Orientation
world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the
infinite extent of our relations." Henry David Thoreau
I am on a ferry on the way to Crete after a slight change of plans.
The next two weeks are planned out and it looks to be incredible with
islands, monasteries, and mediterranean food. Yet as my mind travels
along into the future I cannot help but get a sense that I am moving
into the unknown. That was when thoreau's quote spoke to me from
walden's pond.
In our youth we can be forgiven for wanting to find ourselves. After
our early twenties it is expected that we know who we are and move
forward to become productive members of soceity. Well what happens if
life is a continual journey of being lost and every so often we "find"
aspects of ourselves that truly resonate with who we are intrinsically?
Perhaps truly being lost, the kind of lost that must preclude a deeper
sense of self discovery, requires a total disorientation. We must
connect to our values, our dreams, our joys, and our passions if we
want to make a difference in this world. By "making a difference" I
imply that we better the world in a way that connects with our true
self (as discovered through self awareness, not societal expectations.)
As we grow and develop we begin to understand the interconnectedness
of our relationships. A kind word or an appropriate encouragement can
impact a friend and change their way of thinking. They in turn will
respond to others through renewed perspective , and so the world
slowly changes from within. In that place of being centered we can
walk a constant push and pull of being lost and found.
Seb
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