The Unpredictable Path: A Journey of Exploration, Learning, and Reinvention
In our quest for fulfillment and success, many of us often imagine a clear, straightforward path marked by accomplishments, refined skills, and meticulous plans. Yet, reality frequently serves as a poignant reminder of life's intricate and unpredictable nature. Just as we believe we've found our way, we are met with unexpected challenges and turns, echoing the thought, "We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are," often attributed to 20th-century writer Anais Nin.
Ancient Jewish teachings from Avot D'Rabbi Natan 23 emphasize, "Who is wise? One who learns from every person." This perspective underscores the value of gleaning lessons from every twist life offers.
Such unforeseen detours, although initially perceived as setbacks, often offer profound insights and pathways to experiences we might never have considered. It's not just about the milestones we achieve but the journey itself, with all its twists and the personal evolution it fosters.
Age-old wisdom suggests that true contentment lies in simple, daily experiences—the warmth of companionship, the tranquility of nature, or the peace derived from a life lived in balance. Life's uncertainties aren't disturbances but opportunities to live in the present, to find joy in fleeting moments, and to treasure life's modest gifts.
Peace of mind often emerges more from our internal disposition than from external circumstances. Our reactions to life's surprises shape our path, teaching us resilience, adaptability, and the significance of perspective. As we navigate the ebb and flow of delightful and daunting experiences, our strength lies in our ability to perceive and respond with grace.
In my Nonprofit leadership course, the "spiral career" concept resonated deeply. The "spiral" initially seemed tumultuous, suggesting a loss of control. However, as I learned more, I recognized this spiral as a vivid representation of my own career trajectory. The spiral career isn't a linear ascent to predefined peaks but a dynamic, cyclical journey marked by exploration, learning, and reinvention. Each twist embodies a melding of past experiences with new insights. Such a model is tailor-made for nonprofit leaders. In the mission-driven world of nonprofits, leaders frequently transition across roles, less for titles and more for impact, making their journey emblematic of this spiral. The multifaceted challenges of the nonprofit landscape demand adaptability and a wide-ranging toolkit. Thus, it's no surprise that the spiral's ethos of continuous growth and holistic development echoes the realities faced by many in nonprofit leadership.Â
Incorporating this wisdom into our lives means valuing each twist and turn, every unexpected chapter, for the richness they bring to our narrative. These shifts can propel us in directions we never anticipated, revealing lessons that deepen our understanding and appreciation of existence.
Fulfillment is not just about a linear trajectory but an ever-evolving journey filled with unexpected events, challenges, and adjustments. Embracing these moments, viewing them through a lens of gratitude and opportunity, and recognizing the interconnectedness of our experiences, we can appreciate the spiral's beauty. As we wind our way through life's diverse paths and surprising turns, we uncover the true essence and depth of our existence.Â
Every shift in the spiral has its significance. Just as in nature, where the spiral is often symbolic of growth and evolution, our personal and professional spirals mirror our development as individuals. Every decision, every change, every seemingly tangential pathway has its purpose, adding layers to our identity and depth to our story.
This ever-winding path also instills humility, reminding us that despite our best plans and certainties, life often has surprises in store. It encourages us to embrace life's flow, trusting that the meaning behind every twist will unveil itself when the time is right.
My professional journey began in the footsteps of my father, who was drafted for the Vietnam War and chose to remain and retire from the military to provide our family with a middle-class life. I enlisted in the army, specifically the Military Police Corps, with aspirations of working in federal law enforcement. My experience in the military became foundational, offering me opportunities to grow and evolve. After seven fulfilling years, an inner calling nudged me to broaden my horizons. Though my initial goal was to pursue a Ph.D. in Sociology, life had other plans. I ventured into a personal training business and eventually returned to academia to obtain my master's degree. My master's in sociology led me to roles as an investigative researcher for the Anti-Defamation League and an adjunct instructor at community colleges. Soon, a revelation emerged, and today I am a rabbi. I proudly serve as the Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Reconstructing Judaism and advocating for the needs and voices of Rabbis and rabbinical students of color. My role has been rewarding and meaningful, with milestones such as visits to the White House and the Vice President's house, offering keynotes, and helping Jewish communities do better at inclusion. Yet, as with any role, there are times of reflection on the broader journey and where the spiral might lead next.
Considering my father's journey and my own, I realize these spirals are not merely about careers. They represent life's broader dance—a series of experiences, choices, and lessons. From my time in the Military Police Corps to my ventures in teaching, research, and personal training, and then embracing my role as a Jewish leader, I see the harmonious flow. Each step, even the ones that seemed out of place at the time, now fits perfectly into the mosaic of my journey.
As I continue to evolve in my role, advocating for racial diversity, equity, and inclusion within Judaism, I am reminded of a powerful Jewish teaching from Rabbi Tarfon in Pirkei Avot, "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it." This idea reiterates that while our individual journey, with its unique spirals, is our own, it is part of a more significant continuum. We have a responsibility to grow, adapt, and contribute in whatever capacity we can, even if we might not see the culmination of our efforts.
Life's spiral, with its unpredictability, is a testament to the dynamic nature of human existence. By embracing life's twists and turns, we open ourselves to a world of experiences, lessons, and growth. While the destinations along the way are markers of our journey, the true essence of our story lies in the journey itself, our reactions, our choices, and our continuous evolution. As we weave our path, may we do so with grace, gratitude, and an openness to the myriad possibilities that await. As we embrace each twist and turn, we can understand that life's true beauty lies not in its predictability but in its endless potential for surprise and growth.
This Friday, October 6, 2023, I will be on the WHUP radio program Pass the Hat. I will be singing some of my songs and playing DJ during the show and discussing some of my favorite songwriters.