Meaningful Living

Kathleen Jacoby © 2001

We are not here to be safe. This simple truth is difficult, yet profound, for it gives us a clue as to how we are to live our lives. Meaningful living cannot come if we are constantly seeking safety. It is abundantly clear to us now that security is an illusion that can be shattered at any moment. The only safe harbor is within ourselves, and then only if we have eliminated the inner strife and turmoil that keep us in a state of agitation or rebellion.

When we embark on the quest for the inner Grail, we look at ourselves with more detachment, for we recognize that this journey is one of unfolding our true essence, not measured in the dollars we make or awards or degrees we gather. Life provides an opportunity to discover and unfold our particular gifts, no matter whether large or small. Our potential is to make a difference in life by contributing the portion that we are best suited to give. When we forego judging and expecting, we can allow ourselves and others to be who we are rather than someone else's idea of what we should be. As we do this, life becomes more textured, and there is room for meaningful participation.

In the Grail tradition, dire consequences befall the Knight who tries to follow in the footsteps of another. Each of us is designed to find our own calling and a path that is appropriate. Some will find this as vocation, others as avocation. The key is to ask ourselves, what is our contribution to life? If we allow ourselves to be bound by fear, dominated by a paycheck or relationship or situation that is intolerable, we miss an opportunity to live an authentic life. Yet, clues are always presented. Life presents opportunities again and again to awaken us to our potential. When we listen, the doors open more easily. When we don't, the messages become more and more pronounced. Free will is life's gift to us, as is intuition. The trick is to recognize when we are paying attention to the still, small voice within, and when we are following the dictates of the ego driven need.

We are not here to be safe. We are here to flourish and bloom in the midst of whatever we encounter. Life as adventure has great possibilities. Life lived in fear constricts our potential. In quest of the Grail, we dedicate ourselves to meaningful living, and take each clue presented as our ongoing reward.