Whatever is renewing,
whatever connects,
whatever is kind,
whatever is lovely,
whatever can give us eyes,
whatever allows us to taste,
whatever is original,
whatever is gentle,
whatever is healing,
whatever is freeing,
whatever names the nameless,
whatever moves us,
whatever changes us,
whatever unites us,
whatever is present,
whatever is the song of your soul,
whatever is the poem in your pulse,
whoever you are…
do that.
Often times we wonder, sometimes even to the point of not being able to make a decision, about where we should go with our lives, our relationships, or our careers.
We create an endless domino train of “if-thens” and, in doing so, never take the first step into what could actually and beautifully be.
What if our indecision is actually a lack of understanding about the flavoring combos of life?
What if we started to layer our questions about the direction of our days with questions about the flavors, harmony, and experiences we are truly after in this life?
What if we started with the bass note of joy and from there bounced ideas of peace, friendships, rest, weather, culture, and art until we arrived at a wonderfully calibrated milieu that was uniquely fashioned for each of us?
The video below is from Grant Achatz of Alinea in Chicago. I’ll let you take this metaphor from here.
The conversations here revolve around mathematics.
As for our roles, it’s an ever changing discussion on when to add, how to multiply, and what to divide. Learning which one to choose and when to choose it is the art form.
As for the soul, the discussion must always be about subtraction to remove, undo, and unlearn that which isn’t necessary so that we can enjoy the well which never runs dry.
Sending grace and peace your way today.
Ashton
REV. JAMES MARTIN, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America Magazine, and bestselling author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, and Between Heaven and Mirth. Father Martin has written for many publications, including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and he is a regular commentator in the national and international media. He has appeared on all the major radio and television networks, as well as in venues ranging from NPR’s Fresh Air, FOX’s The O’Reilly Factor, and PBS’s NewsHour to Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988, Father Martin graduated from the Wharton School of Business and worked for General Electric for six years.
In this episode, take note of the joy and delight that Father Martin navigates his days with. His inspirational story of self discovery will provide insight and clues into allowing your passions to pave the path for your story.
You can download or stream this episode and all other episodes of Let The Music Play Podcast in iTunes and at AshtonGustafson.com.
