Rediscovering Love: Unlearning Through Crisis and Change
- Nemo
- Sep 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2024
At the beginning of 2022 I found myself at a crossroads—having just left my successful career as a mechanical engineer, ended a relationship, having panic attacks and grappling with my mental health like never before. I had admittedly reached a "mid-life crisis" otherwise known as a dark night of the soul. In many ways I wanted this, but in many ways there was no real choice - take the opportunity for deep soul searching or continue the way I've always known. So, I packed my bags, moved all my possessions into storage and set off on a one-way adventure.
I share this not to seek sympathy, but in the hope that my journey inspires a spark in your life—whether it’s direction, clarity, or a moment of introspection. I'm no expert, I don't claim to know anything, at all really. I am still figuring things out just like you.
Amidst the breathtaking mountains at a yoga retreat in Hare Krishna Valley, I felt like I was enrolled in a university of life, surrounded by kindred spirits. I craved direction and purpose, seeking clarity through meditation and reflection. Yet, one question kept surfacing: Why am I here? I was far from my usual comforts, not traveling in Brazil or Africa as I’d once dreamed. Why was I waking up at 4:30 AM in the dark, freezing in a hiking tent? What was the point of it all?
I was dropping baggage, habits, constantly letting go of beliefs, regrets, grudges. Then, one day, a realization washed over me. My heart opened like never before, and it felt as if I had taken my first breath.
-L-O-V-E-
It sounds so obvious and simple, and I felt foolish admitting it. How could I have forgotten? There’s not much in life that I "have to do". There's only things "I get to do", the rest needs to be let go. Meditation got me to the fundamental realisation that simply just being alive is a miracle.
I realized that I couldn’t think my way to purpose or fulfillment. I had to surrender to the flow of love and allow it to guide me. Each moment presents an opportunity to give and receive love. To let go and just have faith in the moment is powerful.
This understanding has become my bedrock. When life throws its inevitable challenges my way, love remains my guiding light.
This is my journey—what about yours?
Who are you at your core?
Do you feel stuck and can't seem to get free?
Are you too busy making other people's dreams come true?
What do you need to unlearn?
What's the source of your problems?
What are you chasing or seeking?
Just Let Go - Philosophy of Fight Club
As Attar beautifully put it, “He who loves does not think about his own life. Love is the very marrow of beings. Love will open the door. Go forward without fear. Forsake childish things and above all, take courage.”
Let this be an invitation for you to explore your own path of unlearning and rediscovery.
We are unlearning together.
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