RE: I Turned A Page In My Life Book This Week
@nolnocluap besides being a gifted writer, I can also see that you are also brave and inspiring. We have similar backgrounds and I also quit a job a number of years back, I can relate what you are going through.
I have meditated for a number of years and I would highly recommend it, it can provide clarity in uncertain times.
Here is one my favourite quotes from Carlos Castaneda's Don Juan:
This question is one that only a very old man asks. Does this path have a heart? All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. They are paths going through the bush, or into the bush. In my own life I could say I have traversed long long paths, but I am not anywhere. Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.
What a lovely comment thank you kindly @contemplate. It's funny that you mentioned the writing because I've been thinking that's something that I rather enjoy and perhaps I could leverage that skill to facilitate an income in a number of areas. Certainly interested in any ideas that you might have there.
So given that you went through a similar thing, how long did it take you to feel like you were actually on another path? Perhaps this comes instantly to some and others perhaps years. Each to their own I suppose.
And speaking of paths, I love the quote you provided. How true it is. It is the journey that must have merit because the destination has little more than the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's intangible and when you get there you're likely met by disappointment anyway.
Another thing I think we struggle with in the west is that we tend to define ourselves by our job. Letting go of that definition allows for a much broader sense of purpose.
By the way, I just finished my first attempt at meditation. I'd finished exercising the horses and they were peacefully eating so given that I was in a nice spot with a lovely view I closed my eyes and try to control my mind. It was a complete Trainwreck initially, but that was to be expected. The untrained mind is so active and busy and I think it's just going to be a matter of chipping away at it which is something I look forward to adopting daily. Thanks for your support. Appreciated!
Here's an idea, write about your experience now as you are growing from one phase/level to another. Despite all of our outer personalities, I believe we are more alike in our deeper selves and your story will be an interesting one to share. People like stories. It is hard work, I just finished a post myself but you are very good at it.
With work, I was angry at 'injustice', short sightedness at colleagues being laid off and I quit my job. A lesson for me was not to just include the type of work I did but whom I did it with, why I was doing it and how I conducted myself with it.
Identity and asking the question 'Who Am I?" is one of the most reflective questions - perhaps we just need to keep starting again and again with this question.
Meditation is a rewarding practice as we work on attention and being itself. Just give the monkey mind a 'banana' from time to time :)