Truth is, much of life is very routine. We walk dutifully through our days taking care of a plethora of things that are critical to our very existence. Beyond this though, lies an undercurrent that seems to beckon to us all, provoking a deeper dive. In my experience, this yearning for something more is programmed into us at the soul level. We want purpose, we want meaning. Further, I believe that there is also something perhaps within, but it could be coming from without, that frequently prompts us to recognize that purpose.
“Even before reason there is an inward movement which reaches out towards its own.”
– Plotinus, III.4.6
These promptings can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some gentle and encouraging, others abrupt and destructive. Both, however, designed to send us in a different direction or path than the one we are on. I like to think of these as watershed moments, events or periods of time marking a turning point in a course of action or state of affairs. These occasions are in my estimation the one’s that matter most.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost
I am certain, that among those who read this weekly blog, there are tremendous examples of such moments, those in which life took a tremendous turn that changed everything. I wish I had time to interview each of you and gather and share such stories. In lieu of this, I will share a few stories of well-known people who experienced such moments.
One always learns one’s mystery at the price of one’s innocence.
-Robertson Davies
There are numerous examples from history of individuals who early in life presented with a certain persona, who later seemingly turned 180 degrees to go on an accomplish some greatness. Take for instance, Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel---the Desert Fox, a heroic soldier, decorated with highest medals for bravery under fire in two world wars, a field marshal, campaign veteran, tactician, and inspirer of his men in campaigns in Belgium, France, Romania, Italy, and North Africa. As young boy he was known in his family as the “white bear” because he was so pale, dreamy and slow of speech. In school, he lagged his classmates, was classified by his teachers as lazy, careless, and not able to concentrate.
Or consider Robert Peary, who walked the Arctic until he discovered the North Pole. He was the son of a widow. He was a child of whom it is said, stayed close to his mother, never left the yard out of fear of neighborhood boys who called him “Skinny” and mocked him for being so fearful.
Then there is Mohandas K Gandhi, A short, thin, sickly and frightened child. Among his fears were snakes, ghosts, and the dark. He, of course, grew up to confront the British Empire. He became known as Mahatma, meaning great soul.
In each of these instances, a moment came in these men’s lives that changed everything and they chose to follow the call they heard.
Consider another example, amateur night at the Harlem Opera House. A skinny, awkward sixteen-year--old goes fearfully onstage. She is announced to the crowd: “The next contestant is young lady named Ella Fitzgerald… Miss Fitzgerald is gonna dance for us…”. Well, that never happened. Instead, Ella, hearing a different call in her mind, walked to the microphone and began to sing. That night, it is said she gave three encores, and won first prize. Life forever changed from that moment forward. I do not believe this was by chance.
In conclusion, I wish to remind you that where you are in this moment, is not a forever proposition. Things can change in one magic moment. The key, be open, be curious, and let go of preconceived ideas of who you are, or what your destiny might be. In the words of Thoreau, do not fall victim of not believing there exists “a more auroral hour than you have yet profaned.” No matter your age, no matter your circumstance, a watershed moment can come. Your job, recognize it, and embrace it.
Comentários