Those of us called to do transformational work often have big visions. Sometimes a vision is so big or “out there” that others tell us we’re crazy or that there’s no way that it can be accomplished. Yet that vision won’t let go of us. It’s part of who we are and why we are here.
Most mornings as a part of my reflective practice I draw a couple of cards from James Wanless’ Voyager Tarot deck. The cards usually give me insight into something I’m thinking about or experiencing or a project I am working on. It is not uncommon for me to draw the same card many times over the course of several weeks. Often that tells me there is something important that I’m not paying enough attention to. One of the recurring cards that has been coming up for me recently is “Delusion.”
Any big vision demands courage to follow it long enough to find out whether it is real or a delusion. Is this really what life is asking me to manifest or create, or am I deluding myself? Is this a pipe dream, or a true calling?
In The Fire Starter Sessions, Danielle LaPorte writes, “Respect the fact that doubt is part of the creative process. Examine it as soon as it surfaces. Appreciate that it keeps you alert.”
Fear and doubt are just signs that we’re entering into new territory. When we cross into new territory, there is often no guide to show us the way, no clear set of rules to follow, no instruction book to read. We learn by trial and error. We make mistakes and stumble. We experience breakthroughs and success. It’s all part of the journey.
In that unknown territory, confidence often eludes us. We don’t know what we’re doing or where we’re going. And the only way to find out how and where is to go there. Art critic Robert Hughes wrote, “The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” That statement makes me chuckle, in part because it brings some levity to the moments when I’m feeling the most challenged, and also because I’ve learned that too much confidence can be its own trap.
When we have a vision, no one can tell us whether or not we can manifest it. We just have to go find out. Inspired visions come from the soul, and the soul doesn’t know how to play small. The soul thrives on adventure, learning, growth, and experiencing its own authentic magnificence. The soul loves to stretch and doesn’t care who is watching or what they think. And the soul knows that the end result is not the point – it’s the journey and what you learn and how you grow along the way that matters.
Saint Thomas wrote, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” If a vision has gotten hold of you, you know deep in your heart that you have to follow it. You have to find out if it is real. Your deepest knowing tells you that you have to face your doubts and fears and transform them into authentic power and courage.
Go inside, find the courage, and look your fear and doubt in the eye. Be willing to find out whether your vision is a true calling or is a delusion. If it turns out to be a delusion, that’s ok. You will have learned a lot while you were busy finding out. And if it turns out to be a real vision, then you will give an incredible gift to the world.
This 90-second video says it all. Go for it!
P.S. If you have a copy of my latest book, Create A World That Works, you can learn more about facing fears and doubt and resistance on pages 45 – 53. If you don’t have the book, you can order it here.
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