If you think about it, there really is no such thing as a destination. Every time we reach a point that we’ve previously dubbed a “destination”, it suddenly feels remarkably un-destination-like. As soon as we’re there, we immediately start to think, “What’s next?” and “Where to now?” and “Give me something more to do!” Each time we think we’ve arrived somewhere, it’s not long before we begin to get the itch to move on, be more, be different, challenge ourselves further. Our lives are a constant unfolding of one destination after another that ultimately becomes one long adventure, one journey. Destinations become more like land posts or markers that serve to show us what we are capable of, remind of how far we’ve come, and then present multiple paths to take next. Or heck, maybe we say “screw that” and go make a new path. Choices are beautiful things. And they are never in short supply.
Tonight I reached a land post on my journey. As some of you know, I’ve been practicing yoga for quite a while. About 5 months ago, I decided that I would do a headstand in Times Square at this year’s Solstice festival. I had never done a headstand before, and I practiced and practiced until I finally got it. And it surprisingly didn’t take long! Once I figured it out, it became easier and stronger until I got to the point when I didn’t even have to really think about it; these days I just go right on up! What was once a seemingly impossible challenge that made me supremely uncomfortable when I first started now seems like the most natural thing in the world.
I wanted to bring this up because it got me thinking about life; about goals and desires and destinations, past, present, and future. Setting a goal to do a headstand in Times Square may seem of little importance, but it taught me more about myself and introduced me to another part of me that I hadn’t previously known. It makes me wonder what other sides of myself I have yet to discover. And of course, now that I can easily do a headstand, I only want to do more! I want to keep trying new things. My next goal is a handstand. Duh.
Meeting this small challenge for myself probably won’t change the course of humanity and the planet at large, but I think it has changed my course ever so gently. Your own personal journey will continually surprise you. You will continue to surprise yourself with the things you will do and be that you didn’t before think you were capable of doing and being.
This experience, this small event in my life, has served to remind me that nothing is impossible. Truly.
You are meant to be here. Set as many goals for yourself as you want. The more, the merrier, in fact. It’s wonderful to keep striving and growing. But here’s the most important thing I’m learning: you are perfect and complete exactly as you are. Right here, right now. Recognize the land posts and markers when they come and be grateful for them. But don’t get scared if you’re walking for quite a while and there is no “destination” in sight. You will get there when you’re supposed to, often when you least expect it.
And in the meantime, pack some snacks and a few bottles of water (please recycle), rainboots, a jacket, a mix CD, and a camera. You will want to remember this one.
