Directions to Here
Think about exactly where your life is at this very moment in time. If the destination was not of your choosing, you may then have to ponder how that happened. Few of us know how we got to where we are. After examination, comes the question of what to do next. Staying in the same place is almost never an option that thrills. It lacks the gentle excitement we expect out of life. Boring. A second option is to feel stuck and start to want to change. This feeling can initiate different levels of thoughts about the journey taken to arrive at this point and point fingers and blame others. But we both know that your two feet got you there. A third option is to be open to finding new paths continuously. It’s the same appeal that climbers have when they keep on looking for something new to scale.
You Are Here
It can be daunting to read those confusing signs that are posted to provide directions at amusement parks. There are zones of color, themes, listings of food choices and intermittent signs that most of us file away for later – the restrooms. There is always that little square that signifies your current location in regard to the whole map. That’s when you realize that you can’t get everywhere quickly because you are in the wrong place and the road from here to there has so many opportunities. Individually we do not have access to one of these great maps, but it would be fascinating to plot out what life amusements might be fun to try in the future and know the best way to get to them. It’s still practical to check for restrooms along the way. Accommodations, like the food courts, help us feel that we are looking out for our physical beings. Waiting until you reach the safe height to ride gives you time to anticipate and plan. Anticipation is often as much or more fun than actual experience.
Traveling with a Group
If you have been a part of a tour group or seen a group while on vacation, you have probably noticed that there is usually a guide equipped with a flag of some sort to keep the group assembled. The travelers continuously stay assembled and attentive for that reminder to follow so they don’t get lost. Being lost is very stressful for most of us due to its high degree of uncertainty. In our haste to stay safe, we also have a chance to miss something amazing because our eyes get glued to that stupid flag. We forget that we are there to see everything else. Many of the other groups we travel in could use a sherpa though. Most meetings could use a guide to keep everyone on track. Most events would benefit from having an announcer tell you what to check out, so you don’t miss the best stuff. Museums often keep the most treasured pieces hidden inside so you have to walk down many halls to find them. Even the milk is kept at the back of the grocery store to force you to walk all of the way back there and pass everything else they want you to stop and buy. And you do stop and buy. It works.
Here and Now
Obviously, the most important place to be is here and now. And it is the most difficult place to remain. We keep filtering thoughts about the past because they are so numerous, and we generate thoughts about the future because there is that huge gap of time to wonder about. Oddly, the single moment that we inhabit is the most uncomplicated. It is quick. It can be simple. But we have to actually practice accessing it to enjoy it. We must pause. The here and now has the potential to provide a moment of rest and breath. This moment has every chance of capturing a loving memory. This split second in time might be the chance for that wild idea to creep in about riding the highest roller-coaster. We just have to give it a little space. Inevitably, the next moment is going to come anyway, and we can return our focus to the flag. But stop and look at the big directional sign in your heart. Being able to see the little you on the map lets you stay in the game. In fact, checking out the other paths will let you find more fun things to try. And you will still know where those restrooms are situated.
Can you imagine your own life map and see your little self on it? Can you stop for two minutes today to think about where you currently are to know better where to go next? What are you missing while you are busy focusing on the flag instead of what is all around the flag?
