The answer became clear as I sat at the bar and looked at myself in the mirror. The irony of the situation did not escape me. A bar is usually where things become less clear; however, there was unmistakable clarity at that point. I had been here before, maybe not in this place, but at this exact juncture—the beginning.
In his classic science fiction trilogy, Dune, Frank Herbert begins with an oddly poignant statement, “A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.” It is a time that only happens once, no matter what the clichés say about starting again or being reborn. The beginning is always different.
In a chaotic world, the idea of beginning again can feel both daunting and liberating. Each moment offers sacrifices and a chance to shape our path inviting resources to shed past burdens and embrace new possibilities. Amidst the noise, we often qualify for renewal.
Every ending carries the seeds of a fresh, simply start. Even in turmoil, the reflection unveiling can bring clarity, revealing that chaos can serve as a catalyst for transformation. With each small step forward, we redefine our journey, armed with lessons learned and hope for the future. Beginning again becomes a powerful act of resilience, and faith is an opportunity for our ability to adapt and thrive.
I believe we all need to become good at beginnings because life is full of them. Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic. (Herbert) Life continually reinvents itself and we all wander in the same wilderness. Becoming too comfortable with the place you’re at, your accomplishments, or your capabilities invites stagnation. Greatness is a transitory experience. It is never consistent. It depends in part upon the myth-making imagination of humankind. (Herbert)
The secret is to recognize that the beginning itself is what is significant. The opportunity to attack a problem from another direction and possibly pull out a noteworthy end is a challenge without equal. We stand poised for the first step of another beginning. Things will go wrong. Every civilization must contend with an unconscious force that can block, betray, or countermand almost any conscious intention of the collectivity. (Herbert) However, things will also go right, and the delicate undertaking of the beginning will increase the rights and decrease the wrongs.
So in the mirror, “Truth suffers from too much analysis.” (Herbert) The challenge of beginning, the opportunity, and getting the balance right makes life worth coming back. This is our chance to begin...again.
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