Just when I think I know and understand where things are going and what path I am following in my life, the Universe tosses in a banana peel. I see the peel as it tumbles to the ground before me, step aside to avoid it, just as the Universe reveals an unexpected turn in the path, a change in direction, or even, a complete and total dead end.
The same can be said of meaning. For years, I was driven to find meaning in anything and everything – dreams, animal appearances, the shape of clouds, a pain in my knee, a tarot card. I have since learned that we are the meaning makers – meaning we determine what meaning to give to what we see and experience. Sometimes the meaning we assign proves correct (or is it only correct because we have programmed ourselves to interpret the outcome based on the meaning we gave it), but more often than not, life has a good laugh at us as the meaning changes over time or ends up being altogether wrong.
Whereas we may be tempted to assign meaning and define our paths, life doesn’t really work that way. Instead, we are invited to acknowledge that life simply is, and to be present to what is allowing it to unfold in the way it needs to without our intrusion or interference.
One way to think of this is that the Universe has an intention and a destination, we are a part of that unfolding, and what is unfolding is in our highest good – even/especially when it doesn’t look or feel like it is. Assigning meaning or thinking we understand the path, provides us with a moment of satisfaction, but ultimately does us harm. The better, more beneficial response is to do nothing – cease from assigning meaning, stop getting attached to hoped-for outcomes, and just ride the wave of the unfolding.
Recently, the invitation to ride the wave of unfolding came up and hit me right between the eyes. As I said to a friend just the other day:
It’s super weird working two jobs while
simultaneously holding space for 87 potential timelines.
As I’m navigating two part-time jobs, I am watching timelines rise and fall, meaning show itself then disappear, outcomes emerge and just as quickly collapse. All of this is happening at the very same time humanity is navigating a similar journey- a possibility shows itself then disintegrates, hope emerges and is just as quickly dashed, at the moment we think we know what is happening, the Universe pulls away another veil and we are left confounded, confused, and disoriented once again. It feels like the Universe is trying to figure out its own shit while leaving us to be the victims of its indecision.
Or maybe the Universe knows exactly what its doing and all of this is for our highest good – whether we want to believe that or not. Regardless, the lesson is the same:
Lauri Ann Lumby 