Guidance

Finding the Path

“A blocked path also offers guidance.” Mason Cooley

For weeks, I was blocked in writing my book. I had completed two drafts, but it sorely needed revamping and fleshing out. Every time I approached the computer, resistance reared up like a specter and erased the words from my head. I would sit with the page, my hands on the keyboard, and…nothing. Somebody in the back of my mind shook a finger at me, and said, “You need to work on this!” and a competing voice said, “Forget it; nobody’s going to read it anyway.” Finally, my better angel stepped in; “Just let it rest for a while. Work on something else.” So I dragged out the essays I had begun years ago about ‘Old Crazy Town’, and lo and behold, those writings are now coming alive for me.

I wonder whether you have such experiences—when the things that have always excited and motivated you no longer do. Sometimes the path forward is blocked. At such times, choices present themselves. You can push and smash yourself against the wall. It may give way, and it may not; either way you end up bruised. You can turn around, beat a retreat, and just forget the whole thing. You can take an alternate route, which may involve a large expenditure of time and you might get lost. You could get creative; devise a means of going over, around, or tunneling under the cursed block. Or, you can sit with your discomfort and wait for your inner guidance to direct you. Word of warning: this is the most difficult choice.

The hard part for me is choosing which of my competing voices has my best interest at heart. I am most conditioned to listen to the nay-sayers—their voices are louder and more familiar. They almost have to talk themselves hoarse, before I can hear that small, sweet voice that speaks truth. I can ask my friends for advice, and get as many opinions as my inner voices provide. So, it always comes back to me, listening to me. And you, listening to you. We have all the answers right here inside us. We only have to ask…and listen.

In the spirit,
Jane