Up until most recently I spent my life “doing”. I did, or at least attempted, everything that was expected of me. Everything that had been dictated by the roles I had been assigned. Like many, I unknowingly carried a burden of inappropriate labels. All of these with a host of inherent expectations. I seemed to have no control of what had been heaped on my plate. I simply accepted this and pushed onward in a perpetual state of melancholy. Rarely, if ever, upon “completion” of any one of the tasks that had been set before me, would I find satisfaction or happiness. Life, it seemed, was living me, rather the other way around.

Without warning the walls of my prison began to show cracks. Until now, the concept that I was a captive, was unfathomable. The cracks, however, now defined the once invisible walls that held me prisoner. Peering through them, I saw evidence that life could be lived, rather than simply survived. Beyond, I saw a different approach, one that didn’t hold exceptions or demands. A life lead by “being” rather than by “doing”. A life of being kind, compassionate, empathetic, and most importantly, authentic. This was Earth shattering and the cracks expanded until the walls crumbled at my feet.

Standing exposed and basking in the warmth of a life to be lived, rather and endured, I cast off my burden and embraced the new paradigm. Authenticity lead to transparency and this to a fundamental honesty with myself that provided details and color to the path before me. Although no easier, I was now filled with satisfaction and reward.

Newly opened in this way I was now exposed to personal desires and passions that had been locked outside my former prison. The exploration and nurturing of these, now, new priorities to control. These ideas were in sharp contrast to all that I had held onto for so long. Earning, building, growing, manipulating and exploiting all fell away as false pursuits. Witnessing, experiencing, integrating and ultimately sharing all were illuminated and took on a prominent role . Beneath their glow a clear path filled with opportunities was exposed.

I have been fortunate. I accumulated adequate resources in my past life, such that I have been able to bring them forward and employ them under a new regime. I redeployed them under the guidance of priorities that promote a life of being. I am now able to witness the world around me without a filter that demands future value. Experiences rich in culture and diversity are accepted freely without the expectation of a return. I integrated these both freely, anticipating nothing, but have found a deeper understanding of myself and how I am an integral part of everything I see or am actively involved.

The ultimate prize, has been the opportunity to share. I do so with a an open heart and give all that I am able. My perspective is mine alone, however it may provide some cracks to be peered through and pondered by any who choose to look.