The Ask Sharon column as it appeared in The Area News on Friday 4 December, 2015.
Following is a copy of the full version of the column featured in The Area News complete with the “Adventure” card from Denise Linn’s Soul Coaching Oracle Cards.
THIS week Kay asks:
“My friends and family don’t know how much I’d like to be doing something different with my life. It’s hard to focus on everyday stuff when I want to be doing my art. So what do I do?”
“Are we there yet?” Four words that can raise the hackles of any parent travelling with children. Unfortunately this ‘not enjoying the journey’ syndrome is not limited to children.
Our lives are so full and busy, but not necessarily with the things we love doing. We experience glimpses and glimmers of joy, fun and enthusiasm instead of having it in spades.
There are two parts to answering your question. One is about going out of your comfort zone to pursue something that is close to your heart and the other is about enjoying the journey in the meantime.
My homepage features the “Travelling” card with words from the Osho Zen Tarot. “The tiny figure moving on the path through this beautiful landscape is not concerned about the goal. He or she knows that the journey is the goal, the pilgrimage itself is the sacred place. Each step on the path is important in itself.”
That’s all well and good for the ‘tiny figure’ depicted on the card but how do we share that same sense of trust?
Lately I’ve written lots about how to lighten the load so that we can enjoy this journey we call life. A key to making the ‘everyday stuff’ more palatable is to ensure that you’re spending time doing things that are meaningful (not just because your head says they are, but because your heart is in it).
Today’s card from Denise Linn, “Adventure” gives us hope that the mundane can become memorable. It looks at the journey as one of anticipation and excitement. “Adventure entails risks, and without them, existence can become stagnant and lacklustre. If your life seems uninspired in some areas, be willing to take risks and try something new.”
The “Adventure” card is copyright to Denise Linn, 2005.
Tips on how to find joy in the journey:
- A journey is made up of many small steps. Some action towards your goal is better than nothing – before you know it momentum will build.
- Emulate the feeling of having arrived at your goal. Find things in your existing landscape to celebrate.
- Be passionate about your passion. Purchase tools, start dabbling, research – do whatever it takes to immerse yourself in it.
Despite being a huge fan, I never thought I’d be quoting from Aerosmith to make a point, but their song “Amazing” reminds us all that, “Life’s a journey not a destination.”
Send your questions for Sharon to editor@areanews.com.au
Today’s card has been drawn from Soul Coaching Oracle Cards. Image and card is copyright to Denise Linn, 2005.
Today’s quote is from the Travelling card in the Osho Zen Tarot deck, copyright 1994.
You might also be interested in…
My columns on the to-do list, responsibilities, and having fun.
A little extra information…
For additional insight and meaning into today’s “Adventure” card refer to the material below from the guidebook.
Card Meaning: Take risks. You’re entering new frontiers and a period of expansions. Go beyond self-imposed limitations. Look at the world around you in new and different ways. Something exciting is just around the corner!
Your Soul wants you to know: Adventure entails risks, and without them, existence can become stagnant and lacklustre. If your life seems uninspired in some areas, be willing to take risks and try something new. Don’t wait until an amazing opportunity presents itself. Start with small adventures, and they will create momentum for bigger and bolder ones. Try changing your hair colour or style or drive a different way to work. If you’re shy, walk up to a stranger and start talking. If you take enough small risks, soon your life will become a great and grand adventure.
Today’s Affirmation: “Wonderful new experiences fill my life!”
