Crossroads and Open Palms

-by Brock

Life has a funny way of shoving us onto crossroads, doesn’t it? For me, life always seemed to unfold like a well-creased map, each landmark neatly marked. But then, the paper tore, revealing an expanse of white space, with a dizzying number of forks and paths.

My studies have forced me to reflect on the roots of my values and core beliefs. My questioning and need to dig deeper opened far more than I intended. This week, I’ve focused on the wisdom of Rumi and Richard Rohr, and the quiet strength of centuries-old beliefs. They’re not offering a new map, but an old lens, a way to see the world with fresh eyes.

Rumi, with his knack for turning turmoil into poetry, said it best: “Close your hand around your pain, tight as you can, Then open it and let it fly; it was never yours to hold.” Yes, the uncertainty stings, but clinging only constricts. As he says, opening my hand isn’t surrender, it’s an act of faith, a trust that even this discomfort holds seeds of something unexpected.

Richard Rohr, the wise Friar of this “upward fall,” echoes this sentiment: “The second half of life is not about holding on, but letting go. It’s about letting go of control, letting go of ego, letting go of the need to be in charge.” Easier said than done.

So, I take a deep breath and unclench my fist. The roadmap falls apart. I remember that our greatest travel adventures were unplanned and based on intuition. So should life. I have found that rigid plans rarely live up to the magic of unfolding adventures.

There are days when fear feels like a boulder, crushing my resolve and my resolutions. But Rumi offers another truth:

“So open your hand and let the pain fly. Let it fly as a bird carrying a song, a song of transformation.

Remember, you are not the cage. You are the vast sky. And the pain, even as it stings, is just a passing cloud.”

I am hoping this next phase of life continues to be painted in hues of curiosity and possibility. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but that’s fantastic. As Rohr reminds us, “The second half of life is not about knowing, but about becoming. It’s about becoming more present, more compassionate, more connected.”

So, I open my palms to the unknown, ready to become. My job, my habits, my beliefs – they can all be gently reshaped.

May your open palms become the canvas for a vibrant and fulfilling next chapter, dear friend.