Introduction

While walking home late in the evening after a social engagement it started to drizzle.

Ironically, as I walked past a bar, I could hear competing with the chatter of patrons, Natasha Beddingfield belting out, “Feel the rain on your skin. No one else can feel it for you.” I kept humming the song as I continued towards home.

As we journey through life we often find the meaningful competing with the distortions that distract us; quite often, either riveting our focus at a tangent of where it should be directed or paralysing us from progressing forward.

When hiking in inclement weather one often hears, “There is no such thing as bad weather; there is only improper attire.” This everyday advice to hikers holds a fundamental, albeit simple, truth that is universal in application. The proverbial storm, or fear of a storm or the mere movement of a weather-vane should only serve to equip us on our journey. They should not halt a pilgrim’s progress.

Drench yourself in words unspoken

It is surprising how much we rely on spoken or written words when so much of communication, consciously or not, is non-verbal. A facial expression, one’s demeanour, a sigh, a gaze or a gesture can tell stories that only a well-tuned inward ear can hear through the window of one’s eyes.

This will often not happen unless we “take it one down” and live the present moment. The Gospel’s Golden Rule (Love your neighbour as yourself) presents us with the compass that should set our course in life. Loving oneself is important. But it derives its importance solely from or for loving others. It is a perennial paradox of self-preservation and rendering oneself vulnerable for others. We can achieve so much more when we silence our inner voice and drench ourselves in words often unspoken in the service of others.

A well-tuned inner fulcrum is as silent as it is steadfast.

From it flows resolve that disentangles us from any outward distortion.

Parents, spouses, partners or a close friend can teach us a lot in this respect.

Conclusion?

I will conclude with verses from the same song mentioned above, “Live your life with arms wide open.”

“Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.”

Borrowing from John Keating (Dead Poets’ Society),”the powerful play (life) goes on and you may contribute a verse.”  What will your verse be?”