I stumbled on this quote from Pema Chodron in a book I was reading this week:

“To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.”

Isn’t that counter-intuitive? When you’re organized and doing good work, doesn’t that mean you keep control of your time and your days? And when you’re truly engaged with your work, isn’t that when you feel fully alive and awake? And when you’re “continually thrown out of the nest,” doesn’t that feel crazy and chaotic?

But we trust Pema, right? So let’s ponder by taking a moment to think back on how you got to your best work. What were the steps that lead to the work you’re doing that you love? Were the steps sequential? Or were there strange, odd leaps, where you were, essentially, thrown from a nest?

In our Artist’s Way group this week, the topic is synchronicity. The joy of synchronicity is recognizing that while we plan much of what we do, odd things happen and should be noted because they’re usually what helps you head off in a different direction.

When you ponder the big questions in life:

• Who am I?
• Why am I here?
• How shall I live?

The answers aren’t simple. And they usually aren’t linear. We learn the most about who we are and why we’re here when we face challenges and make life-changing decisions. Look at the momma bird throwing the little one out of the nest. Change can be difficult! And just when you were feeling super organized…

If you’re feeling comfy in the nest right now, it might be time for a change-up. You may choose it. Or change may be thrust upon you. The world does, indeed, work in mysterious ways. How delightful is that? 🙂

I got back outside running this week and headed to the frozen beach. I’ll leave you today with a few pieces of nature’s art. Bliss.

Want to see other posts on this blog? There’s a small link below to the left that will take you to the most recent post. Or check out the column on the right to see what other folks are reading. Please try the “search” box at the top of the page if you’re looking for something specific.

If you’re reading this on your phone, all of that is below.

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions for future posts!