Barriers to Entry

As we move through the pathways of life, if we pay careful attention, we’ll notice there are guideposts or signals along the way that let us know that we are making progress.  At various key intersections, there are barriers to entry to the next arena of experience. At these intersections there is some kind challenge or trigger and our response or reaction to this challenge/trigger will determine if we’re ready to move forward. These “hot” areas contain “trigger points” that typically provoke us or “choice points” which offer us opportunities to do what we’ve always done or try something new. Sometimes we encounter both (these areas have the highest stakes and therefore the biggest rewards, if we pass through them showing that we have learned a particularly challenging lesson or series of lessons).

Imagine, for example, you receive a strong intuitive nudge to do something out of the ordinary, outside of your comfort zone and instead of listening, you say “no”. Often, following that, there would be immediate challenges or suffering, especially if this was a major milestone missed on your path. However, if you were to say “yes”, you would experience a feeling of lightness and elation, as if the struggling and effort had suddenly been removed from your path.

It’s as though you’re on a scavenger hunt and are given clues along the way. One ignored, forgotten or misinterpreted clue and the whole hunt is thrown off. Of course, you can always recover and get back on track, but then valuable time has been lost as well as some momentum. 

With this said, there is no right or wrong way to travel the life’s path; however, there are choice points, that when heeded, can make the journey much more enjoyable. The alternative route, with all of its missteps, can be called “the scenic route”, and while lengthier and more challenging, there are many riches of experience that can be gained this way as well.

The gifts of the more direct route is that there is a feeling of momentum and flow, which has an element of joyfulness and rightness of being that is not as easily felt on the scenic route. Being tuned in also comes with a feeling of never really being alone on the journey. There is a connectedness that accompanies listening and following strong intuitive clues. It helps us to feel part of a larger plan that is unfolding—our individual plans are merely a sub-set of that, which graciously removes the heavy weight of responsibility from it.

Character building is a door opener on life’s path. Learning patience, poise, respect, gentleness, compassion, generosity, humility, acceptance, trust and faith all allow us to travel life’s path more smoothly. Negativity throws monkey wrenches into the works, jamming the system for extended periods of time, reaping negative reactions and blocking the way to real freedom and joy.

This explains why the spiritual path isn’t quick, why it is excruciating at times and why it requires training of the mind and practices that connect us to Source. It also requires a healthy body (temple) and a clean heart (no drama) and a good relationship with the material side of things. This all takes time and work. It is not for faint of heart nor is it for everyone. Most people want it easy via books, classes and gurus.

But that’s not how it works.

Love heals all. The sooner we seat ourselves in a place of love and service, the sooner we are able to connect with the bigger vision of our lives.

This means saying yes to what is and what is to come.

This means following the inner direction to the letter.

This means no excuses or defenses or rationalizations about anything.

Love provides destiny’s wings and allows the dreamer to soar into the heavens above conflict and drama and struggle. Instead, we can fly unhindered into the unlimited sky and do our part to carry forth whatever part of the mission we’ve been given.