Explorers in Unfamiliar Territory

THERE ARE NO MAPS TO CONSULT as we make our way through life these days – the road we are walking is navigating territory not been seen before. And yet, I am persuaded that there is hope and we have some tools for the road to aid our journey.

Today’s final summer vocational nudge to be an EXPLORER might just bring a sense of exhale – and, perhaps, excitement. (How I hope it does!) I wonder, how might seeing ourselves as explorers make space for each of us to experience more purpose and peace in the midst of the everydayness of life – right here and now? (Yes, even more-so amidst of these confusing and chaotic days on our planet.)

Rooted in Latin explorare, the word “explore” means to “investigate, search out, examine.” Rarely, if ever, is seeing the whole path part of the quest. The exploration most often involves regions yet unfamiliar. Sometimes there are maps to consult; other times, the lands are brand new. Either way, navigating undiscovered terrains is part of the work of an explorer. It is to be expected. It is normal.

For me, this perspective has been a graced gift in recent days, with in my health ups and downs, my kids’ varied and unconventional school schedules, and with the recent arrival of a new puppy. (I could go on and on about the learning curves this li’l pup has amply provided in the first 72 hours with our family!) How I respond with an explorer’s mindset to these normal and ordinary elements of life greatly shapes how I navigate my days – and how I feel as I do so. My explorer’s journey these days affords me lots of opportunities to practice PoPs (Places of Pause), curiosity, grace, letting go, and opening my heart to embrace this sometimes-jaw-droppingly-beautiful and other-times-crazily-uncomfortable season of life.

I believe the journey of life will continue to bring us all moments in which we feel as though we are navigating uncharted territories. They will come. They always do.

So, my friend. Keep going. Persevere.
Be COURAGEous.

Grow your roots
in the indisputable,
uncontested, the
unshakable:
You have glittering gifts.
You matter.
You are loved.
You are not alone – not now, not ever.

Check out the 5 other vocational nudges I’ve shared this summer – inviting us all to be peacemakers, haircutters (sort of – check it out and you’ll see what I mean), warriors, philanthropists, and bridge-builders shared with excerpts from my books.

Here are 3 nudges for inspired ACTion to fuel your vocation as an EXPLORER today.

1 – EXPLORE how claiming that you are an EXPLORER inspires and ignites your life today in this PoP. Take a few minutes for this 10-minute reading/experience that will enCOURAGE you to be still and surrender, to ponder and discern, and to engage and commit.

2 – WATCH this 10-minute PoP tied to being an EXPLORER, peruse the playlist this week and pick out a few other PoPs that intrigue you, or dive right in and commit to the whole 40-day video journey in which I guide you through 40 daily 10-minute PoPs. Facebook | IGTV | YouTube

3 – TAKE A VIRTUAL JOURNEY TO INDIA – we are talkin’ about being explorers, after all! – and watch/listen to the replay (link below) of a 45-minute conversation with two always-impassioned and inspiring friends.

Seeds Storyteller Series

IN THIS REPLAY OF AN EPISODE of the Seeds Storyteller Series: Difference-Making During the Corona Crisis, I talk with a most remarkable duo – best friends and husband-wife activists. Joining us LIVE from INDIA, they share HOPE, JOY, WISDOM & TRUTH about what is going on in the midst of the COVID pandemic as they continue to do their extraordinary work among vulnerable children and those who are poor and marginalized in their community.

WHAT you can look forward to in this conversation:
– FEEL-GOOD LAUGHS with two people who are working each and every day to make life better for those who have little to nothing – their lighthearted spirits and hope are rooted in great LOVE and inexhaustible JOY
– HOW CREATIVITY – drums and storytelling! – and the YouTube platform are tools Kartikey and Saloni are wielding to beat this pandemic and build community. “This is the time to put your life into gear and get started on what you love!” -Kartikey
– TANGIBLE stories and ways they are seeing the best humanity coming out of the virus through combined efforts of community
– A SPECIFIC IDEA or 2 to practice soul care / Places of Pause your everyday life on your own or with your family/friends so you can experience peace and strength within these stormy days

India today: This past weekend, India reported another surge of cases / more in this article in the Wall Street Journal: “For Doctor in India, Coronavirus Waves Just Keep Coming – Race against Covid-19 has turned into a marathon as the country becomes a global hot spot” and Reuters posted this update on Monday.

More amazing stories, quotable words of wisdom, connection links with Saloni and Kartikey, and nudges for inspired ACTion here.