Are you missing the point?
Destination mindsets and linear thinking is how most of us are raised. The model we’re given in religion, academia, and Corporate America is success or deliverance comes through deferred enjoyment. I achieved many things following a destination mindset – wealth, popularity, and power. As I grew older and continued to defer my happiness for the promise of future glory and fulfillment I became increasingly at odds with my feelings. It manifested as stress, irritation, depression, and anxiety. My life was a never-ending exchange of my energy output for an IOU. However, being taught to enter the gate and walk the narrow path was the only way forward I continued to endure. Until one day I thought, “I’ve arrived! I did it! I achieved the success I’ve been working toward!” Then something unexpected happened … I didn’t feel any different than I had always felt. Then came a letdown as I felt I had been duped. It was a hoax. I was missing EVERYTHING life truly offered. I was led to believe life was a journey, a pilgrimage with a serious purpose at the end. And the purpose was to get to THAT end, be it success or heaven after I died. When the whole-time life was a musical thing not a destination. I was meant to sing and dance as life’s symphony played.
I decided to change … but how?!? I started with happiness. When I felt happiness come to me, I analyzed everything I had done and what happened in the moments leading up to the joy I felt. I was unsuccessful. Like squeezing sand in my hands, the more I analyzed the quicker the joy escaped. It wasn’t until I stopped attempting to reproduce the happiness and simply let the happiness wash over me, imprinting itself on my soul did I understand. The present moment is where all life happens and believing that getting to the end of the journey is the “point” was destroying my life, my present.
To anyone along this journey I say, kick off your shoes, depart the path and begin to notice what makes your heart sing. Your true path will be nearby. Look for it and enjoy the music.
Comentários