Looking For Answers: Inviting In Guidance
By Laura M. Turner

The Master keeps her mind
always at one with the Tao;
that is what gives her her radiance.

The Tao is ungraspable.
How can her mind be at one with it?
Because she doesn't cling to ideas.

The Tao is dark and unfathomable.
How can it make her radiant?
Because she lets it.
(Tao 21)

Recently, I was reading the book A Man Without A Country by the late Kurt Vonnegut. Eighty-two at the time of his writing, Vonnegut explains the meaning of life in this way: "When you get to my age, if you get to my age, and if you have reproduced, you will find yourself asking your own children, who are themselves middle-aged, 'What is life all about?' ... I put my big question about life to my son the pediatrician. Dr. Vonnegut said to his doddering old dad: "Father, we are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is."

I loved this passage from the book. It reminded me that searching for a meaning for life is the quest of a lifetime. In the end, I'd always thought we'd have profound answers. Now I understand the answers come about in the day-to-day business of living a life. And through our relationships with others and our own self, we maneuver through this "thing" we call life.

For a great amount of us, a search for meaning is sought in conjunction with our greater purpose. Speaking for myself, I'm always searching for my highest purpose, the reason for my being here. If this personal journey can be navigated, I often theorize, why would we not follow its call? The answer (in my opinion) is, to dig deeper requires one to let go of their fear of the unknown. This is not easy work.

During this day-to-day navigation, however, I believe there are ways to get answers. As far as I can tell, the answers do not come in large downloads nor are they available by searchable CD Rom. For me, they do come in (what I call) the "Mapquests" of daily moments and they are available when we make an effort to invite the guidance in, let go of the fear, and truly follow our instincts.

If your true quest is to find this higher spiritual elevation there are ways to invoke divine guidance into your life on a daily basis. Here's three of my favorites:

Read Books Of Enlightenment:
To me, divinity speaks to us in subtle and humble ways. The voices of writers and creative souls from the beginning of time have often had their works divinely inspired. One of my favorite ways to find wisdom then is through reading. This could mean anything from the literature of antiquity to pop culture magazines or contemporary authors. When reading there is always something new to be learned. I truly believe if you are searching for an answer, visiting your local library can provide the wisdom.

Give A Daily Devotion:
Life has a way of filling schedules and taking away time. Yet, to allow life to become inspired and gain direction, it is important to work "in the gaps" to give daily devotion. Some of my favorite ways to give devotion include: finding 20 minutes to meditate, taking time for prayer or to simply take time to give thanks in gratitude. If you are pressed for time, try taking a journal with you on your daily route. When you have a few minutes, make a list of all the things in your world you are grateful for. This list, when referred to, can often help you through the darker times.

Guided Imagery:
Too, I've noticed that invoking our senses raises and heightens awareness. With guided imagery, you can place your focus on specific manifestations or simply enjoy the relaxation of hearing the words of affirmation. For me getting centered daily is my key to calling forward positive healing and guiding energies. Guided imagery is a profound tool to help with this. To get some of the best taped imagery I've ever found, you will definitely want to check out Health Journeys and the work of Belleruth Naparstek. These are nothing short of inspiring.

In Conclusion:
My scientific mind was at first challenged by the thought of guidance gleaned from personal instinct and divine guidance. Yet in many ways, I have seen this miraculous work in my life. Now I am convinced, beyond question that through this daily work of "tuning in," you can call these healing and protective forces forth to guide you in your daily life. Too, I believe answers come to us in humble ways. I also believe Vonnegut's message that we are all here on earth to help each other through this life. As much as I feel compelled to uncover and encourage others to partake in the quest for their personal mission, I also hope that upon taking this quest, seekers draw to them more of all that matters: true meaning, rich relationships and positive self-awareness.

Affirmation:
Today, I am grateful for this moment
this day, this opportunity to co-create.
My life is a personal process of unfolding
like a delicate flower in the springtime
Yet, without sun, rain and wind,
it could never grow.

Bless those around me, send me those
who will show me the way to my
highest and greatest good and let us
help each other on our way.

****
Laura M. Turner is a health journalist, author and net-preneur.
She hosts: Beauty & Body Online: Your Home For Natural Health,
Wellness & Creative Abundance. Laura is the Sr. Editor of The
New Body news and Wellness Letter.

To Listen To The Looking For Answers Podcast Click Here.