Dear Reader,
Here’s a big question for you as we begin this new year: What do you love?
I love… big questions! Those of you who follow the blog probably know that already. I particularly love this big question, and have written about it before, because of its power to ground you in your everyday experience and point you toward that all-important inner journey of uncovering your deepest soul desires.
So far this year, something I have done consistently is to stay open to the things I love and act on them. I guess you could say that I have let love be my compass.
For example, yesterday in the late afternoon, I was finishing up a work session and considering what to do next. There was, of course, plenty more work, and part of me felt like I should do more. But I happened to look out the window of my little home on the lake here in Maine, and I noticed the most beautiful sunset unfolding. Winter skies are beautiful enough, but winter sunsets can be astounding!
Now, part of me was content to watch the sunset through the window. But one thing I love is watching a beautiful sunset, and deep down, I realized that I wanted to do more than just watch; I wanted to be part of this unfolding gorgeousness. To me, that meant throwing on my boots, jacket, hat and gloves and running down to the shore.
Quickly, the part of my mind that resists change said, “John, that’s very romantic, but it’s nice and warm in here. You can still watch the sunset through the window, and besides, there will be plenty of other sunsets to run outside for.” That voice must’ve realized it was losing the argument, because it gave one last, insistent plea, “For God’s sake, man, stay inside and be cozy! You can have your cake and eat it too!”
Fortunately, I chose to ignore that voice. I honored what I loved, in that moment, in the best way I possibly could, in the way that felt right. I threw on all my winter garb and ran out the door.
I was handsomely rewarded. Darkness was falling, but there was still plenty of light. I stepped into this in-between world and immediately felt it embrace me. I felt welcome, at peace, and yet pulled by the streaks of light along the opposite shore.
I stood on a large, flat rock near the shoreline, and marveled at the mist that was filling the space above the iced-over lake, the dark winter clouds hovering over the evergreens, and of course, the vivid shards of light filtering through breaks in the clouds.
This was enchantment.
I stood for a long time, even as a soft rain began to pelt on the trees behind me, on my shoulders and head, on the icy snow covering the ground. As I watched the light change, I also listened to the hiss of the rain, noting the change in sound as it grew a bit more icy.
Even in the midst of all that beauty, the little voice that resists change and discomfort tried again to influence me,”Okay, you’ve seen it. Are you happy now? You’re getting wet; go inside!”
Again, I ignored that voice, and stayed for as long as I felt the desire to linger.
I can barely describe how I felt by the time I went inside: invigorated, alive, empowered, fully present – and as if I had been given a very special gift. If I had to articulate, I would say the gift was a way forward in 2017 – following what I love.
I have a feeling this is going to be a very, very good year.
What if I hadn’t responded to that feeling of what I loved, and acted on it in the most powerful way I possibly could? What if I had given in to that voice of resistance to change? Think of what I would have missed.
What about you, dear reader, what do you love? Start with just one thing, and give yourself over to it fully. And if you want to really explore the question, I have written in another post about how to do that.
Start with one thing, see where it leads, and then see what else you love, and follow that. Let me know where you end up!
I honor your loving heart,
John
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