Mt. Progress

I like Colette Baron-Reid for a long list of reasons, but mostly for her candor.

She’s had her own radio show  at Hay House for years; discussing a myriad of topics that come up on the Path of being an Intuitive.

Years ago however, Colette really chapped my hyde (the misspelling is intentional). 

A recovering alcoholic called Colette’s radio show, requesting advice on how to “find her purpose” and share her gifts with the world.  Colette asked how long she’d been sober. The caller was only in her first year of sobriety.

In classic point-blank style Mrs. Baron-Reid responded: “Oh, honey! Your only purpose right now is to stay sober for the next five years!  You can’t do anything until you do that!” (paraphrased)

At this point, I was in my 3rd year of sobriety and thinking I was pretty hot stuff.  But when I heard this statement from a preeminent in her field (also an experienced recovering alcoholic with over 20 years of sobriety under her belt), and someone I deeply respected…it rankled me.  

Upon hearing those words, my vision gave way to this mammoth mountain.  Mt. Sobriety.   

The base of that symbolic mountain suddenly became vast.  And when I looked to the apex, I could see no end.  There was no longer a ”top of the mountain” in recovery.  That point was way beyond my current vision, lost in ringlets of foggy potentials and mists of unknowns.

Truthfully, there is no “top of the mountain” for any Path of devotion.  There is no stopping place.  There’s no point of final accomplishment on our spiritual path.  We’re always hiking.  Always ascending in our climb for knowledge and understanding.

I’ve surpassed my 5th year of sobriety on the mountain, and Colette was right. 

Looking back, there was not much else I could focus on other than re-setting priorities.  Furthermore, nothing external in my life shifted until after my five-year anniversary.  Meaning, it took that period of time to see the physical manifestation of my inner work. 

So, if someone you admire hits you between the eyes with revelatory truth, sit with it before you discount it.  Particularly if the advice is dispensed from one who has “been there, done that.”  Chances are there’s a great deal of merit in the advice.

Furthermore, when your perception of your own personal mountain of progress shifts, don’t get discouraged.  Find way-stations on your mountain, pick some flowers, take in the view.  You’re already on the right Path, and the end is an illusion. Might as well take advantage of your current position.