In the dark forest, a boy experienced a lightning strike of inspiration. The surge of revelation brought a vision clear as the “X” on a treasure map. Only for this discovery, there was no map. Instead, the terrain was carved each step of the way. The significance of the strike was to impart hope and direction. It showed The Dream — the type that moves one to achieve something great. “Wildest” often precedes it and imbues one’s mind with a new paradigm of thought. The direction to realize the dream is opaque, but it’s the hope that keeps one traveling forward.

We all have lightning moments, though we might not recognize them. We expect profound revelations (which may sometimes be the case), but often the strike comes as a whisper. It speaks to us in our daydreams and curiosities. It’s in the feint thoughts of “What if?” An uplift of excited energy and a sense of wonder may follow soon after. These moments “en-lighten,” lightening our moods and spirits.

Two factors determine whether the whisper is cultivated toward a higher charge or disappears into the ether: what we believe and who we tell. If we are cynical and doubtful and don’t expect great things to happen, then it’s challenging to move forward. Telling someone our inner calling and being rejected by laments of, “Who are you to do that? C’mon, that’s ridiculous. Be realistic,” stifles us.

There’s an alchemy to success: believe in ourselves and surround ourselves with others who believe in us. There’s no right order. The interconnected power of these steps is that if we lack one, the other can reinspire us. Don’t have either? You’re wrong — I believe in you. It may sound cliche, but it’s true. It’s why you’re reading these words. It’s why I do what I do. I don’t know your desires, talent, abilities, or goals, but I don’t have to. I know your spirit because I know mine (or at least I am working on it).

I believe within each of us is a creative and benevolent Force. It begs us to hear and become a vessel for expression. Some call this the “muse.” Others call it inspiration or inner daimon. I love how Richard Rohr puts it: “God loves things by becoming them.” Our calling comes from trusting in the creative muse that finds itself in our intuition. We can even work to call on it, as The Prayer of Saint Francis declares, “Make me an instrument of Your peace.”

This creative spark is not reserved exclusively for artists, painters, and Michaelangelo. Its force shows up in every profession — in all the significant scientific and technological advancements, laboratories, boardrooms, and the playing field. I believe in you because that Force is within all of us. It opens us to possibilities beyond our current circumstances.

To be clear, I don’t believe we can do “anything.” After my freshman year of college, I seriously considered dropping out and moving to LA to become an actor. It came out of questioning whether I was living my life to the fullest and pursuing the “right path.” Did I love acting? No, but it seemed like the collective ideal of “Famous and Successful.” You may have guessed that I never moved to LA, but if I did, I might have been in for a rude awakening. My fervor was the essence of the calling. Even though acting was not my Truth, it had the nature of my calling. It led me to writing and public speaking, where I am today.

While I use the word “Force” with intention, it speaks softly. Meditation helps us to listen, question, and reflect. If we’ve heard the whisper but don’t listen, our passion will waiver. We’ll make excuses that justify the fear and grow contemptuous of others who listened to their call. We must, as the poet Dylan Thomas said, “Rage against the dying of the light.”

I ask, as I’ve done in previous posts, and will no doubt will do in later ones:

What do you feel called to do? 

Where does the whisper show up in your life?

You may have a vision. It may come true, or it may take you down another path. Neither is cause for worry. Our job is to ask, “What can I do now?” As we stay focused on the step ahead, we quiet the anxiety of the unknown. We move into the realization that we’ve already made it. To quote Dr. David Hawkins, “Spiritual development is not an accomplishment but a way of life. It is an orientation that brings its own rewards, and what is most important is the direction of one’s motives.”

To be on the path is The Path. Moving towards our greatness is our greatness.

“Greatness Is a Whisper” is a poem I wrote. I hope it helps you to hear your whisper.

Listen on Soundcloud or Insight Timer

PS. Share this with someone who needs a reminder of their greatness.