(Sam Roberts Band) or “something is missing” (how to find the real gold.)

The above quote is taken from lyrics of the popular Sam Roberts Band. I hear this idea over and over in my private psychotherapy practice. Is this how you feel about your life? Or that something is missing? Some kind of hunger?

If so, there are some obvious steps to take, and some not-so-obvious steps to take.

OBVIOUS STEPS: go to a vocational counselor, usually free at most colleges, and get them to give a test to find out your interests and your talents. Secondly, they will tell you what programs they or other colleges have for you to study that are relevant. Thirdly, they will tell you about financial assistance if you need this.

If you don’t want to go the college route, there are training programs for very “in demand” vocations with apprenticeship programs. Some example of these careers are electrician, plumber, welder, car mechanic, etc. The good news about these careers is they are always needed.

Before you do either of two these routes, google or ask at the college which careers are CURRENTLY“ in demand “in the area you live in. For example, I hear British Columbia needs nurses.

NOT-SO-OBVIOUS STEPS: used IF YOU ARE ALREADY EMPLOYED IN DECENT WORK…..OR FEEL STUCK IN NOT SO MEANINGFUL WORK……………
then the not so obvious is to dig a lot deeper into your spirit! Yes, you might not be religious, but everyone has a feeling of “spirit”….What is “spirit”? Personal, yes, but some people say it is a feeling inside that you know is right and good and peaceful and/or powerful. The feeling is usually creative, and has a quality of freedom. The feeling gives you energy and joy. THIS FEELING TRANSCENDS WORK, MONEY, RELATIONSHIPS, STATUS, etc.. So, you might ask, if this feeling does not come from the usual things, where can I find it?

Everyone has this goodness inside. It is not dependent on outside circumstances. Though outside situations can make it easier or harder to get to, as for example, having more time to cultivate this feeling, this feeling of goodness is not dependent on any outside condition.

IT IS NECESSARY TO SLOW DOWN, GO INTO SILENCE, STOP!!!! This is not ordinary in today’s fast-paced world. But INSIDE IS WHERE YOU FIRST DISCOVER THIS GOLD!

I use mindfulness meditation. It is non-religious, used in many settings, all over the world today.

YOU HAVE TO DO THE PRACTICE TO EXPERIENCE THE FEELING. I AM TALKING TOTALLY EXPERIENTIAL HERE. ONLY YOU CAN FIND IT. DON’T BELIVE A WORD I SAY UNLESS IT AGREES WITH YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

THEN EVEN LESS MEANINGFUL JOBS OR DIFFICULT SITUATIONS TAKE ON A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. WHERE I FIRST PRACTICED MINDFULNESS MEDITATION IN THE 70’s. I ALSO LEARNED THAT WHATEVER YOU DO CAN BE MEANINGFUL ONCE YOU HAVE FOUND THIS INNER GOLD. EVEN FAMOUS, RICH, OR “PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVERYTHING”, are usually not happy without this inner gold. There will always be the feeling that something deep down is missing.

ASK ME about the practice of FINDING THE GOLD! The initial instruction can be FREE!

Gina Keegan, MA., SEP.