This is one of those great questions where we think we know the answer until we stop and think.
In one sense, it doesn’t have an answer because it is the fundamental question of our existence and shapes our life, whether we are conscious of it or not.
Yet on a less profoundly philosophical level, it’s still worth thinking about.
And I wonder if it depends on which side of the question we sit.
Am I searching for something – for example, knowledge, understanding or certainty – that will enable me to step forward?
Or is what I am searching for the reason why I am already moving? Like a compass or a quest.
While neither of these orientations is intrinsically right or wrong, I suspect the former is more often used as an excuse. Something to hide behind: ‘I can’t until…’
Especially in these emerging times, we are not going to have all the answers. They don’t exist. And even if they did, they would change.
And while we also need the wisdom to see where we are – not just assume we know – this is a time for stepping forward.
Life becomes a matter of showing up and saying yes.
Richard Rohr in The Divine Dance
And it’s a time for doing so together.
Instructions for living a life:
From Mary Oliver’s poem, Sometimes
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
Cheering you on from a little valley in South West Wales.
~
This week
Reflections that led to today:
- Monday: Making space for life
- Tuesday: Unexpected fruit
- Wednesday: Where’s the best fruit?
- Thursday: The only one
- Friday: We don’t exist on our own