As you start to walk on the way the way appears
Once, a young man, feeling lost in life, wandered aimlessly through a forest. His mind was clouded with uncertainty and fear, tangled in the complexities of his thoughts. He didn’t know which direction to take or how to move forward. At the peak of his despair, he spotted a horse approaching from the distance. The rider was a dervish, carrying an aura of calm and wisdom, as if the burdens of the world were effortlessly lighter in his presence.
The young man hurried to the dervish, saying with urgency:
“Master, I don’t know what to do with my life. Which path should I take? How many steps do I need to make? What if I choose the wrong one?”
The dervish paused, gazing at him with a serene, knowing look. He stopped his horse and spoke gently:
“My child, life is not a map to be deciphered all at once. If you try to solve everything at once, your mind will fall into confusion, and your courage will falter. Life unfolds as you walk. You only need to see the next step. When you dare to move, the path will reveal itself to you.”
The young man, still bewildered, asked, “But how do I even begin?”
The dervish pointed to the ground before him and said:
“Beginning is simply seeing the step that lies directly before you. Focus on the next step alone. When you take it, the next one will appear. The path is made by those who walk it. With every step you take, you build your own way.”
Hearing these words, the young man released the weight of his overwhelming thoughts. He took his first step, then another. With each step, the path became clearer. When he eventually emerged from the forest, he looked back and realized the complexity of the journey he had traversed. But in that moment, he understood that the essence of the journey was not in its length or challenges but in the courage to take the first step.
The Wisdom of Life: The Path is for Those Who Walk
The dervish’s advice reflects one of the profound principles of Sufi wisdom: The path of life reveals itself only to those who dare to walk it.
There are moments in life when we all feel lost, unsure of which direction to take. Our minds become entangled in trying to control the future, which only magnifies our fears. The Sufi way teaches us to focus on just one step at a time, for life is not about seeing the entire picture at once but about discovering its beauty piece by piece with every step forward.
1. The Key to Achieving Goals: Small Steps
Big goals often appear intimidating. Whether it’s starting a new career, improving a relationship, or seeking personal transformation, the sheer magnitude of these dreams can leave you paralyzed. But as the dervish taught, break them into smaller, manageable pieces:
• If you’re aiming for your dream job: What’s your first step? Preparing a resume? Enrolling in a course?
• If you want a healthier life: Start with a short walk or a single healthy meal today.
Each small step brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Remember, even the longest journeys are completed one step at a time.
2. Action Dissolves Uncertainty
Inaction only magnifies the chaos within. The young man in the story realized that the path became visible only after he took the first step. Similarly, in life, clarity comes when we move. Even mistakes are valuable guides on the journey.
Sufi wisdom reminds us: “Do not fear mistakes, for even they are lessons from the Divine.”
3. Stay in the Moment: The Key to Wisdom
The dervish’s advice, “See only the next step,” emphasizes the power of living in the present. Life is not shaped by dwelling on past regrets or worrying about future uncertainties. It is built by what we do in the here and now.
• If you have decisions to make today, focus only on what today requires. The present moment is all you can truly control.
4. Trust: The Path Will Show Itself
Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life. But instead of succumbing to it, choose to trust. The path opens itself to those who believe and move forward. As the dervish said, “The path appears as you walk.”
This trust is the key to action. If you want life to unfold its mysteries to you, take that step into the unknown with courage. The Divine’s grace is always with those who dare to move.
Final Words: Take the First Step, and the Path Will Reveal Itself
This story reminds us of a simple truth: In life, we cannot discover all the answers at once. But as we take that first step, the path begins to unveil itself. Achieving great goals starts with the bravery of a single, small action.
Never forget, the secret of the journey lies in the courage to embark on it. If you wish to change your life, take the first step and let the rest unfold naturally. The path is for those who walk, and only by walking will you find your way. 🌿
