In my advanced Shamanism course we were asked to identify for ourselves three objects to use that meant protection, self-confidence and good luck. I readily found objects to represent the first two but I couldn’t seem to identify the good luck or good fortune piece. Suddenly I realized why. I was calling it by the wrong name.
Where does luck come from?
I don’t believe in good luck, I believe I create my own reality so all “luck” comes from the choices I make within. When I looked up good “fortune” I found “change, destiny”. That felt better. Since I’m deeply aware of the role of constant change and the power of our own choices when faced with the opportunities that are presented to us, I modified good luck to “wise choice.” To me that means an ever-deepening self-awareness while listening and seeing the abundant signs and signals that are offered. So I began looking for clear vision and wise choice.
One I realized that I simply needed to call it by what I perceived its purpose to be, I found it — right in front of me.
Are you calling what you are looking for by the right name?
I find it helpful to look up the definition of the word I’m seeking to embrace so that I may approach it from different angles.
When you think of success what do you imagine? “Success” means “favorable outcome and triumph”. That covers a broad range. I might feel a favorable outcome is to simply finish a project, never mind how great it turns out to be. Triumph may mean earning a lot of money. It may mean being acknowledged. Look up the word you are using and expand its meaning by examining the different words that mean the same thing.
What does “success” mean to you? To me it means continually being excited about what I find to learn each day. It means moving ever deeper into my spiritual exploration and expanding my awareness. The definition is simply “favorable outcome”
What does “happiness” mean to you? “Happiness” means “contentment and satisfaction.” That’s a pretty calm, steady state to be in. A warm fire, a good meal, a meaningful conversation. Or it could mean something far more boisterous like climbing to the top of a mountain. How do you define happiness? How do you recognize it?
I personally would go with the concept of “contentment.” The closer I bring myself to filling my days with the exploration and learning that calls to me, the more content I am.
What about “peace?” The word “peace” means “quietness and solitude.” When we talk about world peace we don’t have the right word. “Coexistence” is the word we want — “the state of living in harmony despite different ideology or interests.” That makes it much clearer. Take that deeper: “Different” means “contrasting, varying”. So we’re looking for a way to lovingly co-exist in an inclusive manner that embraces our diversity. We can work on that.
When you look more deeply into the words you use you may find yourself choosing new ones that’ll both deepen and broaden your awareness of what you really mean.
“Spirituality” means “the quality of being connected with the human spirit or soul.” That certainly leaves room for a lot of interpretation and a variety of methods to achieve it. Whatever you need to think or do in order to feel that connection with the Originating Mystery is your own adventure — one that only you can take in your own way. Just as others must seek it in their own manner.
The next time you try to define something in your life or find yourself searching for something you can’t seem to find, look up the word and find the alternative descriptions and see if that will put you on the right track.
To Sing a Deeper Song Consider:
Why Do You Believe What You Do
How Do You Define Success?
When Change is Hard
Be the Story you Want to Tell
Change Your Expectations
