Toss Away The Old Map

Image / Jaromír Chalabala


I keep pulling it out -- the old map of my inner path.
I squint closely at it.
Trying to see some hidden road that maybe I’ve missed, but there’s nothing there now
Except some well-traveled paths, they have seen my footsteps often,
Held my laughter, caught my tears.
I keep going over the old map
But now the roads lead nowhere,
A meaningless wilderness
Where life is dull and futile.

“toss away the old map”, she says.
“you must be kidding!” I reply.
She looks at me with Sarah eyes
And repeats, “toss it away.
It’s of no use where you’re going.”

“I have to have a map!” I cry,
"Even if it takes me nowhere.
I can’t be without direction.”
“but you are without direction.”
She says, “so why not let go, be free?”
So there I am – tossing away the old map.
Sadly, fearfully, putting it behind me.
“whatever will I do?” wails my security.
“trust me” says my midlife soul.

No map. No specific direction.
No “this way ahead” or “take a left.”
How will I know where to go?
How will I find my way? No map!
But then my midlife soul whisper:
“there was a time before maps
When pilgrims traveled by the stars.”

It is time for the pilgrim in me
To travel in the dark,
To learn to read the stars that shine in my soul.
I will walk deeper into the dark of my night,
I will wait for the stars, trust their guidance, and let their light be enough for me.

- Joyce Rupp
(Dear Heart, Come Home)



Dana Wyss Healing Arts
Breathe deeply, practice often, be well.
http://www.danawyss.com/