We travel many roads in life, and one of those roads is the human road. This path includes all the ways we interface with people in life. We walk closely with some. Others we meet up with from time to time. Some we avoid, and others we follow. There are all kinds of twists and turns on this human path. Sometimes it is a narrow road and other times it's a wide, full highway. As I think about this today, I'm thinking about how I travel the road.
As much as possible, I want to traverse the human road with as much sensitivity as possible. The pandemic chapter has demonstrated more than any other our vulnerability as people The COVID challenges have brought to life so many sensitivities as well as the will to care for ourselves and one another as best we can.
So I want to travel the human path with as much sensitivity as possible which means staying attuned to the people around me by noticing their expressions, hearing their words, supporting them when I can and giving them space when needed. No matter how many or how few we travel this road with, each of us has a unique journey--no two are the same no matter how close we may be to another.
Early on, I bounded down the human road with abandon. Filled with dreams, I moved quickly to make those dreams come true. No matter the hurdle, I mostly bounded ahead energized by my vision of the life I wanted--a life of teaching, parenting, family and adventures in nature. But now, with those dreams fulfilled and in my past in many ways, I am much more discerning about the way I walk the human road. I'm far more attuned to the challenges people face, their yearnings, and dreams lost as well as dreams fulfilled. There's much more mystery at the later stage of the road--the steps ahead are not as clear, and what mattered most before in many ways matters little now. Yet those strong longings for love, peace, grace, natural beauty, warmth and camaraderie remain. I'm not so worried about specific places, but more concerned with the ambiance, intent, and spirit of the journey now.
When I reach the forks in the road now, I consider which route will support my loved ones and the common good. Where is the direction of love, peace, natural beauty and grace? What words, movements, choices will not only empower my journey but the journeys of those I love the most and the world in general.
In a sense, it matters little what exactly happens, but what matters more is the spirit and energy with which events occur.
We will each travel the human road in different ways from one another and throughout our lives. As I watch my children, siblings and parents continue down life's path, that variation is so clear to me. I wish the best for everyone on their journey. I long for all lives to be good lives, lives lived in support of one another and the best the world can be. Some, greedy in their pursuits, make fun of my vision, but I know that's only to promote their own self-serving, hollow, cold and careless travels.
Best wishes on your travels. To support one another in positive ways is one way to promote positive human paths for all. Onward.