What's Mint got to do with it?......Purpose in times of Transition

Making Tea - Homesteading with vigour

Purpose" - The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists - Oxford Dictionary.

This morning I felt rather lost, my sense of purpose had seemingly up and left!! It was a strange experience and one that left me feeling discombobulated and with a lot of deep and searching questions in tow.

But why? Why such a sense of absence? Lack of purpose?

Despite having accomplished many things and embarked on numerous exciting adventures, the majority of my life-time to date has been devoted to aspiring to be, working towards, and ultimately becoming a Physical Education Teacher. A fabulous career, with yes, ups and downs aplenty. Today, thirty-six years after graduating, I find myself without a Teaching Post having realised last term, due to circumstances beyond my control, that accepting redundancy was going to be my best course of action. Having ended my career in an International Boarding School, my former Colleagues returned to the chalk face last week without me!!

So there I was this morning, twiddling those metaphoric thumbs, wondering what was my main purpose now? As the emotional realisation and sense of loss washed over me, I reflected on those years and the joy that they had given. I asked myself, was I actually ready to retire from teaching?

Then, it struck me - "Libby, you are living in the past!!! and furthermore, the questions you are asking yourself means that you are projecting into the future. Hold up there girl," I said to myself, "bring yourself back to the here and now." I took a look at my surroundings - I was up with our beautiful chickens who were happily bok-bokking and foraging for food. I was surrounded by trees and wildlife, the birds were singing and a little mouse had made itself seen. What was not to love? What was not to be grateful for? I'm in great health, living the dream! No stress to get up at 5am for the 40 mile drive up the A3 to work. The day was mine, to make what I wanted of it.

At this point my mind went straight to the Reiki Precepts and they illuminated my mind with their compassion and light, and bingo, I knew exactly what my purpose was.

My purpose - to be true to my way, my Great Bright Light. To neither live in the past or project into the future. Instantly I felt a sense of relief wash over me, and a sense of vigour and vitality returned. I trotted back to the house - got my snips out and cut back the peppermint, putting the lush green leaves that I'd cut in the dehydrator (Tea for winter months). I do love a cup of peppermint tea, and it really doesn't get much better than herbs that you have grown for yourself. My sense of purpose by now fully restored - I was in Homesteading mode.....and "present", a beautiful gift.

I followed this with 45 minutes of meditation - a beautiful combo of chanting, followed by Hatsui Rei Ho. This left me feeling balanced and expansive and deeply connected to myself, my body and spirit.

Back to the original Question - Purpose in times of Transition - it's whatever you want it to be, for you ultimately hold the power with how you live your life. It's a choice - remain in the realm of memories from yesterday/year; project a sense of lack of purpose onto now with your concerns and worries for tomorrow, OR look around you and see all the beauty and wonder that there is to be grateful for. For one, you woke up this morning.

I realise that I have made this sound very simplistic; but if truth be told, it is. However, I also understand that the trials and tribulations of everyday life can make changing a train of thought demanding at times. Life's triggers and constant reminders of things that may anger you or cause worry and anxiety can so easily keep tipping the balance.

At this juncture I am going to give my thanks and gratitude to Meditation and the Reiki Precepts, for without question, they most definitely made it easier and more accessible to reach this conclusion for myself more readily, and without further hiccup or distraction. I also credit them for the inspirtation to write this blog.

When we live in the moment, that wondrous gift of the Present, our mindset is more naturally aligned to gratitude and a place of compassion. Without hesitation, self compassion was essential this morning. There was no hint of disparaging self talk, just kind words which created the space I needed to be drawn to the decisions and thought processes that arose freely and openly.

Regular Meditative practice and aligning to the Reiki Precepts is the ultimate blueprint to living a more compassionate life, not just for you but for all. It helps to create space, that inner calm and peacefulness that with regular practice is hard to shake, and quick to return in times of hardship. Keeping you more balanced and clear headed, and it's here that solutions arise.

My purpose for today - to enjoy all that comes my way and to stay true to my-self - My Great Bright Light.

Thankyou Reiki for bringing the light into my life; for the gift of Reiki to help others. Let the compassion that you radiate, illuminate one and all to bring joy, calm and peacefulness. Eternally grateful.