Direction

Young people whose fortunate birth brought them proper nurturing and education find direction laid out for them in modern society. Primary school, high school, college, perhaps graduate school or a job. The socially presumed path is linear, clear, focused. This is role fulfillment, not personal practice.

For those with less fortunate circumstances, life is a journey without a road map. These young people are pioneers in a difficult landscape. Without high school diploma, skilled vocational training or college degree, making ends meet is very challenging. The less fortunate balance on a ridge between bad alternatives. They must struggle against society's subtle pressure to stay within their caste.

Both fortunate and less fortunate eventually must deal with the choices which determine life's path. The ultimate life journey is the same for us all: Birth, growth, decline, death. Developing a personal practice is a way of determining a path in life. It is a process of building and following a personal compass. Determining True North on that compass is the process of choosing the basic values and ethics of daily life.

Being a humanist for me entails consulting that compass in the most trivial moments as well as the most life-changing moments. This is the work and benefit of daily conscious practice. While the path ahead is seldom predictable, having a practice and a path give my feet a firmer footing in each moment. This process builds confidence with which to face the worst and the best of life as it comes.