journey to meet yourself

Journey to Meet Yourself

By Joe Renna

People have lived in comfort so long that adventure has become a novelty. Quality of life is so pampering that, instead of using entertainment as an escape, people actually think that they are experiencing life by tuning into reality TV.

Adventure used to be a part of life, a way to survive. Now it's manufactured in recreational facilities and vacation resorts. Never having to face the life-threatening challenges of previous generations has made people soft. It's nice to live the life of leisure, but as the body sinks into the easy chair so does the soul. It's time to resuscitate it.

Soul-searching is not for the weak hearted. It is an adventure that is self- motivating. The frontier is uncharted, and the destination may even be unattainable. Why someone would subject themselves to unnecessary turmoil is the resounding thought that fertilizes the couch potato. What isn't realized is that in pursuing dreams one finds the key to happiness, fulfillment and purpose. The feeling could not be appropriately expressed so there exists a secret society of enlightened individuals, not only artists, explorers or scientists but common folk as well, anyone who defies convention to appease an appetite for self-expression.

Fulfillment can not be measured. Anyone thinking that greatness can be quantified is sadly mistaken. It's sad because that person would never achieve Nirvana. Fulfillment brought on by power or wealth is fleeting. After all the receipts have been tallied what then. For a gifted few, living in accordance with this other dimension comes naturally. Though fame has been a by-product for some, most people living as one with their own nature do so anonymously. Their stealth existence can be detected by their pleasant disposition and a genuine love for people. Their good fortune also radiates into the community.

If this way of life hasn't developed naturally, there is no need to fret. It is inherent in everyone. The only problem is that each lock that keeps our soul is different. You must find your own key--and the key is within. To find their true self, Australian Aborigines use a technique called Walkabout. Leaving possessions behind, a person starts out walking until he meets himself. They then talk about everything they have learned, felt or done in the other's absence. He has completed his journey when there is nothing left to say and he looks up and finds that he is alone. Walkabout speaks of a journey, though only metaphorically, the concept is a common theme in soul searching. Tennessee Williams said "there is a time for departure even when there is no place to go."

Peterstown is a community that has been blessed with individuals existing on this spiritual plane. They take their walkabouts in gardens, along the creek, in the church and through the streets. Their transformations materialize in different ways. Three examples appear in this issue. Artist/entertainer Sal Terracino, a close friend of Tennessee Williams, was one of the gifted. He started out very young and never stopped. He circled the globe several times in his pursuit. Joe Caporaso has stayed close to home. His retirement from education was not an end but a beginning. Joe was ordained a deacon this month and is serving the community of St. Anthony's Church. Nick Renna and family took their hiking boots and moved to Costa Rica to live closer to his nature.

All three gave something up--they had to. They had to sacrifice and there is also risk involved. Are more reasons needed to justify not going? There are plenty of neysayers who would knock the trip these travelers take. They are hanging out poolside drinking pina coladas. Though ships are safe when they are in the harbor, it's not the reason that they were built.