Following Your Golden Path
In 2017 I took a Chinese Medicine Face Reading class. It's the ability to read someone's personality by looking at the features and wrinkles on their face. In November, I began studying an extension of Chinese Medical Face Reading called "The Golden Path Training." It sounds strange, but here is the best way to describe "Golden Path."
When a baby is born, their face has a certain glow, called their "original face." When we live a less happy life, our glow fades, or we lose it altogether because we are not following our Golden Path. When we are living a life that is happy and full of purpose, our glow returns because we are on our Golden Path. Being on your Golden Path means returning to your "original face."
I've been pondering a lot about how to return to your Golden Path. Here are a few tips on how to redirect yourself should your face not be as "bright and merry" as you'd like it to be:
Self-Reflection: Begin your journey of personal growth by understanding your core values and passions. What truly makes you happy? Reflect on your past experiences to identify moments when you felt most fulfilled. This understanding will empower you to shape your future in alignment with your true self.
Set Clear Goals: Define what success means to you. Now is the best time to tune out all of those "shoulds" and "coulds" others tell yourself and listen to your heart. Set realistic and achievable goals that align with your values and passions. If the goal doesn't make you smile when you think about achieving it, it's probably not the right goal for your Golden Path journey.
Stay Authentic: Embrace your true self and avoid comparing yourself to others. Focus on your unique strengths and qualities. Spend a few moments writing down what makes you happy. Revisit activities that brought you joy as a child. This can reignite your natural curiosity and creativity. Chances are, those same activities you enjoyed as a child might make you just as happy now. Express yourself freely without fear of judgment. Let your authentic voice be heard through art, writing, or conversation.
Adapt and Learn: Be open to change and new experiences. Life is a growth journey, so be willing to learn from successes and failures. However, sometimes you can be on your Golden Path, staying put and doing good right where you are. Again, listen to your heart. For instance, I have had a lifelong dream of traveling around the world, but my heart is telling me now is not the right time.
Mindfulness Practice: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. This helps you stay present and connected to your inner self. What can you mindfully do EACH DAY to move back towards your Golden Path, or stay on it?
Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek advice from mentors or trusted friends who can offer valuable insights and support. Find the courage to reach out to people doing what you want to do and ask them how they got there. Understand that your closest allies may not like the changes they see in you as you return to your Golden Path. They may not want to see you getting ahead or fear that you might leave them behind.
Balance and Well-being: Prioritize your physical and mental health. A balanced lifestyle, healthy food choices, and spending time with loved ones helps you stay on track and energized. Develop routines that nurture your body and soul. This could be meditation, journaling, or simply taking time to relax.
By following these steps, you too can begin to return to your "original face."
