THE NEED FOR A GURU

You see the need all your life --

 though you may not recognize it 

until high school 

or later ... 

or never.

But it is there.

It seems so many are hungry for the security of walking in the footprints 

of someone who declares confidently that they know THE way.

Being an adult in the world in which we find ourselves is a scary proposition.

Take the Marie Kondo phenomenon.

From Jennifer Gardner to hordes of Netflix watchers, 

new disciples are taking up her challenge to tidy up, much to the delight of thrift stores and Container Stores.

Last month, it was Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 

whose fact-challenged resume and fact challenged solutions to enormous problems seemed not to matter to her supporters.

For Ms. Kondo, the focus is unironic and extremely personal.

 It calls for inwardness and quiet contemplation, 

two things that are rarely celebrated in our too-performative world. 

We’ve been looking in the wrong places 

for meaning and happiness. 

 We keep looking ahead for answers, 

when maybe we should be looking inward.

Only answers we carve out ourselves 

through effort and thought 

will endure the test of time.

Perhaps that is why so many get so violent 

when your view of life seeks to intrude into theirs

with something so mild as a question.

Inside they feel insubstantial,

and they fear their inner core

in danger of being blown away.

What really matters is what’s inside us. 

Our character and hearts.

 It’s the core of who we are 

that others appreciate most. 

Our unique personality, honesty and authenticity.

 And perhaps our sense of humor.

“The privilege of a lifetime is 

to become who you truly are.” 

― C.G. Jung