Finding your Way

Noticing the signs along the way 

There is a vulnerable not-knowing that is present when starting anything new.  Whether you are starting a new endeavour or new direction.   There can be a feeling of walking blindly as you take one step after the other. 

I once went on a walk to the top of Bartle Frere, the highest mountain in Queensland.  The walk goes up through lush and green rainforest, up into a cloud forest and to the top of the mountain.  It was magical up there, with the mist and the rocks and the views glimpsed as the mist parted. It was so beautiful that I found it hard to leave and ended up only part of the way down the mountain as the sun set.

Stuck on the mountain 

This lush rainforest also includes poisonous stinging plants, plus an assortment of biting things such as snakes and spiders and scorpions.  I was in unfamiliar territory, and didn’t know the land and its creatures very well at all.  As the light started to fade, I started rushing, running almost, down the mountain, trying to get to the car-park before it was completely dark.  I soon realised that this wasn’t going to work.  For one, it was dangerous and if I injured myself, I’d be there at least overnight and maybe longer.  And if I stepped on a snake, well, that might have been it. 

So I let go and slowed right down.  By this time it was dark in the forest, with no moonlight.  I had to move in a different way.  Gone was the rush to get down the mountain. Instead, I started to listen more, and started to feel my way down the mountain.  I had to stop every now and then and just breathe, in order to calm my fear before taking another step and then another. 

The lights along the way 

Then a miraculous thing happened.  I started to notice tiny lights as I walked.  The fireflies had come out for the night.  At first I just noticed their presence, but then as I walked on I started to notice that the lights seemed to be always just that little way in front of me.  I thought I was imagining it, but as I walked I saw that it was really happening. The fireflies were lighting my way down the mountain! 

I don’t know if there is a practical explanation for this, whether there was something about the clearing of the path and the types of plants there or what.  What I do know though, is that I was filled with a sense of wonder and great relief as I walked the rest of the way down.  I just knew that I was going to be OK.  I felt humbled and grateful and yes, very tired as I walked into the car-park at around midnight. 

Your vulnerability can be your greatest ally 

In our day to day lives, we often try to push through, trying to control what happens and to be in charge.  And yet it is only when we acknowledge our vulnerability that we can soften and open to the mystery and our guidance and signs to reveal the way. 

It is your vulnerability and non- knowing that can be your greatest allies.   They can lead you to recognise moments of opportunity or new possibilities.  Without the vulnerability of my situation in the forest, I might have missed the wonder of the fireflies and the realisation deep down that I was OK.  It helped me develop trust. 

The secret to receiving now 

We tend to experience this vulnerability and openness at moments of crisis, when we have no other options available to us. Yet, it is our natural state as human beings; we are dependent for every breath. The secret is to acknowledge this vulnerability and our not-knowing now and not wait for a crisis.  When we acknowledge our vulnerability and our not-knowing in each moment, we allow for the new to emerge. 

How do you listen for and receive guidance and recognise signs? 

So, take a moment now. 

• Stop, and listen to your heart 

• It starts with simply acknowledging that you don’t know what the future holds.  Feel the not knowing and allow the space; it is such a beautiful state.   It’s only from the unknowing that the knowing can emerge. 

• Now consider one question you have that is present in your life.  Bring it to your heart, softly, and ask to be shown.   Listen for the answer and acknowledge what comes, even if you don’t understand it.  It may be just a sensation or a feeling.  If you’re not sure what the answer means, ask to be shown more.  Write down what comes. 

Example: I first felt a kind of tightness around my heart.  Then I noticed some warmth and then the constriction started melting a little.  As I asked for more, I sensed a kind of lightening.  I’m not sure what that is but it feels good.  I’ll keep exploring this and asking to receive more of this and to understand it more. 

It is your vulnerability and not-knowing that can be the doorway to your guidance and your wisdom.  Once we let go of the effort and trying to make it happen, we allow the next step to be revealed.  As you move through your days, stay open for signs.  What do you notice?  Remember to breathe, to soften and to ask.  You may be surprised by what comes. 

Would you like to connect deeper with your heart, your guidance and with life? 

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