Viewpoint December 2007
Challenge Creates Growthby Sydney L. Murray
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors. - African Proverb
It was one of those years—a year that portends growth, frustration, elation and disbelief. It has been told to me that every seven years, we go through a period of cataclysmic growth. I know this year started out that way and is most definitely finishing out in this manner as well. I have questioned myself, and everyone around me, more in this year than in the previous five or six years combined. One lesson I learned early in 2007 was that I must trust my instincts, my intuition. I was in a situation where I knew what I needed to do but delayed doing it because I thought that waiting was the “right” thing. I let my head talk me out of what I knew was intuitively right. It only ended up hurting me in the long run. At the beginning of this year, I knew that I had to look again at the question of what makes a life valuable, especially with the knowledge that this is a critical time for humanity.
I felt a huge shift at the beginning of 2007. In February, I asked a friend what was going on. She said, “It’s a nine year—a year for completion.” Then she asked me, “What if the situation you are describing, no matter how painful for you right now, was for your own joyous expansion?” How could that be? I questioned. What came to me was that by witnessing another’s actions, I knew what kind of person I didn’t want to be. That reminder is strong and clear in my heart even today.
People have asked me, over the twelve years that Vision Magazine has been in existence, why I do what I do. I have answered it is the people that we have presented here in these pages that keep me going. It is not my stories but other’s that keep me providing the container that is called Vision Magazine. This is my dharma, my life in action, and I am blessed on a daily basis to meet the most extraordinary people who are working toward change in the world.
Moving our publication into Northern California has been an exercise in patience and persistence. It reminds me of when I first began this magazine. The expansion has offered me untold opportunity, as well as possibilities and amazing growth. Magic does happen if we are willing to let it into our lives.
Recently, I woke up one morning disgruntled, with a million things on my mind and the remnants of a dream about an old lover from the night before. Needing to clear my head, I walked to Bird Park to enjoy the stunning vistas overlooking downtown San Diego, Coronado, the Coronado Islands and Mexico. It was one of those days where everything sparkled and I was so happy to be outside.
As I walked into the park, I saw an older man playing guitar and dancing on the grass. He was swaying and rocking to his own inner rhythm. He exuded joy. I saw the guitar resting against his body as he played and thought the vibrations of the strings must feel wonderful against his body. He was old, with white hair and a lean, sinewy body. Yet he had the energy of youth and a vibrancy that made me break out into a small laugh. He made me want to dance with him and seemed to be a reminder for me to lighten up.
The old man’s dance and music were a gift that day. I breathed deeply and knew that my life was so good. I asked myself to not be so serious and to see the bounty in my challenges, with the knowledge that I could do all that was needed—and that it was always much easier with a light heart.
Recently, I have begun to create rock totems on my early morning treks in this small, urban wonderland. As I place each rock in a small formation, I consciously honor my body, my mind and my spirit. I ask that all parts of myself work in harmony during that day, to be of service to the greater good, to those around me, and to all of humanity. I feel a rush of happiness in living and knowing that, even during trying times, we are surrounded by love, hope and joy.
Sometimes, it is in hearing the kind words of strangers that make it all worthwhile. This week, a friend dropped by our office and introduced me to a woman who had recently written for us. She told me what an honor it was to be included in our publication. That was a message I needed.
After the Firestorms of 2007, we at Vision Magazine watched in horror as loved ones’ homes and mountain retreats were threatened. During it all, I found a quote by one of my idols, Albert Einstein: Out of chaos comes opportunity. I understand this concept more than ever today. Challenges bring an opportunity to do it a different way. What a gift this realization has been to me in 2007. You must be the change you want to see.
My disappointments and challenges seem small when I look at the challenges that others face in their lives. Gratitude is the one emotion I can turn to when it seems like the world is no longer my ally. I am amazed by the turn in my heart when I stop and give thanks to the Great Spirit for all that I have. My worries are small and my bounty is great. I wish the same for you!
Sydney Murray is executive editor and publisher of Vision Magazine.