods of change. Courage, on the other hand, is necessary to face the unknown and overcome the fears that arise in new situations. Psychologists affirm that these qualities not only help individuals to survive transitions, but also allow them to thrive, developing new skills and perspectives (Bonanno, 2004).
Cultural and Anthropological Perspective: Rites of Passage
Culturally, transitions are manifested through rites of passage, which are ceremonies and rituals that mark the change from one stage of life to another. These rites, studied extensively by anthropologists such as Victor Turner, are fundamental to social cohesion and cultural identity. They allow communities to recognize and celebrate change, providing a framework of support and meaning to those going through it (Turner, 1969).
