Uncovering Purpose

A group of men and women in their 50s and 60s frequently gather near my office building.  The group size generally ranges from four to seven people.  Each is an alcoholic and frequently a couple of them are quite drunk, especially during the first half of the month. 

I treat those in the group like other folks in our small town when I meet them.  I wave, say hello, shake their hands, and get to know their names and what’s going in their lives. 

I am not certain why so many people turn their head when they approach the group or walk by the group without acknowledging them.  Just a few steps beyond the group, those same people will show an unrestrained expression of kindness toward someone stepping out of the bank.  

Clearly, we have the ability to be kind to those we choose.  We came forth from the same source, and each of us is pursuing our purpose wherever that may lead us.  Some were given better life situations and starts in life than others, but we are on this journey together.   

We should all challenge ourselves to be a little kinder to all folks, even those from whom we can never expect anything in return.

When growing up in Kentucky, I attended a revival service at a Southern Baptist Church with friends.  As the service was beginning, a woman who was unfamiliar with the church arrived dressed in dark pants.  Almost before the double doors could close behind her, the minister stepped down from the podium and met her at the back of the church.  The minister asked her to leave the service because she was not properly dressed.  With the entire congregation looking at her, she turned and left. 

The image of that woman at the back of the church has stayed with me throughout life.  I often wonder what happened to her, and how that experience affected her spirituality.  I also wonder why not one person in that church, including me, stood up for her and argued on her behalf.     

Who in your life needs you to stand up for them today?

When a person hears the word mediation, generally one thinks of calming the mind while seated inside a comfortable room with their eyes closed.  Though I have meditated in this manner many times, I find the best form of mediation cannot be found inside a comfortable room, but instead by going outdoors. 

Behind my home is a small valley.  When I walk in the valley everyday life disappears beyond the surrounding hills.  The walk is as calming as any seated meditation.  When I sit on the ground in this area and close my eyes, I feel a stronger connection to the energy so many refer to as God or Source than I ever feel indoors.

If you commonly meditate inside, do a test and go outside for a few days and meditate.  You must necessarily set aside your fear of spiders and other insects.  I understand this can be tough.  But when you do, you will feel the wind and sun on your face, smell the air, feel the texture of the ground, and you will feel your mind calm in the solitude.  Try it out.