Oh, the places you’ll go! by Dr. Seuss is a book not only for kids but adults alike. It is a book of basic wisdom that we can all use, discussing dreams we all aspire to achieve, hangups and bang-ups that often occur, and the valley of death we eventually have to go through. There are those who arrive lucky, bypassing the valley of death, only to arrive on the active side of infinity. For the rest of us humans, we need to buckle up our boots and begin the journey of a lifetime.

This valley of death, as written in Psalm 23, is a most-feared place and is often cited at ceremonies of a passing loved-one. Sadly for most, they wait until that final hour before they pass through this valley of death. Why wait until death to make travel arrangements? Make them now…prepare the journey through to the active side of infinity. The active side of infinity is the process of living life to the fullest in every aspect of our lives, a place of self-growth and of inspiration…and it awaits us just on the other side of the valley of death. Carl Jung often discussed this in his works as the afternoon of our lives, when we make a conscious shift into the later part of our lives, adjusting in areas of disservice. Carlos Castaneda refers to this as the active side of infinity.

In the beginning of our lives we have so much energy and we often take little time to think of our actions. We often fail to listen to guidance, from parents and teachers, leaving us in a lurch. Dr. Seuss’s whimsical book takes us through the transitions of life, as we go from thoughtless to thoughtful. We often do not arrive to this place of thoughtfulness without first passing through an uncomfortable place…the Waiting Place. This place is where nothing happens, anxiety arises, and despair can often overcome us. Similarly, the valley  of death is not to be feared but to be embraced. It is the bridge between our current reality to the reality of paradise. Those willing to travel this barren desert, shall indeed find what they are searching for. Both are to be embraced…as it is in this waiting place, or valley of death, that our dreams come alive. Dormant forces begin to flow like never before and our dreams suddenly take flight. In this waiting place…those willing to wait shall take a leap of faith and that step is most crucial…for it will be the difference of remaining in purgatory or flying to great heights. Paradise awaits you…so get on your way!

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes to rest in green pasturres; he leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my ssoul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk throough the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; tthy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in tthe presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneeth over.

6 Surely thy goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the houseof the Lord for ever.

~Psalm 23

Those willing to travel the valley of death will surely find paradise awaiting on the other-side. Similarly, those willing to wait it out and embrace the waiting place, will have an unusual moment of eureka. When we allow ourselves to grow…we will surely grow, but sometimes we need to give it time for the roots take hold. Just as in Oh, the places you will go, Psalm 23 promises paradise just on the other side of the valley. Not only paradise but an eternal promise for all eternity. Once in paradise, things are more clear, ideas flow, life is magnificent.

Those willing to shed their cleverness, shall have divinity.~Joseph

When we come to the place of the promise-land, it shall be set in stone forever. Once to the other side, we shall never return this way again. Dare to cross the bridge, dare to reinvent the Canvas of Life.

Stepping into the Canvas in triumph, for no matter what path you chose or how far you have traveled…you assuredly are arriving right on time. The peaks and valleys will guide us in the direction that has been chosen for us…keeping us on track throughout the Canvas of Life. You are here and are better than you used to be…rejoice! Look to the future, let go of the past, but always, always…Be Here Now. Have a triumphant day!