Life As A Treasure Hunt

One of my biggest challenges this life has been to have patience for myself and the process of life, especially, when I lack the larger picture perspective, or the direction I was given suddenly changes. I do well with information. If I know where I am going and the pathway has been shown to me, I am willing to put up with a fair amount of discomfort. Otherwise forget it! I will be upset, even if things are seemingly going well.

Unfortunately, I find myself over and over again in situations with little to zero visibility forced to rely on my faith. All I can do in these moments is to put one foot in front of the other until I find the next clue. And of course, use this wonderful opportunity to work on and strengthen my muscles for patience and surrender.

It does appear that many of us are involuntary members of this mystery club called life.

One of the things that helps me continuously is the to look at life as a treasure hunt.

When I admit to myself that I really don't know yet what life has in store for me it is easier to look for the next clue and trust, that I will have all the necessary information, as I need it.

 Maybe my ultimate destination is not the top of the mountain that was pointed out to me, but it was the only thing I could see from the crossroad where I was standing.

Can I be flexible enough to correct my course along the journey when my path changes once I meet the boat on the river?  And when I climb into the boat, can I allow the river to take me to wherever I am destined to go? And while doing so, can I be present in the moment to absorb the gifts of the journey to their fullest?

I am certainly still a work in progress in these matters but I have learned to surrender quicker and to pay closer attention to life, for it always has a way of working out.

In case of doubt, keep walking with a prayer in your heart and the courage to put one foot in front of the other. Life is a mystery! Make peace with that. Your journey will be different and unique and remember; within the abundance of the Universe there will always be another clue.

Enjoy your treasure hunt! You too shall return home one day, that is a promise!

Great Reminder

Hi! I apologize to all of you who have been letting me know that you missed my weekly postings.
Things have been a bit hectic around here, but I am planning to get back to my weekly schedule.
Got some new posts in the works.
In the meantime here is a great reminder (one of my favorite poems!).

ITHAKA

As you set out for Ithaka

hope your road is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

angry Poseidon - don't be afraid of them:

you'll never find things like that one on your way

as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,

as long as a rare excitement

stirs your spirit and your body.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

wild Poseidon - you won't encounter them

unless you bring them along inside your soul,

unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope your road is a long one.

May there be many summer mornings when,

with what pleasure, what joy,

you enter harbours you're seeing for the first time;

may you stop at Phoenician trading stations

to buy fine things,

mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

sensual perfumes of every kind -

as many sensual perfumes as you can;

and may you visit many Egyptian cities

to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you're destined for.

But don't hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years,

so you're old by the time you reach the island,

wealthy with all you've gained on the way,

not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvellous journey.

Without her you wouldn't have set out.

She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won't have fooled you.

Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,

you'll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean

Constantine P. Cavafy