Monday, March 13, 2023

Understand The Path Is The Destination

We are a destination oriented society. We are driven to get there, where ever there may be. And we are supported and validated when we do that. We have our foot on the accelerator and we push ourselves hour after hour. The goal is to accomplish more goals. Exhaustion is a sign of status and accomplishment.


Making a commitment to a path with heart begins with the understanding that the path is the destination. There is no goal but to stay on the path. It is a “joyful journey,” referencing the earlier quote by Carlos Castaneda, rather than an exhausting one. It is a path where restoration and rejuvenation are integral to clarity, commitment, and confidence.


When we seek, discover, and then commit to a path with heart, we are willing to be 100% present to each step and each choice along the path. We seek to be here and now in the present moment, the place where miracles and blessings are born and happen all around us.


A very long time ago, I was participating in a Tai Ji class when the teacher asked a wonderfully insightful question: “Are you looking at the moon or are you looking at the finger that is pointing at the moon?” Our challenge in life is that we often get distracted and focus on the finger pointing at the moon. Thus, we miss the beauty of a full moon rising in the night sky.


The same is true on a path with heart. We often become distracted and get caught up in the minutiae of details, goals, and plans. We seek to make progress on the outside rather than to be present to the union of the inner reality and the outer moment. 


For when we commit to a path with heart, we learn that each day is filled with many opportunities to be 100% present to the beauty around us and within us. There are numerous “all moon moments” happening. We just have to open our hearts and see them. The goal is to stay on the path and to embrace the journey. The path is the destination.


Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

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