Joseph Campbell said:
It takes courage to do what you want. Other people have a lot of plans for you. Nobody wants you to do what you want to do. They want you to go on their trip, but you can do what you want. I did. I went into the woods and read for five years.
- A Joseph Campbell Companion, 1991
RULES
you must do what your mother tells you
you must never lie to your grandma
you must study this if you want to achieve that
you must believe this because that's what we teach
your marriage must look like this
your children must behave like this
your career must move along like this
your organization must be run like this
your creativity must follow this formula
your health must be managed like this
I have broken every one of those rules and quite a few more. Sometimes I feel like a floating cloud or a moving river, always discovering. Almost never do I feel like a tree firmly planted, immovable. I question my current and past beliefs and behaviors that flow from those beliefs. And the other way around. I notice my behaviors then discover the beliefs that inform them.
I do know people who live a life of conformity and who are very much at ease within their lives. Some look at me quizzically; they don’t understand. Others look to me to be taught what I have learned. I have no explanation for those who are wondering; nothing to teach that you won't discover for yourself in your own way, in your own time. I can tell you my story and listen to you as yours unfolds.
My life feels so solidly grounded in the Source of Life, the Great Mystery, God.
And, a definition of the Sacred is beyond my limited capacity. I am at peace.
I hope you break some rules, go on your own trip, do what you want to do. A phrase from an old folk song is running through my head: if we only find each other, still the journey's worth the time. Who knows who we will find on the journey, breaking the rules, going on our own trip, being the grounding for our sacred lives.
Namaste!
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