Many of us have chosen paths in life that have not historically reaped financial benefits, because they are often devalued and marginalized within our society. Ironically, these roles often serve the most critical functions, like teaching, health care, and artistic endeavors which benefit everyone they serve. Why is that? As we worked our way through the confusing morass of values thrown at us during the holiday season, it often acerbates already present conflicts and tensions that exist within family units. Depression is at an all-time high this time of year. Last year, I lost a friend to suicide, after he spent his first Christmas alone while in the midst of divorce proceedings. It remains one of the saddest time periods of my life. He is survived by his wife and two young, beautiful boys.
I've written prior about the meaning of a true gift, and yet, messages are compounded daily into the heads of susceptible, vulnerable people, that leave them empty, angry, and confused, subsumed by this large, aching void which cannot be filled by any amounts of time, money or attention. Even with the hardships I've endured in my life, I am at peace, despite living contrary to the populist idea of what constitutes "The American Dream". So, how can than be? Perhaps it helps to dwell upon the nature of a calling, the compelling attractiveness of turning one's back on commercialized marketing messages by seeking a different path, and the fulfillment that can bring to ones' life.
I do not often catch daytime t.v. talk shows, but I did see an episode on Oprah Winfrey's show that I absolutely loved, and that I have never forgotten. It was a two-part special which delved into the lives of Catholic nuns and the young women who were in the process of conversion, a lengthy time period of study and contemplation. Listening to these brave women accept a calling and "reject" seemingly traditional society, perfectly highlighted to me what a strait jacket this mythic attainment of American life has become to many, many people, that leaves them feeling like failures. This distorted sense of self, and a lack of what constitutes real success, often makes people feeling bitter, insecure, and with a cripplingly sense of fear, robbing them of the ability to live a truly happy life. I cannot help but applaud the women who have jumped off the treadmill of the "rat race" to live a life full of devotion and spirituality. Bravo.
The women speak best for themselves, in their own words. Due to the large and profitable empire that is Oprah. com, I couldn't find video content that did not return to their site. Please click on the links provided to see clips from the show. It's worth it: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Lisa-Ling-Spends-a-Day-in-the-Life-of-Nuns-Video and
Have a blessed week!
