Albert Einstein is reported to have said that the most important question a human being can ask is “Is the universe friendly?” Every choice you make in life is predicated upon the belief you hold about the nature of the universe. If you think the world is a friendly, supportive place, you have more freedom to swing wide and take chances. However, if you think the universe is indifferent to your fate, you may be more constrained.
Let’s say that you make the choice to move boldly in the direction of your dream. The path from “where you are” to “where you want to be” is not going to be the safe well-trodden path you have been following for most of your life. To break away from the familiar patterns you must be willing to leave the familiar path, and stray into unknown, risky, and perhaps dangerous territories.
Why would you choose a dangerous life? What is the alternative? You may live a safe life and perhaps get through it with minimal loss. But life is like an investment: the smaller the risk, the smaller the gain. To pursue the road less traveled requires courage and tenacity—yet the rewards are joy and vibrancy and aliveness.
Most of us are not adventurers by nature. When we stand on the brink of a high cliff, we may tremble with fright. We humans tend to have fears and doubts. We poke our noses out of our doorway a little and sniff the air. Then we get hit, or wounded in some way, and we decide that all the nay-sayers were right, and that what they have told us is true: “I have been out there, and it is dangerous. Stay here where it is safe.” So we settle down to where it safe, until the “Divine Discontent” begins to nudge us . . .
Then Grace comes softly, striding forward like a beautiful goddess, trailing petals in her wake. Grace is the presence of unconditional love, a parent who gently guides you forward and is there to catch you when you fall.
When you feel that gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge, when you are called to venture forth into unknown territory, remember that Grace walks by your side. You have the choice to re-frame the story, to declare that the universe is, indeed, friendly. Begin to consider this option: what if the unknown is not a place of peril but a place of delight? What if life is a beautiful, expansive adventure? Going down that dark rabbit hole seems scary at first, but what wonders await on the other side! Are you ready to begin?
For today: Do one thing that you have wanted to do but are uncomfortable doing: call someone you have wanted call; ask that person for coffee; make amends to an old friend; pay off an old debt; say you are sorry; say “I forgive you.” Then feel the exhilaration of moving one step forward into life’s adventure.
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