The particpants came from all walks of life. Some were doctors, others physically challenged. There were golfers, writers, business owners and more. They brought their dreams, their inablity to dream, their longings, losses and challenges. Together we spent 21 days on an odyssey that lead to the ecstasy of self-awarenss.
An odyssey is defined a long wandering journey. It takes its name from the Greek King of Ithaca, Odysseus, who spent 10 years away from his family at war with the Trojans, and another 10 years finding his way home. Odysseus’s epic journey as written by Homer describes what many modern day seekers endure as they re-claim their heritage as co-creators in today’s world. We are all looking for home, sometimes in all the wrong places. Odysseus dealt with pride, anger, murder, lust, love, hate, betrayal, being lost , directionless and sidetracked. We, at various times in our lives, generally deal with one or more of these situations. For some of us, all at once! They are reflections of the human condition and what we meet along the way Home – that safe place within us that welcomes and nurtures us.
Today, we have so much more available to move us through the various positive and negative aspects of our humanity. Personal growth, spiritual practices, psychotherapy, education and a global awakening to our common condition are all helping to lift ourselves and our neighbors into the positive, loving, caring and generous sharing of who we are.
Our little group was a microcosm that reflects the uncertanties in today’s economic, environmental, societal, cultural and global awakening. Any of the traditions that encourage “Know thyself” are the antidote to what ails us today.
Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven within, the ancient text says. That kingdom exists within each of us, regardless of our relgious or personal creeds. It is the place of silence that transencds all personality, ego, and even knowledge. The Native Americans call this the Void.
It takes great courage to embark on an odyssey that will bring us home to who we are. To get there, each of us must face the Void of Unknowing. I encourage everyone to find the strength, courage, and willingness to make this journey one that is conscious and committed. As Goethe said, “Let us all sweep in front of our door, and the whole world will be clean.” I dont’ know about you, but I can’t think of anything more fun to do than plumb the depths of this human odyssey and experience the ecstasy of living fully. How about you?
