Reflections on Path and Purpose
I spend a good amount of my meditation practice in contemplation of the way the world works. I am fascinated by my perception and interpretation of what is called Reality. The more mindful I am, the more I see and recognize clues and signs that the energy of my reality flows in a certain direction. I would love to have a “map” of this flow so that I might be prepared and ready for upcoming changes. I’ve yet to find the map! I believe my map can only be perceived in the moment as I consciously experience my own unique journey.
Purpose is an innate understanding of what brings us joy. The path is the set of steps that take us in the direction of our purpose. I have found the more mindful I am of my journey, the better I am able to grasp my journey’s underlying path and purpose. When I listen carefully, my path and purpose inform the choices I need to make when they need to be made.
When I was young, I expected my purpose to be clear, simple, and unwavering. I now know that my purpose is not fixed – it evolves – and when I listen I continually discover new depths. When I have a new insight, I often notice that things I have learned many years ago show up again as part of the tapestry of my purpose. I feel that as I grow, my purpose becomes more refined and layered…. like a fine wine.
Another reward for consciously experiencing my journey has been the discovery and understanding of the nature of my path. Like my purpose, I once thought my path would be a clearly marked trail. If I discovered an interest or passion I just needed to follow a set of instructions to master “it”. I have discovered that my path is not that simple. Most of the time I’m better served by staying with the feeling of the energy of clarity – the embodied sense of truth that tells me I am moving in the right direction. I would love there to be markers on the path that says, “you are here” or a green line on the floor that leads me to the “You have arrived” sign. Instead, I just do what my intuitive sense tells me is the next right thing.
