When life brings us the unknown path, when a way opens up in front of us that we have never walked before. What was familiar is now behind us, covered over by time that has passed, held only now as memory and story.

We find ourselves at a fresh threshold, a jolt from the ordinary and mundane, a turning in the path, not knowing what this turning contains. 

It may have taken a while to reach this threshold, a season of decisions, wonderings, wrestlings, talkings, dreaming, envisioning. We may already have let go of what was to make room for this new adventure, all fresh and inviting. We may have already chosen to risk this first step.

This threshold may have arrived unannounced and unwanted, a shocking event having brought us abruptly to this new beginning. Bewildered we now stand trying to adjust our vision, trying to stretch it out ahead to take in this new territory. We don’t want to go this way and yet it is the only way there is, no other options present themselves. 

We know we must take one step and then another. It will invite us to trust like never before, to receive help when we need it and to pause and rest as we continually adjust and make space for this new reality. 

Either way, it is at this threshold we wait, pause, breathe and steady ourselves to step across and into the new way. 

The path may open wide and crystal clear, we may know the way and walk with intentional purpose. 

It is likely though that the path is shrouded in mystery, foggy, grey and rough underfoot. To step here feels scary. We sense the familiarity of anxiety that accompanies the unknown –  it’s ok and natural for it to be present. 

Courage meets us here too, she offers her strong hands. A steady companion. We reach for her and find her stillness settles our heartbeat. A gentle whisper “you are not alone”. 

Trust comes as grace and grace comes as a gift. 

This path of yours is clothed in Divinity. It is flanked by the blossoms of love and kindness. Its fruit is that of compassion, strength and hope. You are not alone as you step out. This path of yours will become more familiar and less scary as you walk. You will become accustomed to its turnings, its smells, sights and sounds. 

It will become part of you in each moment, offering its gift. It will absorb into you, changing you and shaping you into something new. Sit awhile as you find your steadiness, then step – just one, feeling the ground meet your foot. Welcome its support  and let that step be the guide that brings you to the next and the next. 

Receive all that you need – The Beloved is your ever-present friend here.

Receive the blessing for a new beginning by John O’Donohue 

In out-of-the-way places of the heart, 

Where your thoughts never think to wander, 

This beginning has been quietly forming, 

Waiting until you were ready to emerge. 

For a long time it has watched your desire, 

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you, 

Noticing how you willed yourself on, 

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown. 

It watched you play with the seduction of safety 

And the grey promises that sameness whispered, 

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent, 

Wondered would you always live like this. 

Then the delight, when your courage kindled, 

And out you stepped onto new ground, 

Your eyes young again with energy and dream, 

A path of plenitude opening before you. 

Though your destination is not yet clear 

You can trust the promise of this opening; 

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning 

That is at one with your life’s desire. 

Awaken your spirit to adventure; 

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; 

Soon you will home in a new rhythm, 

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.