Just about ten years ago when I was coordinating a program for families who had children with chronic health conditions, I created my first life path with the assistance of colleagues. Although it is a tool for working with folks who are developmentally disabled as a means of helping them achieve their biggest and best life goals, I have since adapted it to suit my own needs and artistic inclinations.
That initial path was created on banner paper and stretched over five feet. A colleague served as scribe, and she and others guided me through questions aimed at helping me to get my vision down in words and images....where I wanted to be...who I wanted with me. I no longer have that piece of art, but it did hang in my apartment for several years. It provided inspiration during a very difficult period of transition and questioning, and it kept me on track. Here is a drawing that illustrates the basics of putting one together in the same manner I was helped. (Click on image to view larger)
Several years ago I created another Path. One that I could touch and hold; a mission statement for my life that I carried in my pocket, wherever I went. I look at it now as I write, and I’m still amazed by just how much this works. The idea is that thoughts become words....and writing words down and getting them out into the universe, coupled with intention....makes things happen. As I discovered, however, dreams don't always have to be represented by words or static images. During my meditation one day I came up with this:
This is my version of prayer beads; a magical cord of intention. I thought long and hard about what was important to me at the time and though I was unhappy with my employment, it was my living situation that really cried out to be mended. I wanted my own space. I wanted water and trees. I wanted quiet to write and think. To garden. The pewter leaf, blue beads, seed pod, and lone green gemstone correspond to these desires. At the time, being able to bring the dream into fruition was intimately tied to my health (ankh), ability to create, and perhaps find love (heart); to listen to and truly embrace my uniqueness, all that I was becoming--red/orange bead, tribal mask--wild feminine, shell--the power and fierceness of the sea, bell--a reminder in the stillness. I did write a piece to go along with these prayer beads, but I am hard-pressed to find it. No matter. That chapter is closed.
I lived in my cottage by the lake for two and a half years, and listened to the loons at night. I grew flowers. I read books and wrote and drank tea. I cooked meals for friends. And when I got sick, I rested there. And I thought long and hard yet again....what next?
I had to leave that cottage a year ago, but it is just now that I am able to start creating another Path. I have already traveled down some of it. But now is the time to really focus, to make and do....to give shape.
Health and Well-being is one area of importance this time around.....I think of the starfish and its ability to grow another arm if one is severed. This metaphor will be my guide.
Work and Purpose are foremost in my mind.....getting back to it....doing what matters. I can't do what I did before, but I can be like the phoenix....I can begin anew. And this time, I choose to act from a place of highest good.
My heart is tugging for equal weight these days. Maybe even more than Work and Purpose. But heart matters are not easy in this world. Still, I think about relationship and the human journey….the courage and faith...risks....light within dark; dark within light....all the wild running and quiet moments....the possibility of kind eyes and soft hands as stars beat and pulse. So I am creating a book.
Maybe more a journal than a book. Filled with quotes and images and thoughts; dreams and hopes and fears. Containing Work and Purpose. Health and Well-being. Me. My heart to hold. To give her when she arrives.
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