What if you’re on the right path?
I shared a quote on my Instagram last week that asked the question: “What if you’re on the right path?” And it has me wondering how often we question what’s happening in our lives rather than just trust it? How much are we discounting or failing to embrace moments that seem unimportant or disconnected from the path we’re trying to walk, but are, in reality, integral stepping stones that might actually bring us closer to ourselves and our intended destination?
I think that often when we set out on a path to achieve or acquire something — or whatever it may be — we expect that it should be a straightforward thing. Like some kind of life math equation: ‘If I do X and Y, then Z will happen’. And we’re so dead set on the fact that this equation should work, that we neglect anything that isn’t part of the plan. And instead of seeing interruptions or diversions as an invitation to pause and reflect, or maybe even redirect ourselves, we’re taught to just “stay focused,” “work harder”. We’re taught to believe that the tighter we grip and the more control we try to exert, that things are bound to work out. But how often is this actually the case…and at what cost? Because, at least in my experience and observation, this type of efforting just leads to anxiety and frustration and, perhaps, even a feeling of less than when things are difficult.
Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t actively work towards our goals. I’m not so naive as to think that life happens by accident. But, the truth is that we are just a co-creator when it comes to our destiny and reality. Our lives are intertwined with the world around us and that world is going to exert some influence on how things unfold. So, with that in mind, maybe we don’t have to know what the path looks like before we walk it. What if instead of laying the path brick by brick as we go along, we just walked it — letting it bend and weave, noticing the trees, stopping to take in the view, feeling the kiss of the sun on our face, and allowing for the unexpected stream to cross or boulder to climb over. Walking with purpose but freely; observing instead of absorbing, and feeling into each step, each moment along the way. I know that can be really tough, especially when you’re up against it, when everything seems to be going wrong. But those are the moments that are inviting us to go deeper and understand that maybe these obstacles are happening for us, not to us. It’s difficult, but if we can pause and try to see ourselves as sailing instead of rowing, a whole new world opens before us. By engaging with each moment (whether they feel good…or not), we’re able to be an active participant, a student and tap into what’s for our highest good — feel into where we’re meant to go, instead of force what maybe isn’t for us.
Recently, I was struck by how we never know what one thing is going to lead to another. This past fall I was in Seattle for a couple weeks, just exploring and considering it for a future home city, and decided to take yoga at a local studio. And while the class was great, it was the teacher who really made an impression on me. Her energy (and her playlist!) sparked something in me. I ended up following her on social media and a few months later learned that she would be hosting a January meditation group. I say all this because I feel like I was divined to find this group. It wasn’t a brick I planned to lay on my path, but rather, I was led to this particular point so that I could be a part of this little community, meditating, sharing philosophical ideas, learning and getting inspired. And had I not moved from Boulder in May, let myself be untethered for much of last year (despite mixed feelings about that), traveled to Seattle, taken that yoga class, etc., etc., it’s unlikely that I’d have come across this group, which is already making big changes in how I show up for myself, in my business, in relationships, etc. I don’t know where exactly it will all lead, but it has made me grateful of the reminder that the universe is always working for me — if I just let it — even if sometimes it’s hard to understand why things are unfolding they way they are. That the best things I can do for myself along this journey are to stay curious, be open and patient, and operate from a place of joy.
Journaling Prompts:
Can you identify an area of your life where you feel tension with the path you’re on, or how the path is unfolding? What’s causing the tension? Is it timing? Other people? Are the results different than what you were expecting? Where do you feel it in your body?
Is there a time in your life where things connected themselves in a positive way without your overt assistance?
Think about the practice of observing versus absorbing. What does that mean to you? What kinds of feelings come up when thinking about being an observer, and letting things unfold naturally? Can you identify an area of your life that might benefit from this practice?
