The path with no name

Some Musings here:

As I continue to read more folklore and ancient history facts, I find that I'm very drawn to symbols and linguistic forms that our ancient predecessors communicated with on a daily basis. From the intricate cave drawings *particularly the ones found at the Chauvet caves*, the ancient writing tablets, and various symbols carved into treasures, I notice that we as a species always found a way to code things. After all, what is language but a code. One thing remains true in decoding the past: We believed in something beyond just ourselves. It may differ from region to region in the world but we didn't believe that we were truly alone in the great beyond. Today, there are a multitude of beliefs ranging from acknowledging higher powers, to monotheism, polytheism, and pantheism to name a few. I don't typically share my personal religious and/or spiritual beliefs in blog posts but I did feel like discussing it here whilst reading about different theological perspectives within ancient religions and today.

My fascination with higher power and looking beyond myself began at a very early age, as early as the age of three. As children, we have imaginations that exceed any of the stories we are ever told. I often wondered how much of this fanciful thinking influenced me when I began elementary school. But as I grew older, I still felt like there was more than just meets the eye. I was wondering what the purpose of my place in the universe was. Those were the sole thoughts that occupied my mind. This path took me the longest time to solidify, through many turns and self-doubts...until now, where there is still a lot of seeking--but better understanding. That is what I like about self-reflection. It teaches me to be aware and present. The rationalist in me wants answers I can measure and quantify whereas the other part of me operates on the basis of faith. I don't really know how to marry the two but I know that I keep trying anyway!

The path I'm on doesn't have a name. I used many terms to describe it but at the heart of it, I realize that I don't need labels. I think when we often say that we believe in a higher power or are spiritual, not religious, maybe we really mean that it's our own beliefs in ourselves--and perhaps to a degree in serendipity when things go well. I used to have a fatalistic viewpoint but it made me wonder about free will. That is subject for a separate discussion but where I am now feels more like searching for something meaningful within. It was in my interest in folklore, languages, and religions that helped me understand myself and people better, and feel like I want to make a difference in the grand scheme of things. I think living in a day and age where we have so much available via the internet, it would behoove us not to learn about our past--so that we may better serve our future.