Fearlessness on the Journey: Embracing Ordinary Magic

In our fast-paced, often chaotic world, the concept of “ordinary magic” can be a comforting and grounding force. This ordinary magic, as discussed in my book Pockets of Grace: Lessons from Darkness, Lessons from Light, has a “quilted” quality, inviting you to sink down into it. Ordinary magic is the ancient, primordial wisdom embedded in the fabric of our universe. Ironically, the harder we strive to grasp it, the further we seem to drift from its essence. This wisdom is akin to the natural trust we have in the sun rising each morning – a trust in our basic goodness.

We often complicate things, feeling undeserving of this inherent goodness. But recognizing this ordinary magic starts with awareness. It’s like putting on a pair of glasses for the first time and seeing each blade of grass distinctly. This newfound clarity can transform your perspective on life and its challenges.

Trusting Life: Insights from Brother David Steindl-Rast

Brother David Steindl-Rast emphasizes that the most crucial aspect of living gratefully is trusting life, especially during anxious or fearful times. Every day, regardless of your circumstances, you face a fundamental choice: to trust life or not. This decision shapes your daily experiences and overall outlook.

When old fears or anxieties resurface, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, by consciously acknowledging these emotions and allowing them to pass, you can alleviate some of their urgency. Brother David suggests that persistent distrust and questioning of life leads to misery. Conversely, embracing a mindset of trust and gratitude opens you to endless possibilities. Each moment becomes an opportunity to ask, “What’s the opportunity here?” This shift in perspective fosters transformation and growth.

Listening to Life: A Lesson from Broccoli

In her book, Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott shares a metaphor about trusting life, borrowed from Mel Brooks’ “The 2000 Year Old Man.” A psychiatrist advises a patient, “Listen to your broccoli, and your broccoli will tell you how to eat it.” This metaphor beautifully encapsulates the essence of trusting life. When uncertainty strikes and you’re unsure of your next step, becoming still and listening to life’s cues can guide you. Life has a way of communicating its wisdom if you remain open and attentive.

When faced with grief, two vital questions to consider are:

• What am I learning from this experience?
• Where is the universe or spirit working in my life?

Embracing the Journey

Fearlessness on the journey is not about the absence of fear but about trusting life’s inherent wisdom and goodness. It’s about embracing the ordinary magic around you, recognizing your moments of clarity, comforting signs and serendipities, and cultivating a mindset of trust and gratitude. By asking the right questions and listening to life’s subtle messages, you can navigate your path with grace and resilience.

Remember, every experience offers a lesson, and every challenge brings an opportunity for growth. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a trusting spirit, and you’ll find that life is indeed trustworthy.