Why am I here?

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.

~ Mark Twain

My husband and I stopped at a wellness retreat on our way to a wedding in New York City.

I participated in a guided Soul Journey experience.

The Spiritual Wellness Provider asked me to think of a question I could ask whoever I might encounter. Unprepared, I wrote down divine guidance on my soul mission.

Breath-work and a drumming-assisted guided meditation took me through a gate, down some steps, into a field, then into a building, and over a bridge.

I imagined (but did not see it in my mind’s eye) a little girl in a flowing white dress walking into the church of my childhood, where she encountered Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, carrying the cross and suffering with gaping wounds.

I saw my deceased father’s face in Jesus. Dad suffered an uncomfortable death in a hospital during lockdowns in 2020.

Sadness overtook me. A lump developed in my throat.

An inner knowing answered my question of why I am here - to reduce suffering.

Still in the church, my thoughts of my dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare percolated as I encountered Buddha, who reminded me to seek the middle way.

I don’t remember much more, but I have a vague recollection of crossing a golden bridge with Archangel Michael, and further along, I noticed Mother Teresa.

When the journey was over, I found myself thinking that reducing suffering didn’t resonate as much as bringing joy or helping elevate other people’s life experiences.

The Spiritual Wellness Provider wisely reminded me not to forget to be kind to myself.

Apparently, joy in me radiates and sheds well-being upon others.