Life Plan

Earlier this year, I realized that a number of my personal, energetic, family and professional goals had been completed.  I was actually surprised when reviewing my 7 year plan that some of them seemed to 'magically' complete at the 7 year mark...perhaps there is something to this manifesting your intentions thing? :)  I found myself checking off some key items and beginning to ask myself: 'What Next?'

As I have learned previously (the hard way), the optimal approach here is to PAUSE before setting new goals (as opposed to rushing forward in a blaze of passion).  :)  I now give myself 6-9 months during this 'between-Plan' time to reflect, truly appreciate where I am today and spend some time 'clearing the canvas' to make room for the next phase of my life.  For me that means taking some special time with my wife and son, re-connecting with a few close friends & family...and getting out in Nature.  Time to hit the road if possible and take in the fresh air.  In this case I headed with a friend into the mountains.

As a general rule I don't spend much time thinking about the past but I have found that reflecting on the Structure of one's life in a prior period can provide insight into the energetic links that guide us forward. I look for supportive and positive energetic structures as opposed to distracting or destructive ones - this is where being in Nature is helpful as I have found that it facilitates the process of comparing and validating energetic resonances.

For example, coming across this fallen tree reminded me of the choices made in the life to date that resulted in the trunk or timeline of my life.  What has gone before now lies in the meadow of the past with branches of varying strength and width around the core trunk - some protruding upward into the breeze and others embedded in the earth now holding the trunk firmly in place.  Looking back, each branch represents a choice in life:  a friendship, a job, a relationship, a project or a purposeful event.  How many grew and nurtured the tree and how many fell off or withered in place?  As with this tree my assessment was that as I have grown older I have been more focused and selective of energy spent, resulting in fewer but stronger branches emanating from a core trunk.

It also had me wonder about the far future and to a time when there is nothing left of the tree but the meadow...what is the purpose of a single lifetime and it's impact on the environment and others?  I can see being loved and remembered by those that I know now - but in the distant future?  Perhaps just to be absorbed as nutrients into the meadow and giving life to the flowers of tomorrow is purpose enough...but I digress.

On this trip into Nature and reflection of past, present and future what did become clear was that my prior planning time scale (7 years) was actually a bit shorter than my current view of the energetic 'horizon'.  10 years now feels more appropriate given my current momentum, or perhaps it's just that what is coming forth as potential goals seem waaaaaay out there.  :) Like a rugged mountain peak with what looks like a vertical climb...I feel like I'm going to need some serious time to 'find the trail'. :)

And as always, what is important to remember is that this is not a 'solo' climb - who we go with and the experiences shared on the way are critical to growing our tree-trunk timeline.  For me a camp stove with the smell of coffee brewing and breakfast being prepared on a morning in the mountains reminded me that it is your Mindset and how you Feel that truly make all the difference.

Less of What I want to focus on achieving and more of How I'm going about it seems like better guidance for this segment of the 'climb'.  Looking forward to the view but really looking forward to the feel of each step along the way.

All the Best,
Whitney
© 2013 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
- Lao Tzu