Your Life Story Part 1
October 25, 2024
Your Life Story Part 1
Welcome to this series of Daily Reflections on "Your Life Story."
If you read the story of your life, would it be like a screenplay? Or would it be a running commentary? Perhaps it would be like a fairy tale or an epic. Maybe it would be a narrative or a loosely connected string of experiences. Does it have a plot, central meaning, or repeated themes? Do you ever think about your life's unfolding story? If so, do you reflect on its unique meaning, its way of portraying the world, and the lessons you learn along the way?
Would your memoir be the naked truth, a varnished account, or a little of both? Do you think no one would want to read it or that inquiring minds would want to know? Would you like to read it?
Why would you want to read your account of your life? Would you re-discover all your unforgettable experiences? Would you cherish the stories of those who made you who you are? Would you like to see what finally emerges as your story? Possibly, you would see the patterns of your life and how you dealt with them. Perhaps you would look at the rough times with self-compassion and empathy for yourself and others.
Why would you not want to read it? Would it be too painful to review all the difficult times? Would it be too consuming and therefore not be worth the effort? Would it require too much time? Perhaps you would uncover some disturbing loose ends, unresolved issues, and hurtful emotions buried long ago. The process might embarrass you and evoke shame or self-loathing, even if no one reads it except you.
In my experience, not many people are interested in writing a memoir. They say the project is too inconsequential or private to lay it all out there. Some dear souls tell me that no one would be interested in it. Personally, I do not know anyone whose life and worldview I would not be interested in. But I ask you, would YOU be interested in looking at your life and interpreting it from what you've learned?
Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." I'm afraid I have to disagree with him on that one because, in my experience, many dear souls live extraordinary lives without inspecting them. Perhaps they never realized their worth because they never processed their life’s events, insights, sufferings, loves, and ecstasies. But that doesn't mean their lives were not worth living or that others do not find them quite worthy, if not precious. It is sad, however, that many of us do not make sense of our life, celebrate its beauty, redeem its regrets, and realize our unique worth. But it's not too late for any of us.
Self-inquiry: Answer the first question in this reflection for yourself. Look at your answer and ask yourself why.
Spiritual practice:
Look at an old photo album or two.
Spot yourself in the pictures.
Discern an emotion, thought, and visceral feeling attached to each of these images of you. Write them and date them. Journal your heartfelt reaction to these small stories within your wider story.
That is the start of learning more of your unfolding life story.
Dear God,
Our story is part of your story. My ego's story is but an illusion. I pray for the courage to look at my life through your eyes of compassion. Amen
