"Mystical Path/Practical Feet"

 

Signs Everywhere

“I am a history

A memory inventing itself

I am never alone

I speak with you always

You speak with me always

I move in the dark

I plant signs”

Octavio Pas

          I found this poem by Octavio Pas in Angeles Arrien’s book, Signs of Life (p.21). I like it because it speaks to the mystic in me. Arrien always taught that the healthiest way to live life is to “walk the mystical path with practical feet.” Exploring one’s inner landscape is like exploring any other unknown terrain—you don’t know what you’ll find there, but it feels exciting to take a look. It is not, however, a place you want to live; at least not while you are still a citizen of planet earth. I hope you have tapped into the notion of this being the Earth School, and we are here to learn, but we are only students, not masters. With that understanding, we are probably on solid ground. When we begin to think of ourselves as masters who no longer require teachers, it’s likely that our egos have blown up our education.

          Arrien, who was an educator, author, anthropologist, and corporate consultant, taught the Four-Fold Way: the way of the Warrior, the Healer, the Visionary, and the Teacher. The warrior way is to show up and choose to be fully present; to bring one’s intention and attention equally to the task at hand. The way of the healer is to pay attention to what has heart and meaning; to be a caretaker of what is precious. The way of the visionary is to tell the truth without blame or judgement; to be a creative problem solver. And the way of the teacher is to be open to outcome, but not attached to outcome; to say what you know to be true, then allow it to land where it may. Incorporating these practices into everyday life, applying them to the mundane tasks we perform, as well as to the ones we consider “important,” at the end of the day, results in knowing that we have accomplished something, made a difference, and contributed to the greater good.  

          To walk these paths in the Earth School requires help, both from our fellow humans and from our spiritual guides. And with both, communication is key. Each day, pause, ask for help, both inside and outside, then step with confidence onto your chosen path. As, Pas says in the opening poem, you are never alone, you are surrounded by those who want to help. If you go about the world with open eyes and a present mind, you will see signs everywhere, and be given advice from a multitude of sources. Mystical path, practical feet. Go!

                                                  In the Spirit,

                                                  Jane