Unknown Territory

As I watch a young woman getting ready to begin her senior year in High School, I am reacquainted with the experience of preparing for unknown territory. I realize at her age and stage of life, the world looks full of possible privilege, some danger and of course excitement. I notice that in my world view there seem to be more hazards than hers. I see more consequence and also purpose than she might. And all in all, she is right where she needs to be, here and now. I choose to temper my expression of awareness in order to make space for her original experience and perception. (Or at least I do my best to accomplish that!)

I also appreciate that in my own life I am planning for unknown territory. My age and stage in life are changing day by day. I am entering into my 6th decade now. I appreciate how change is part of life and really only fluctuates based on our attention to it and of course the reflection we receive from those around us about it. How do any of us “prepare for the unknown”? We can’t possibly expect to know what is ahead, right? That isn’t possible! And, avoiding awareness about what terrain is ahead would not be supportive for sure.

So, when I am with this young woman talking about her interests after she graduates high school, or helping her set up and maintain her budget, I hear myself speak to her about the importance of trusting oneself and the quiet voice within to guide and to trust that Life finds a way through challenges and uncertainty; I realize that that is true. And it applies to me too! I look at her and see her future unfolding. I see her gifts that in many cases she does not see as clearly. And so it is with myself. She allows me to see myself in the image she casts in the mirror.

She also reminds me to look for those things in life that bring me pleasure, that refill my energy tank, and offer lightness to my daily experience. Simple things like playing with the dog, listening to nature sounds or enjoying smells and tastes! In all of my awareness of what could be a hazard to be avoided, I want to soak up the sweetness of life as it is in the present moment! To support that for myself, I am actually compiling a list of “pleasures” in my phone. The ongoing list has me scouting for things that bring me pleasure, which changes my filters in order to notice and recognize them.

Creativity is Life unfolding. At any given point, it is incomplete. The trained eye recognizes the “incompleteness” as flow. Life is in process, continually. When I look around my home or office and see things “unfinished”, I can remind myself of that; “Life is in process” and resist the un-supportive judgements that I sometimes heap upon myself by recounting the myriads of things unfinished or yet to be done. And instead I can be open to the quiet voice inside that is the voice of innate wisdom, as it encourages me to be still, take a breath and relax into my life. Be still. Be curious and open to new ways of being that Life is showing me.

What new territory is ahead for you that represents the unknown?
How do you choose to respond to that awareness?
Who might be offering a mirror image for you right now?
What might you list as a “pleasure” in your own life?