Life Dreams vs. The Safety Net

It seems these days that one of our very human dilemmas is how to balance sometimes seemingly conflictual aspects of our growth--the spiritual and the pragmatic.  Now I'm defining "spiritual" as our need to expand as a human being, to seek connection with other, to reach for a higher sense of purpose and meaning in life...and to feel more unity on a global level.  Yet, at the same time, remain understanding that we must actually live in our day-to-day lives with all that entails.

This morning I was really experiencing this conflict as it relates to uprooting myself and moving across the Atlantic.  After having the real estate person in to discuss the "best" time to put the condo on the market, prices, etc., I found myself doing a constant "checks and minuses" list in my head about "The Move" (it has now taken on capital letters).  Now, I've realized it kind of comes down to the "spiritual vs pragmatic" dichotomy. 

On the spiritual plus side, moving is all about living out a life vision, growing as an individual, seeking new connections, and developing meaning and purpose.  On the pragmatic side it's the entire "to do" list accompanied nicely with the ever increasing "don't know" list!  Which in turn puts new entries on my "Are you nuts?!" list!  Why does it always seem that the more questions that get answered, the less I seem to know?  Reminds me of a professor, years ago, that described the learning process as an ice cube....

......you arrive frozen, thinking you know; only to thaw and not know anything; then you refreeze again, new knowledge intact.  Ok, I'm in the thaw stage...yup, pool of water...looking forward to being a cube again.

Then I talked with a coaching client today who was going through exactly the same dilemma as she set the wheels in motion to take a year's leave of absence from her paying job and signed up to study with a music conservatory for about a year.  Definitely the spiritual vs. the pragmatic.  Follow a dream or do the expected?

Guess this is the constant challenge, I refuse to say struggle, 'cause I believe seeing life as a "struggle" is a stupid choice, but challenge I can sign on to.  How do we constantly stretch as human beings and yet keep our feet planted on the ground?

Life dream versus safety?  New adventures, new people, expanding awareness, new sense of direction and purpose versus the safe, the secure, the familiar...?  I know my answer, do you know yours?

Dr. Toby

Comments

[Diana van Eyk]

I just did a big move last June to the community where I've always wanted to live, and I hope it works out as well for you as it has so far for me. I got the "to do" list done no problem, but it also brought up all kinds of opportunities and vulnerabilities in me (which is why I've just subscribed to your newsletter). It's so worth it! I'm still going through lots of challenges -- in the process of starting my own business for the first time, and so badly wanting to make a meaningful contribution to this place I love -- but am learning so much and feeling so alive in the process. I hope you're loving your new life in London!

Thanks for the support you give me and others.

All the best,

Diana