Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
Well, here we are, right here, right now.
It’s taken many of us a multitude of decades arriving at this moment.
At sixty-eight, I’m agreeable with how far I’ve come since January 1957.
A sizable swath of my life was determined by my parents, family of origin, faith family, community and society; nevertheless, accountability for my extended journey ultimately falls on my shoulders as a mature adult.
(Spoiler alert, the sooner you accept accountability for your life, the better.)
What an education I’ve accrued through the epitome of joyful moments along with the depths of despair I’ve encountered, and everything in between.
I consider myself blessed for making it to this age of rare air.
With the clock winding down, my intention is to squeeze out every bit of life until my last breath.
I’m taking my lead from a select few authors, teachers, philosophers and mystics that before me.
An American author and teacher well known for his deep dive into comparative mythology, Joseph Campbell believed that different cultures share universal themes and archetypes - leading one of his most famous followers, George Lucas, in his creation of Star War movies highlighting the hero’s journey.
Looking back my passion and desires were motivated by gain.
If I worked hard and long enough, I would attain the sought-after life of materialistic trophies - a new car, a happy family, a beautiful home, international travel - all achieved.
At this next stage in my life, I find it ironic that in moving forward, the very mindset used to accumulate my beloved trophies no longer serves the next timeline moving forward.
Campbell uses Buddha’s parable of the raft to explain - a man trapped on one side of a river decides to build a raft.
He constructs the raft and utilizes it to cross over to the other side of the river.
After successfully crossing, the man is faced with a choice: should he carry the raft with him or leave it behind?
Buddha concludes that a wise man would leave the raft behind because it no longer serves a purpose.
Campbell’s use of the parable illustrates the idea that once a person has achieved transformation, it’s necessary to let go of the very things that secured his arrival.
In other words, if I’m ready to move forward into my next adventure, it’s necessary for me to leave behind any acquired beliefs systems or physical trophies that no longer serve me in the next portion of my journey.
It reminds me of the adage, “less is more.”
The question now is, “Am I willing to leave behind remnants of old beliefs to make room for my new 2.0 mindset needed on the next trek of my journey?”
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com