We are all just walking each other home.
Ram Dass
Here’s what I’ve come to believe: everything we do is an effort to come home.
Somewhere inside, we know there’s a place beyond the limitations of physical existence, and every choice we make in this existence is borne of a deep desire to return there.
Because we are each unique aspects of our original source, whatever you like to call it, we search in different ways; some healthy for us, some deeply damaging, and everything in between.
Some of us seek it through the physical body, with healthy eating and physical exercise, or through high adrenaline sports or drugs. Some of us seek it through learning, reading and studying as a way to come home to our true selves. Some use music, or the arts of the kitchen or laboratory.
We seek it in sex, drugs and rock and roll. In exercise, in music, in relationships, in books, in nature, in spiritual practice, in travel. There is nowhere we’re not looking for it.
Most of us tend to use a combination, in the form of our interests and passions. And we’ve all used those things that are less effective.
However misguided our choices and efforts, every single thing we’ve ever done has been about this longing to come home.
I’ve made a lot of those misguided choices, some probably similar to yours. I still do sometimes. And, perhaps like you, I have not yet come home fully. I’ve visited, but tend not to stay. 🙂
And while I don’t believe anyone else can tell you how to get home, I do believe we can be lights for each other on the way. And you don’t have to be anything in particular to be a light; you already are one whenever you help or support someone to find their own.
My particular light uses art and creativity as a way to come home.
The articles and posts I write, the courses I teach, and the driving force behind all my work is to act as a lantern to remind you of how creative you are already, and to illuminate the path ahead with tools and ideas, inspiration and encouragement.
Art isn’t the only thing that will bring you home. The beauty of being human is that we all have our own unique recipe, and not everyone’s includes paint. But if yours does, it would be my greatest delight to join and support you on part of your journey home.
You can find out more about the ways I use my light here.
And tell me about your light! What lantern do you hold to help the rest of us find our way home?
Beautiful post. Thanks Tara.
Thank you Mairim!
Yes. This is what it’s all about isn’t it? Finding the people and activities that help us to be the best versions of ourselves, and give us the sense that we don’t have to keep searching and striving. We’re already here. Love it!
Exactly! Beautifully put {as always}. 🙂
My art and my poetry are my two huge lights. And also, just being mindful, creating space for the people I interact with to feel comfortable, to share their truths, and for someone to be as excited for their truths as they are. I think that’s essential.
Thank you for sharing your light {in both senses!} Robyn! I love the things you mention – true lights indeed. And also fascinated by your Desire poem; to me a really interesting use of words. 🙂
The light you are bringing in your class is proof that you are the perfect teacher to help some of us find home or be more curious about what being home means. Thank you Tara!
Bless you Anyes, thank you for saying so! That means a lot to me. 🙂
This post warmed my heart Tara.
I think you’re right, we are all finding ways to come home to ourselves and the journey is different for each of us.
Like you I’ve made some misguided choices (especially in my 20’s). And since having children in my thirties, the desire to come home to myself magnified so intensely, that writing became my fast ride back home.
Words are my light.
Yes my twenties were saturated with misguided choices too Liz! 😉 I love how you say that writing became your ride home.
I have succumbed to some of the “temptations” (music, food, alcohol, shopping, etc.) but what really centers me is meditation. And it’s good for you.
Hi Julie, welcome! Meditation is definitely a way to come home. The closest I get to that is Tai Chi, which is more of a moving meditation. 🙂