The Journey

As we are called forth to step into new terrain, both inner and outer, in our lives, we have no choice but to leave behind those parts of ourselves and our life that no longer serve who we are becoming. This process can be quite challenging and is often accompanied by a period of grieving for that which was familiar and comfortable. Like clothes that no longer fit and need to be replaced, life beckons us to let go of beliefs, attitudes, people, places, and things that no longer fit our emerging self. During these times, listening to our inner guidance can be that which saves us from drowning in our own resistance, grief and despair.

The following poem speaks to this process. It was written by one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver, and although I have read it numerous times, it never ceases to touch the very depth of my soul.

THE JOURNEY by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and their was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do
determined to save
the only life you could save.

May your journey be blessed with the infinite guidance that resides within your own heart!

About the author:
Tal Shai, MA (Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Spiritual Psychology) is an Intuitive Life Coach who helps people all over the planet create the life of their dreams. She is the author of the Intuition Heart Cards and Guidebook, an interactive tool designed to support groups and individuals access their inner guidance - http://www.talshai.com/intuition_heart_cards.htm