Do you know what you’re really good at? Do you know when you are really on, living from deep inside yourself, moving from your core? Zen describes it as the connection between the archer and the target that pulls the arrow straight to the heart of the bull’s eye. That state of grace when intention and action flow seamlessly, one to the other, and you are in the proverbial zone. It is a natural feeling that is almost impossible to describe because it is so innate, like asking a fish to describe the water in which it swims.
It took me years to understand that although I didn’t have to be good at everything, there were certain things I was excellent at doing. Whenever I am in the process of doing those things I feel centered, peaceful and connected, hypersensitive to everything around me and able to encompass it all at once, nearly invincible, with the courage to risk being honest and vulnerable.
Writing, leading groups and speaking into a microphone from a stage or on radio are the times when I am in my power, when my actions are graceful and unforced, when I am my most authentic self.
What are the clues? The first clue is that it’s something that feels effortless when I am doing it. Every cell is plugged in, and resources I did not know I had are suddenly at my disposal. That doesn’t mean that I don’t study, or develop my skills in those areas. I have and I do. But when I am engaged in those activities, I seem to just flow with it.
It’s also something that is so much fun it doesn’t feel like work. I can do it for hours, and would spend whatever time it takes to get it done to perfection. These are areas in which I exercise great discipline. Somewhere I read that discipline means to be a disciple to one’s dream, and that is how I feel about my talents - that I was born to do them, and that my utilizing my talents is my contributions to the world.
When I have a piece to write, or an event to lead, I approach the preparation with tremendous respect. I make sure I have the proper tools that are needed. I give it time and quiet surroundings. I set my intention for the work and the recipients of the work. I lay the foundation to unleash my creativity with music, inspiring images, a candle and perhaps a cup of herbal tea. It is a calling and I honor it with the deepest respect.
When you find what you are best at, the gates of heaven open up, because your work becomes heaven on earth. Imagine being able to support yourself, amuse yourself, bring joy to others and benefit mankind from your innate talent. Most people spend a lifetime not finding that, trapped in jobs they either tolerate or outright hate just to draw a paycheck. For others, it is the dream deferred because they never found a way to make good on their talents.
Doing what you are best at ramps up your self-image because you excel at it and it shows. My friend Nancy’s daughter calls self-esteem her “self of steam” and I think she’s right. I think you have to get a full head of steam up, pure energy, in order to propel your life’s engine to its optimal speed. And what better fuel can there be to run your life than your own natural abilities?
Don’t worry that your talent may not be as great as someone else’s. Each of us has unique and valuable gifts. Even if all you’re good at is telling jokes, think of how healing (and rewarding) laughter can be. Just ask Steve Harvey, Chris Rock and Jay Leno. If you follow your muse, authentically and easily, it will lead you to unexpected places, unimagined fulfillment and maybe even untold riches.
