Taking a Trip

If you are taking a flight to New York from the middle of the United states and everyone you talk to on the plane is going to Los Angeles, this is a sign that you are on the wrong flight. This is generally true in life as well. If the people you associate with are going to a place that you do not want to go, you will likely be going there with them.

Though I am not a Buddhist, I have certainly been influenced by the philosophy. From the Buddhist perspective, this concept of 'being with your people' is called the sangha or spiritual community. Not everyone in your family - or even where you choose to worship your sense of God - is in your sangha. This extends even to people who are secular in belief. If you spend most of your time with people who have essentially a different value system, you will find yourself gradually moving toward their beliefs and/or actions.

Even if we are in a family or community that does not share our values, we have the opportunity and responsibility to read and consume materials that reinforce who we are and want to be. This includes the places we visit and the entertainment we consume.

Spend time with people who inspire you. Read, watch and listen to things that help you to be more of who you want to be. It is so very easy to feel despair and fear right now. This is also the time when we have the opportunity to become our best selves. The world needs it. Life is a trip, so make sure you are traveling with the right people!