I have been in several new social situations recently. The word, narrative, came up in one of those situations. My mind instantly clicked on that word as very relative to my recent social experiences.
Prior to one of these situations, I found myself uncharacteristically thinking about what I would answer to certain questions I might be asked. I say 'uncharacteristically', because some years ago I decided to greet each potential situation as a blank slate by simply showing up and by not thinking about the situation before it even became a situation. However, this appointment potentially related very closely to my practice's foundations. I realized my speculation about the meeting was really an inventory of myself and my self perception.
Happily, I recognized that I had only one honest answer to any question which could be asked of me: The simple truth of my being in the moment of the question would be my answer. I experienced immediate relaxation of mind and body with this recognition.
Narratives, resumes, c.v.'s, portfolios are all condensations of our skills and accomplishments. Too often, these narratives are confused with identities. Unfortunately, they are most often based in the past. To anchor your identity to the past is stifling. While those things you have done may inspired confidence in your abilities, they are not a true measure of who you are or your human potential. In fact, many such narratives are tainted with minor fictional enhancements and distortions, while others do not begin to express the fullness and value of a life.
My practice entails being the truth of everything all I have been, I have done, all I have mastered and all I have failed to do in my life. Being that truth creates its own spontaneous narrative, when one is requested. This is known in many disciplines as being able to live in the moment, in the past and in the future simultaneously. In other words, experiencing having been, being and becoming as one. And, from this state, one may proceed on the journey to enlightenment.
In my opinion, enlightenment is not an accomplishment. It is also an unending work in progress. And the journey to enlightenment can be lit my a simple lantern: The lantern of my own truthfulness, mindfulness and compassion in every moment to the best of my ability.
