Direction, just in time.

I recently spent three days trekking through Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia. This was my first real dose of trekking and I not sure I would recommend this one for a first experience, but I survived and for the most part I really enjoyed my time in nature. The hardest trail by far was up to the Torres lookout. One must cross a couple of rivers (with and without bridges), walk through mud, forest and finally the last 30 minutes is a 100-degree incline on a pile of rocks. If I had spent years on a Stairmaster this still would have been a challenge. I did make it and it was gorgeous.

Along this particular trail there were parts that were very well marked and others that made me second guess the previous markings and think that I would end up at a cottage made of candy or simple get eaten by a puma. Just about the time I felt like I had no other option but to backtrack, I would see a little orange bit in the distance, that would reaffirm that I was on course.  The markings were not consistent in shape, form or the distance between them, some were flags, others were circles painted on trees, or arrows on a rock, or plastic posts. The only thing in common was their bright orange color.

On my way back down from seeing the Torres up close, I began to think of how these markings were similar to how God provides direction. Life many times, for me at least, can seem more like a road less traveled, unpaved and rarely marked, rather than a straight, narrow, paved Roman road.  There are times when I get desperate and am not sure which course to take.  Nevertheless the Universe Herself presents me with markers just in time to affirm that yes, you are still on track.  These signs can come in the form of a friend or coworker or complete stranger, they can come through a e-mail or telephone call, through a movie watched, a song heard or a poem read.  Each speaks just enough to move me and direct me in this unmarked wilderness of life. For the slightest of moments these signs allow my mind, heart and most importantly my soul to unite, aligning my inner compass. I believe all humans posses this compass, this balance of mind, heart and soul, but few of us are willing to acknowledge or listen to it.  If we allow, this compass can direct us, showing us our north and east. Providing us with enough direction, enough hope to satisfy any anxiety we bare. Even if it is just for a moment, we are at peace, knowing full well that the road that we have traveled was right and the course we are taking will eventually lead us to an end- even if ever so vague, we know things are just as they should be. Our inner voice is silenced and our compass is directed by the wise whisper of the Universe that these signs provide, the whisper that unified them all- making them known to us.  A gentle whisper that reaches to the depths of who we are. Speaking, directing our soul.