Walking Each Other Home ...

Originally Published March 16, 2020

"We are all just walking each other home." - Rumi Dass

As you read this famous quote from Ram Dass, what visions come to mind for you?

I first think of a time when I was very young 5 or 6 years old, playing hide and seek in the forest down the block from us. I tripped and fell on an old board, my knee punctured by a rusty old nail. I cried, and blood gushed out of the wound and stained my pant leg as I hobbled home - with my friend Cathy, who wanted to make sure I got home okay, safely. She walked me home.

Then there was another time, 15 years old. A group of us at a friend's place, no parents at home. We thought we were quite cool as we guzzled Cherry Jack wine ... until ... I, and others, became very drunk ... and sick ... and my friends walked me home. They wanted to make sure I got home, safely. My mom graciously accepted their gift (me) at the front door - but that's a whole other story. My friends, they walked me home.

You may first envision similar memories for yourself, of friends or family walking you home to safety. These are first glimpses, but I know Ram Dass means so much more.

We are all just walking each other home. Every person we have met, every person we have yet to meet, plays a role in our walk home. Whether they have played a lead role or a bit part; been a positive or negative influence in our lives; they have walked with us, for some part, some duration, of our lives. It's like a relay, and we are the baton.

I have contemplated this over the history of my life. At the age of 57, I see more clearly, and now see the beauty and the gift in all things. I have come to truly appreciate those who have been my greatest challenge, led me to learn the biggest lessons, and then passed me on to the next person in the relay. Each one readying me, for the greatness of the next; for the challenge, the love, the next big lessons; if I'm open to receiving them. Each one, walking me just a little closer to home - on my life's journey. Each one; whether they've walked a mile, or 100s of miles with me, whether a positive or negative influence in my life; they have all walked me home. I have come to appreciate and be grateful for even the worst of times and the most difficult of relationships I have experienced. I can see clearly now.

And just like all of them, I have played a part in walking them home too. I am sure for some it's been positive and rewarding, and for others, I have likely been the greatest challenge or the provider of their greatest lessons too. I have been all things; as have you.

No matter how they shared, or are sharing the walk with me, they have all contributed to everything I am, everything I value and believe in; everything I am passionate about. They have all contributed to me, and all of my own humble "greatness". They have helped to make me curious, compassionate, kinder, and wiser too.

This, I believe, is what Ram Dass is really talking about. "We are all just walking each other home."

I can't wait to discover who I get to meet next on my "walk home", as I walk on the rest of my life's journey. How about you?

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About the author:

Karen Hendrickson is an Elevation Coach, focused on helping others to rewrite their life story, befriend their mortality, and find the richness and magic that lives at the intersection of our lives where life and death meet. When we allow our authentic self permission to shine our life becomes full of MAGIC and GREATNESS.  Contact karenttjourney@gmail.com and start working with her today!