Awakening is a challenging process. It begins when we summon the courage to question the status-quo. For example, we have been conditioned by our culture to believe that we must attend school. Indeed, attendance is mandatory. This leads us to believe that, absent K-12 schooling, we would all be doomed. But is this true?

In assessing the legitimacy of K-12 schooling, writer and teacher, Matt Hern, asks: “Can it be true that children best flourish by spending six hours a day, five days a week, nine months a year for twelve consecutive years confined to classrooms? Can it be true that sitting with 25 other kids, their own age, all day, every day, is a healthy way for children to grow up? Can it be true that constant monitoring, obsessive examinations and marking, punitive relationships with authority, and national standards, [lead to the development of] confident, capable human beings?”

Imagine, instead, how it would be if our schools were centered on the noble work of guiding young people toward AWAKENING and WHOLENESS. This would challenge us to rethink the purpose and soul of education. Schooling would no longer be primarily about creating successful people in terms of test scores, college admission, earning power and status. Instead, the focus would shift to developing the whole person by cultivating curiosity, interdependence, critical thinking and self-understanding with the overarching goal of engendering love and goodwill in our communities and around the world!

Of course, one could easily dismiss this vision with the charge that developing the whole person has no place in our schools. But, again, consider that children and young adults spend much of their lives within the confines of schools. Whoever you are, and wherever you are in your own life, the truth is that school culture has almost certainly had a significant impact, for better or worse, on who you understand yourself to be today.

When you are done, look over what you have and circle or underline the words and phrases that have the most power—the most truth—for you. See these words and phrases as soul whispers, pointing you toward your life’s true meaning and deeper purpose.

As a final step, read—out loud—to a trusted friend what you’ve written. While reading, note any words or phrases that might give you goosebumps or cause you to choke up.  Afterwards, perhaps over a cup of tea, ask your friend if there might be words that you didn’t actually speak, but that seem deeply connected to what you shared. For example, though you may not have said the word ‘healer’ in your written statements, your friend may sense that this word is implicit in much of what you have shared.

Finally, after reviewing the worksheet words and phrases that bring meaning, aliveness and purpose to your life, come up with a name for your Life Path that both touches and inspires you.  Take your time with this; and when you think you have it, announce it to your friend by completing this three-part sentence: