Doing What I Came Here To Do

In the shamanic tradition, you are asked a question, “Are you here to feed the people, heal the people, teach or protect the people?” I think this is a great question. It reminds us we are not here for ourselves, but to serve others. That our work is, first, to discover in what capacity we are here to serve and then to do it.

Maybe we’re here for more than one of those, but we are all here to do at least one. I am here to teach, heal and feed. I do this first, through how I live my day to day life, then through how I share it, either in song or journaling or talks or just one on one conversation.

I was taking a walk this morning in downtown Roanoke, VA and at some point needed to use a bathroom. At that moment, I approached a Synagogue. Having been born Jewish and Bar Mitzvahed, I had not been in a Synagogue for over 20 years, spending most of my worship time in churches or the Native American sweat lodge. But, I needed a bathroom, it was Saturday, they were open, I went in.

After using the facilities, I went into the service. I don’t know what drew mw to do so, but, I like following that inner voice, so, in I went. It wasn’t very different from how I remembered it. I could even sing along on a few of the songs. Afterwards, a member asked me to stay for food, which I did.

While sitting with this member, he shared with me some of his life. He had discontent with his work. I pointed out the question above, which, as he answered, he could see how his work was happening in his chosen profession. I got to experience my work by sharing with him the question.

It’s becoming clearer and clearer to me that life is about the qualities we value and how we apply them in all situations we come in contact with, rather than what life looks like. What it feels like is way more important. I would have never thought I could have that kind of connection in a Synagogue, or that doing my work could occur there. I’m very glad I didn’t get in my way of letting that happen.