Beyond the Crossroads

Photo Credit: Shamala Govindasamy The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, South Wales

“When your inner world is on fire and you are burning for resolution, it is tempting to conclude that something has gone wrong, that you have failed, that you are flawed, and that you are unworthy of love. The questions are surging, the longing is unbearable, and you are still aching to find some relief. You are exhausted, but this is no ordinary exhaustion. It is sacred. It is the end of one world and the beginning of another. Stay close. In these moments, which may always arise in the heart of an open, sensitive human being, slow way down. Touch the earth, look up into the sky, listen to the song of the unseen. Dare to consider that things are not always as they appear. Today may not be the day for answers, but to finally let your heart break open to the vastness of the question. You are not a project to be solved and you were never unhealed. With eyes wide open, see that you could never lose the way. The unfolding of the heart is the work of a lifetime and there is no urgency on the path of love.”

~ Matt Licata

As I reflect upon my mentoring calls, a common thread woven throughout is often: why are things as they are? Often the list is offered of all the things being actively engaged within. Meditation, prayer, journaling, a gratitude practice, acts of service, and more.

• Am I invisible?

• How can I find my path of feeling fulfilled?

• Is this what being stuck looks and feels like?

• I have not received any clear guidance yet, and I have been faithful in my asking, and remaining open to listening.

Of course I wish I had a crystal ball, and could provide some answers, yet clearly I do not. I too am right with you, and have wrestled vigorously with many of the same inquiries.

Yet, what I do know and trust fully within my bones, is that answers do reveal themselves, the path clears, and not a moment before it is meant to. Herein lies our frustrations, impatience, resentment, and even hopelessness at times. This is an aspect of living within these human bodies, and when so much compassion is needed, rather than a harsh lecturing.

This is where the tension lies, because we feel an itch, a passion and desire. Perhaps even catching glimpses of it just beyond the corner, yet still beyond reach.

Matt Licata, reminds us that today may not be the day for answers, but to finally let your heart break to the vastness of the question.

With eyes wide open you could never lose the way.

Might we loosen our grip, not buy into major FOMO that we must be behind schedule and are missing out. What if we are right on time?

I have no doubt that those desires and preferences, if each and every one had come our way when we were willing them to, might not have been in our highest and best good. I am able to reflect on many.

One that will forever stand out is when I believed I wanted to transfer from where I was attending college, to be closer to my boyfriend at his. My mother’s reply, “OVER MY DEAD BODY!” I had enough fear over the wrath of this diminutive powerhouse of a woman to respect her intuitive sense.

It would have not have been one of my wiser choices, as that relationship went south, literally, where I thought I was headed. I remained at my present college, and from there new paths opened upon my graduation. Leading me into a teaching career path, which there was no way I was going to miss in this lifetime.

Perhaps a more potent mantra might be, “How best may I act? How may I act knowing you are watching me tenderly and curiously? What stories need my attention? What songs want to be sung? Who needs my help today? And whose help can I receive?” ~ Sophie Strand