29/01/2014
What is our life purpose? I remember someone suggesting we reflect back to childhood when we could still remember our purpose - as we grow older we tend to forget what we came here to do. I recall as clear as yesterday, sitting at the kitchen table at the age of 7 or 8 and telling my mother I was going to be a minister. I had a vision of being outdoors with families and friends, everyone enjoying nature and the sunshine. At that age being familiar with Sunday School, a minister represented spirituality. Fourty years later, I began to follow my heart, and became a spiritual director and spiritual psychotherapist.
In reflection, I can see where my direction in life years ago was like being in a rowboat. I joined a large corporation as many others were doing, to have a pension, good benefits, training and most importantly long term security. Something our parents valued and encouraged us to do - what they thought best for us. Twenty years went by in that rowboat – I bobbed around and waited for them to tell me what the next job was, where I would work, what I would do. At one time I was a building facility manager - a far stretch for someone who certainly isn't inspired by HVAC systems, which makes me laugh when I think about it. And yes while I was blessed with a great career and am grateful for all that came with it, I was not my own navigator by any means. Years later, with more experience and wisdom, my life took a different turn. Through a series of syncronistic events, I became aware there was more to life from a spiritual perspective, which addressed the void I was left with. I was on a search for that something that my heart knew was missing. The universe supported my search and offered up places, people and events that taught, inspired and frankly awed me.
Today I’d like to think I’m in a motorboat. I’m working on being my own navigator. Yes at times it feels easier to bob in a rowboat, however focus, belief, vision, determination and a sense of joy fuels this ride. You learn to know when you are on course or "in the flow” – that’s the GPS on this journey. If the waves are high and preventing you from moving forward, perhaps you need to revisit the direction you’re going. And for sure, there will be a lesson in the process. And when there’s smooth sailing you know you’re on the right path – things fall into place and the universe supports you in ways you couldn’t even imagine. You learn how to weather the storms and come out stronger. And forget the nautical charts – you are creating new possibilities as you go. We aren’t meant to stay in the harbor – we are meant to be courageous, curious, to create and follow our bliss. It may be helpful to ask ourselves on any given day - where are we today - in our rowboat or our motorboat?
