Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Do you have a Life Map?

Yesterday, I attended an important business meeting. I did not realize how important it was until I was driving home and got stuck on the highway for 45 minutes.  Aah, lots of time to think!!  The original purpose of the meeting was, yes, to network, but I like keeping up with new business trends, and the morning was spent on just that.  I learned lots of great technical information, and I met many new business associates.  On top of that, quite unexpectedly, I was invited to interview for an interesting consulting role with a prestigious organization in my area.  I listened with great enthusiasm about this potential role.  I jumped at the opportunity and we set up a time to meet.  What an incredibly productive meeting.  I pulled out of the parking garage feeling high as a kite and butterflys in my stomach.

Here comes the but part, of course.  As my trip home continued, my butterflys turned into a rather annoying stomach ache, and it did not have anything to do with the traffic jam.  It has taken a very long time for me to start to listen to my intuition, and it was speaking to me. 

Several years ago, I developed a Life Map, or Vision as it is called sometimes, that is clear, direct, and based on very significant personal and professional values.  When I tend to steer away from it, my intuition screams and says something like, "Don't do it.  You know better.  Sure, the money might be great but it's not part of your plan."  Notoriously, I get a stomach ache!  My vision statement has helped me make small and major life decisions.  It is a concrete, technical, value-laden  plan that is steeped in a strong belief about who I am and what I want my life to look like. 

The Lama Thubeten Yeshe Rinpoche said, "If you have a map, you won't get lost."  This describes his perspective on why Tibetan Buddhism is alive and well today.  It has a clear path outlined in its Four Noble Truths, providing a structure from beginning to end.  Without knowledge, belief, and structure, one cannot go all the way (The Pocket Tibetan Buddhism Reader by Reginald A. Ray).  Having a life vision is a structured plan that can help you go all the way!

Do you have a Life Vision?  Have you thought about what is missing from your life?  Do you feel your life has purpose and meaning?  Understanding this is the key to living a satisfying, fufilled, and meaningful life.   Creating your life vision or map will take you all the way.  For help, check out my website and send me an email or call and we can talk more about it. 

PS - I have decided not to follow through with the interview! Not easy but right for me.

For more information on the Four Noble Truths:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truths