“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

~ Nelson Madela

 

For most of us in this physical time and place we have had seasons where we detach or remove ourselves from what some would say are daily routines, environments or circumstances—where we take a break from our life. The catalyst for this detachment or removal could be a loss (job, loved one), a change (move, new job, relationship), a health scare or self-imposed deep reflection. Our bodies may be tired and sore, our minds overwhelmed and our souls needing nourishment and respite. For some the break is long or extended, for others short-lived. Regardless, a point of re-entry happens.

Re-entry is the act of reentering. Two definitions that can help set perspective on re-entry are:

The return from outer space into the earth’s atmosphere by an earth-orbiting satellite or spacecraft

The retaking of possession under a right reserved in a prior conveyance

Re-entry does not necessarily mean going back to your “old” life—the one that you were “living” before. Your “old” life is not there and it is not coming back. You may be entering back into your life’s atmosphere, but your orbit has changed. The experience of the impetus for the break or the change and the break itself impacted and evolved you. 

Think for a moment if you could somehow travel back to that old life, it really would not fit any longer because you are not that same person. Whatever triggered the break—be it a sudden loss or a convergence of untenable circumstances—it has reshaped you. It has made you wiser and stronger. It has given you clarity.

Taking a break, regardless of the circumstances, is courageous. It takes courage to stop doing the familiar for the unknown and trust that everything will work out fine. It can rejuvenate you emotionally, physically and spiritually.

At first thought, re-entry can be daunting, but it also can be invigorating and fresh. Re-entry into a next phase or season of your life is natural. One perspective on re-entry into your life is that you are taking possession of your life as the right reserved to you by the Universe.  The re-entry can take many forms. It can be a new job, a new or renewed relationship, a new passion or cause or a different life-style. It can be subtle in terms of a fresh attitude, clear mind or healthier body.

Re-entry can also be viewed as finding your home again. When circumstances happen that cause us or inspire us to take a break from our “old” life, we can feel homeless or in limbo. We may feel like we are on leave from the life we once knew.

Part of re-entry is letting the Universe guide you and letting yourself find the devotion of your energies. It is also about sharing yourself with the world. This is your gift, and sharing your gift connects you to the world, to the people who will be put on your path and in contact with your gift, as well as it will connect you to you.

As you re-enter your life’s atmosphere, stand in awe of the brilliance of your light at that point of re-entry.