Meredith, I love how Vedanta emphasizes that we all have a purpose in this material world. That's unlike the Buddhist tradition I've followed, which emphasizes retreat to the exclusion of everything else. Many people have the same question: how to integrate the practical realities of life with spiritual pursuits. You've beautifully mapped out the way forward with your pivotal questions.
Thank you, Sandra. I really appreciate your thoughtful words. Vedanta offers a balanced vision of life. It reminds us that our work and worldly roles become spiritual when we approach them with the right attitude and understanding. i have found Vedanta to be extremely practical.
This is a wonderful letter Meredith! Are you familiar with the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron? It's more of a artist boot camp than book, and in it she prompts her readers to look at and answer many of those questions. Also, one of the main practices that she encourages is journaling - she calls them morning pages, and you're instructed to write 3 full pages every morning. It was quite transformative for me, and may be an easy way for some of the readers here to approach the subtle path.
To be honest, MJ, i wrote these points 100 years ago. And had them online… also agree we need to write every morning. Wouldn’t set a limit though. Pace yourself. Let your purpose be your motivation.
This actually brought a sob. As I read this, it made me look back to my choices… phew. Hindsight. But it was those questions that have me tearing up. I actually am going to answer them. Thank you for this. 🌸
I loved this! I’m exploring a similar theme about how following your dream can feel hard when you don’t know where it leads. This was such a beautiful reminder that the path isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to be true. The unknown is often where the magic begins to take form ✨
Thank you for sharing this beautiful insight, I have moved half way across the globe to Bali after my partner passed away and am on a path of rediscovering myself and what’s next. I especially liked these lines…so important to keep following an inner call to joy
“You are not born to be stressed and unhappy; you were born to be free — to be peaceful, content, happy within, and not dependent on the world for your happiness.”
Hi Laura, yes I’ve read and commented on some of your posts. glad you enjoyed this one and yes those words are very powerful. Hope you’re doing well. If ever you need a different perspective, I’m here for you.
Really appreciate your words Anita. Thank you. i aim to make it relatable and practical. Yes, having a purpose, a 'why' for your words is so important. It's a question I ask myself often, as a reminder: Why am i doing this? ... If it's not for something greater than yourself, then it will never bring you happiness.
Deeply grateful for this, Meredith. I sat with those questions yesterday and struggled to answer most of it. Sadness and shame surfaced initially and then I started to see through what shaped my amnesia and journey thus far. I wish I had the courage to ask more questions and stand up for my truth, but I can't turn back the clock. So, the best thing I can do is start now and walk the subtle, unknown path.
Oh Bonnie, there is nothing to be sad or ashamed about. Each one of us is in the same boat, more or less. But age isn't a factor here. It has nothing to do with when you start. As long as you start. I find getting up early in the morning helps. Reading something inspiring and writing. It's a quiet time to question yourself. You'll be amazed at what comes up. If ever I can help, I'm here for you. Anytime.
Meredith, I love how Vedanta emphasizes that we all have a purpose in this material world. That's unlike the Buddhist tradition I've followed, which emphasizes retreat to the exclusion of everything else. Many people have the same question: how to integrate the practical realities of life with spiritual pursuits. You've beautifully mapped out the way forward with your pivotal questions.
Thank you, Sandra. I really appreciate your thoughtful words. Vedanta offers a balanced vision of life. It reminds us that our work and worldly roles become spiritual when we approach them with the right attitude and understanding. i have found Vedanta to be extremely practical.
I don't usually do this, but I had to.
Write a comment before finishing reading.
Happy<s> m</s>ness. Nice.
And now I come back to summarize: Worth reading!
That's clever. Thank you.
This is a wonderful letter Meredith! Are you familiar with the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron? It's more of a artist boot camp than book, and in it she prompts her readers to look at and answer many of those questions. Also, one of the main practices that she encourages is journaling - she calls them morning pages, and you're instructed to write 3 full pages every morning. It was quite transformative for me, and may be an easy way for some of the readers here to approach the subtle path.
To be honest, MJ, i wrote these points 100 years ago. And had them online… also agree we need to write every morning. Wouldn’t set a limit though. Pace yourself. Let your purpose be your motivation.
Great.
This actually brought a sob. As I read this, it made me look back to my choices… phew. Hindsight. But it was those questions that have me tearing up. I actually am going to answer them. Thank you for this. 🌸
Brenda, so glad this redonated and you got something out of it. Let me know if you need any help. All the best answering the questions.
I loved this! I’m exploring a similar theme about how following your dream can feel hard when you don’t know where it leads. This was such a beautiful reminder that the path isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to be true. The unknown is often where the magic begins to take form ✨
Wonderful Astrid. Happy exploring. That's what life is about... Keep moving towards That Truth.
Hi Meredith,
I’m mentioning this post in my latest article. Hope it’s okey I quoted you 🩷
https://open.substack.com/pub/apricitybyastrid/p/chasing-a-dream?r=4vfbyn&utm_medium=ios
Absolutely okay, Astrid. Many thanks. Will get to reading it soon.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful insight, I have moved half way across the globe to Bali after my partner passed away and am on a path of rediscovering myself and what’s next. I especially liked these lines…so important to keep following an inner call to joy
“You are not born to be stressed and unhappy; you were born to be free — to be peaceful, content, happy within, and not dependent on the world for your happiness.”
Hi Laura, yes I’ve read and commented on some of your posts. glad you enjoyed this one and yes those words are very powerful. Hope you’re doing well. If ever you need a different perspective, I’m here for you.
The easy road is always harder later on is so so so true!!
yes, Caroline that’s why we need to be very aware our thoughts and actions.
I really enjoyed this piece.
The part about happiness coming from something bigger than ourselves really resonated with me.
It’s so true how purpose gives everything else meaning. I liked how you explained it in such a calm, relatable way.
It’s one of those reads that makes you pause and reflect a little deeper.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 💙
Really appreciate your words Anita. Thank you. i aim to make it relatable and practical. Yes, having a purpose, a 'why' for your words is so important. It's a question I ask myself often, as a reminder: Why am i doing this? ... If it's not for something greater than yourself, then it will never bring you happiness.
Deeply grateful for this, Meredith. I sat with those questions yesterday and struggled to answer most of it. Sadness and shame surfaced initially and then I started to see through what shaped my amnesia and journey thus far. I wish I had the courage to ask more questions and stand up for my truth, but I can't turn back the clock. So, the best thing I can do is start now and walk the subtle, unknown path.
Oh Bonnie, there is nothing to be sad or ashamed about. Each one of us is in the same boat, more or less. But age isn't a factor here. It has nothing to do with when you start. As long as you start. I find getting up early in the morning helps. Reading something inspiring and writing. It's a quiet time to question yourself. You'll be amazed at what comes up. If ever I can help, I'm here for you. Anytime.
Love this Meredith.
The bit that really jumped out at me is
“Choose the subtler of the two.”
I felt that deep within.
I will be sitting with this for a while.
Because that is how the Soul feels to me...subtle...gentle...graceful...patient
Thank you for sharing this
💜💜💜
That's wonderful Vivienne. So glad it helped. Yes, that truth within is exactly as you say. By choosing the subtler path we get there fast. 🤍
Truth! Great question set, too 👌