It happened. While looking out a big picture window at the glory
of Pike's Peak, I saw such magnificance. I was literally propelled
into that magical experience called "Flow".
Ideas were lining up inside of me like airplanes waiting in
sequence prior to take off. Not simply articles, but theories,
models of all sorts. They even gave me time to write outlines,
which is mostly what I did, write outlines and diagrams of my
thoughts as they came forward.
I did not pause to check my email, or get concerned about the
rest of my day or even think about the fact that I needed to catch
an airplane in a couple of hours.
Instead, I sat on a very straight-backed chair, my feet up on the
window seat, gazing out at the blue Colorado sky with the snow
covered Pike's Peak on the horizon. I wrote, and wrote, and
wrote, but as the words continued to flow, I realized it was not
the normal "me" they were flowing from.
I would get up, grab some coffee, exchange a few intense words
with my dear, wise colleague and friend (spare words, mind you,
which is not my norm by any means!) and get back into my writing
position.
It was the culmination of five days of interaction with people with
the same vision for life. A vision of people living purposeful lives.
A vision of people being unshackled from the bondage of fear. A
vision of people making real change in their lives for the benefit
of the community at large.
It was amazing to feel so alive. So awake. So alert to the
possibilities that could blossom from me simply expressing who
I am without any masks on, being in community with people who
understand me, warts and all, and who can see the possibility as
well. Electricity literally crackled in the air as it became
"epiphany central" (so we laughingly called the house) as we
wove together a tapestry of purpose.
This must be what Joseph Campbell meant when he said People
say that what we are seeking is a meaning for life. I don't think
that's what we're seeking. I think what we're seeking is an
experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the
purely physical plane will have resonances with our own
innermost being and reality where we actually feel the rapture of
being alive.
The formula for this is actually fairly simple, and one that you
could reach as well. Here's how I see it:
Surround yourself with people who can "speak your language" or
share your vision for the world. If you are an energetic person
who enjoys the collaborative partnership of a many hours long
brainstorming session, choose to be around other brainstormers.
If you are a person who likes spending hours in reflective quiet,
then find people who are also this type who can come together
and separate, check in and compare notes so to speak.
Find these people from the various circles of influence in your
life. If no one fits the bill, ask people if they know anyone who
might. Actually write down and define the person who would be
your perfect match for your own version of "epiphany central".
Singlemindedly seek out this person or people to walk along the
path with you.
Then meet regularly. Weekly, or more. Meet in person and via
email or ICQ or AOL-Instant Messenger. Keep the electricity
crackling. Continue to blossom ideas alongside each other.
The fictitious Hawkeye Pierce of the television series M*A*S*H
summed up "epiphany central" beautifully. "You can't get
there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite
knowing what you're doing. But what you'll discover will be
wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself."
