Journeys of Life

Journeys of Life…an extract from Geoff's weekly reflection) Many traditions speak of two journeys through life. The first is the necessary outward journey we all make. It is the process of individuation and exploration of self. It is egodriven and ambitious as we journey into the world leaving behind the safety and security of childhood. We experiment, throw caution to the wind, to engage in new experiences and go places we never dreamed of, dangerous and risky. Sometimes the journey leads us into the abyss of deep struggle and pain, a place of our own doing or imposed upon us by the evil of others. Sometimes the journey is gentle and relatively safe; we try a few things, enjoy where we are but don’t push it to far, perhaps from fear or perhaps from a deeper wisdom that comes to us through mentors and carers. The journey explores who we are and what we can be and builds the container of our lives. We may try to fill it with our experiences and the addictive influences along the way, but it is never intended to hold that which is superficial or ego-centrist. It is meant for deeper things that will only come to us as we engage in the second journey. Sometimes the enlightenment moment that leads us into the second journey comes through awe and wonder or deep love, something that draws us down and squashes our ego such that we recognise our insignificance as one dot or speck in a vast universe or one person amongst 7 billion others. We can’t do this alone – and we don’t have to. It is time to come home and live into the being that is already within us. This second journey is about gaining wisdom and filling the container of our lives with what is true and rich and deep – relationships, nature, awe/wonder, justice, compassion, kindness, love and peace. It opens us to inclusive community and the sense that we belong to something bigger than ourselves. We are unique and have our own special place within this world, equal to every other person. We are held and loved by the deep Love at the heart of everything. Luke’s story of Jesus contains a beautiful story that is well-known and reflects this journey of awakening and life. It is known as ‘The Prodigal Son’ (Luke 15:11-32). It is a story we all know, somewhat personally or through seeing it lived out in so many ways. A younger son is tired of the boring life on the father’s farm and wants to get out and explore the world. He asks for his share of the inheritance (ie. wishing his father dead) and goes out to explore and experience life. It is a great and exciting adventure – whilst the money lasts. Friends, parties… it is great. Then he wakes up broke and lost in an unforgiving, difficult world and descends to the pits of being at which point he recognise that servants back home are better off than him. It is time to return home, confess and beg for a place as a servant in his father’s house – he has nothing to lose. Thus begins the second journey for the boy and what he discovers is profound. His father has never stopped loving him and is patiently awaiting his return. He watches out each day. When finally, the boy returns the father is overjoyed and restores him to his place as a son, his child. There was never a moment when he wasn’t loved and didn’t belong – it was only his own ignorance, foolishness and necessary exploration that kept him away. This, says Jesus, is what God is like. The Higher Power of AA, the Love at the heart of everything: this is God who loves unconditionally and profoundly. Jesus’ story invites us into this deeper sense of being to recognise we are loved, have unique identity and belong! The addictions of the first journey distract us from this truth. They draw us out into other places where ego thrives and ambition, success, power… rage. Many never make the second journey and they often bring pain and suffering to others; eg. Vladimir Putin and others like him – narcissistic and ego-centric, not love and grace.

GS