What’s the Question?

I Once Was Lost

Do you feel lost sometimes? Truthfully, I’ve spent most of life feeling ‘other.’ I like how Anne Lamott describes it:

“There are times in our lives — scary, unsettling times — when we know that we need help or answers but we’re not sure what kind, or even what the problem or question is. We look and look, tearing apart our lives like we’re searching for car keys in our couch, and we come up empty-handed.”

Can you relate? Are you searching through your life looking for “the” answer? I don’t know much, but I know one thing… there isn’t an answer. There may not even be clarity of the question. When I’m lost, I try to do the opposite of searching the couch cushions. I try to clear my mind and look for inspiration, not answers.

But Now I’m Found

Rather than “advice, approval, advantage, safety, or relief from pain” which is what I think I want…I look for peace of mind. What can I do, in this moment, that will bring me peace. I don’t try to dissect all the parts, pieces and people. I don’t try to understand motivations, mine or anyone else’s. I stop seeking and try to be.

Lamott continues, “Kindness toward others and radical kindness to ourselves buy us a shot at a warm and generous heart, which is the greatest prize of all.”

For today, the question is, what can I do, to have peace of mind, right now?

Photo credit: Question Mark Squircle