First Class Free

SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2008:  Have you ever thought about giving up, throwing in the towel? Imagine if you quit your job, sell your stuff, give away your money, and go out into the wilderness. Sound interesting? Such is the premise of a movie I love Into the Wild, the powerful true life story of Chris McCandless. McCandless graduated from Emory University in 1990, gave away his savings, burned his money, and stripped down to a change of clothes before winding up in the extreme wilderness of Alaska.

Why would we even want to move away and give it all up? Isn't it because we think if we go somewhere else we'll be happy? Right? Haven't you day dreamed about switching jobs, changing partners, moving into a different home/neighborhood with this grass is greener, I will be better off elsewhere philosophy?

You are not alone, many folks feel like they have to travel to really far off places or do something dramatic to achieve enlightenment.  Now this might be right for certain people, but it is by no means necessary to attaining enlightenment.  Enlightenment can take root anywhere on earth, as long as we seek to open up to a higher consciousness. As long as you want to WAKE UP.

All we need is a powerful intention, and a willingness to do the work necessary to moving forward on our path.

Robin Sharma writes, “People who study others are wise but those who study themselves are enlightened. 

Those we are truly enlightened know what they want out of life, emotionally, materially, physically and spiritually.  Clearly defined priorities and goals for every aspect of your life gives you direction.  Lasting happiness comes from steadily working to accomplish your goals and advancing confidently in the direction of your life’s purpose.”

So may you all use this practice to discover your purpose and gain the strength to work towards it!  But how we view strength is important.  Think of it not as ability or a set of circumstance but as tenacity.  To never give up.  To stay the course!

What I wish for you all is that you can confidently stay in one place, knowing that everything that we need to attain enlightenment is always available right where we are.   Just don't GIVE UP.