Food for Thought

A Map of Life

I have always thought that a map of life would be a very useful tool to help us find our way around
this unfamiliar life and the strange and complex situations we have to struggle through. We would
not think of going into a strange country without a professional guide or at least a map with some
points of reference so that we could check if we were on the right path. But no-where is there a map
that shows us where or how to travel this very personal journey. I think a map is needed to ensure
we find our way back to the world we came from having fulfilled the purpose of the journey.

I know there are the 10 commandments and a plethora of religions which are full of the ‘must’ word.
But that doesn’t help if you slip off the road or get lost and if you have ever been lost you will
know what it is like to ask for directions, everyone sends you a different way so that you finish up
more lost than when you started. When accidents happen and, no one ever made the long journey of
life without running out of fuel, getting lost or having some sort of mishap, there just isn’t a map
to show you where you are or how to get back on the road which you had planned before the journey
began.  Most people you ask are just as lost as yourself.  And nowhere in the advice you will be
given does it tell you how to have fun as you travel the journey. In fact the thought of enjoying
the journey is totally against the principles of many who are trying to find their way back to the
start.

I would like to have a map of the life I was going to travel and, before the journey began not after
it had finished. I know we receive Brownie points for finishing in the right place or get shouted at
for being in the wrong place or getting lost but the people who hand out the brownie points or roll
their eyes to the air as if having trouble swallowing a pill when you turn left instead of right,
have no idea where they are themselves. We are told, take as much love as you can carry and be ready
to give it to the natives, it keeps them happy. But can’t they be happy without the hand-outs?  They
do have everything they need to make their own happiness. If they rely on the happiness handed out
by others they will soon again be without. What is given or taken is quickly gone, only that which
is made within oneself is lasting.

So what do we need to see on this map of life? Here are some suggestions and they are not new and I
don’t expect yours to be the same. It all depends where you came from and where you are going. The
places you want to visit, the special events you want to be involved in, the people you plan to
meet. I won’t mention places by name. The planet earth has only two places, land and water. It has
been divided into bits by the groups who have settled on it and they have given the name of their
customs, rules and language to the bit of land they sit very insecurely on. In reality it is all one
piece of land and everyone is struggling to travel a life through it.

Suggestions for a Map of Life.

First; To live every moment of the journey and embrace the awareness of being here, to remember what
and where the journey took the traveller so that they continue the journey into the next plain of
existence.  Life only continues for those who live life to the full. That means not being scared of
making a few mistakes or getting lost. All roads finish at the same place, some are just more
interesting. Are you embracing life enough to feel alive and making the most of the journey?

Second; To developing a personality based personal needs and happiness so that it continues long
after this journey is finished. Are you living your personality or allowing yourself to be dictated
to by others? You are not travelling this journey to satisfy the needs of others. It’s difficult
enough to satisfy our own curiosity about life without travelling some other person’s route.

Third; To fully opened heart to see the spiritual splendours of creation brought into existence by a
master of creation.  Are you taking full advantage of all there is to see and experience by opening
your heart to spirituality? There is so much to experience it can be overwhelming.

Forth; To plan a trail that others can follow. To plant some ideas and perhaps clear the road a
little so others who follow will not have such a difficult journey. Are you doing what you can to
make the road easier for future generations?  Even the dinosaurs left footprints which tell us what
the road was once like.

Fifth; To travel as many kilometres as the physical vehicle can be persuaded to go. No point in
being tender with the journey, It is unlikely the same route will be travelled again.  Are you
getting every bit of life out of the time you are here? The journey is too incredible to sleep it
away in a quiet place seeing others pass you by with their excitement.

Sixth; To write a personal map of life, no one else is going your way though it needs to be done
before the journey finishes or the road to opportunity might be missed.  Be sure you are not
following the vehicle in front. It might not know where it is going. Are you living a life as master
of your own soul? No one but you can know what you need to experience on this journey of a
life-time.

Seventh; All dreams are a living reality of the truth. A personal truth as seen and lived in the
expression of the journey. Are you passing through your journey of life by living the words you
speak?  Or is the journey you travel not the one you speak of but one you dream of? Others can only
follow your journey if you live through it.

Oh to live this life, not because of a ‘must do’ or a ‘must not’ but because of choices made for the
fulfilment of happiness from which the eternal fountain of love ever flows.

Malcolm Southwood.