I have an odd, but enjoyable and perhaps helpful suggestion. Find the old TV show NORTHERN EXPOSURE and watch the episodes that feature the character of Ed Chigliack prominantly. Ed is a young native man with a passion for movies and a possible calling to be a native healer. His quandry and path in life may have some lessons you can use.
Thank you for the suggestion. My calling is actually abundantly clear to me. So I am now quietly relinquishing those things that have hindered its full manifestation.
I personally ascribe to the Buddhist idea that there is no purpose or meaning. There is nothing I am supposed to do. Thus, no callings. It's a modest difference I think. In either case it is quite a departure from a culture that insists you must find your purpose, meaning, or passion to be happy. I think such ideas sound depressing to a lot of people. But once you get past that, it's actually quite freeing to let go of all that baggage. I can imagine myself happy doing many different things, rather than suffering thinking I just haven't found that one thing I need to be happy. I often explain it to people this way: "You find your keys when you stop looking."
I trust Mr. Scott is more versed in Taoism than myself. I'd defer to his knowledge on the subject. It's been many years since I studied it at all. Regardless, in Buddhism we are all on our own paths. Those paths may be different, but that does not make them right or wrong. Buddhism has no real hard and fast absolutes but deals a great deal with our intent. Which is why we're warned against concerning ourselves with the karma of others and encouraged to focus on our own.
Mr. Scott seems a skillful individual with good intent in his heart. I'm happy to learn from him! And I wish him, and you, the best in your own journeys.
As someone trained in the healing arts, if you feel called to make healing knowledge part of your life path, you should certainly do that. Which of the healing arts are you interested in?
@Diamond-Michael Scott your words speak to a journey I know intimately—the wrestle with callings that whisper louder as we begin to listen. This past year, I’ve untangled myself from past attachments and recognized that ignoring my calling was eroding a vital part of me. Your reflections on wu wei and the Taoist principle of flowing with life resonate with my own contemplations. The surrender to that path which is both exhilarating and terrifying is where I find myself now. I, too, dream of creating a space where passions converge—working (not building) a small retreat for writers, healing practices, and hospitality that nourishes body and soul. Cooking, Barkeeping, Providing Hospitality, Creativity, Exchange.
What resonates with me most is your framing of callings as non-linear, ever-changing companions rather than fixed destinations. This wisdom aligns with my journey and gives me hope to trust the unfolding of serendipity, even when clarity still eludes me. Thank you for illuminating the paradox of pursuing authenticity in a world that often resists it.
At 53 I followed my heart and went into teaching art full-time. I knew I might never be able to retire, but this was doing what I love. It is now 17 years later, and I still love what I do. Retired? Not yet, but that's okay.
I have an odd, but enjoyable and perhaps helpful suggestion. Find the old TV show NORTHERN EXPOSURE and watch the episodes that feature the character of Ed Chigliack prominantly. Ed is a young native man with a passion for movies and a possible calling to be a native healer. His quandry and path in life may have some lessons you can use.
Thank you for the suggestion. My calling is actually abundantly clear to me. So I am now quietly relinquishing those things that have hindered its full manifestation.
I personally ascribe to the Buddhist idea that there is no purpose or meaning. There is nothing I am supposed to do. Thus, no callings. It's a modest difference I think. In either case it is quite a departure from a culture that insists you must find your purpose, meaning, or passion to be happy. I think such ideas sound depressing to a lot of people. But once you get past that, it's actually quite freeing to let go of all that baggage. I can imagine myself happy doing many different things, rather than suffering thinking I just haven't found that one thing I need to be happy. I often explain it to people this way: "You find your keys when you stop looking."
Good luck with your pursuits!
Mr scott you need to listen to this Buddhist. You don’t seem to really understand toa or Buddhism.
I trust Mr. Scott is more versed in Taoism than myself. I'd defer to his knowledge on the subject. It's been many years since I studied it at all. Regardless, in Buddhism we are all on our own paths. Those paths may be different, but that does not make them right or wrong. Buddhism has no real hard and fast absolutes but deals a great deal with our intent. Which is why we're warned against concerning ourselves with the karma of others and encouraged to focus on our own.
Mr. Scott seems a skillful individual with good intent in his heart. I'm happy to learn from him! And I wish him, and you, the best in your own journeys.
As someone trained in the healing arts, if you feel called to make healing knowledge part of your life path, you should certainly do that. Which of the healing arts are you interested in?
Qigong and Acupuncture.
@Diamond-Michael Scott your words speak to a journey I know intimately—the wrestle with callings that whisper louder as we begin to listen. This past year, I’ve untangled myself from past attachments and recognized that ignoring my calling was eroding a vital part of me. Your reflections on wu wei and the Taoist principle of flowing with life resonate with my own contemplations. The surrender to that path which is both exhilarating and terrifying is where I find myself now. I, too, dream of creating a space where passions converge—working (not building) a small retreat for writers, healing practices, and hospitality that nourishes body and soul. Cooking, Barkeeping, Providing Hospitality, Creativity, Exchange.
What resonates with me most is your framing of callings as non-linear, ever-changing companions rather than fixed destinations. This wisdom aligns with my journey and gives me hope to trust the unfolding of serendipity, even when clarity still eludes me. Thank you for illuminating the paradox of pursuing authenticity in a world that often resists it.
This speaks to me. Thank you. 🙏🏽
At 53 I followed my heart and went into teaching art full-time. I knew I might never be able to retire, but this was doing what I love. It is now 17 years later, and I still love what I do. Retired? Not yet, but that's okay.