The Metaphorical Game of Hide and Seek: The Accidental Art of Being Found

Life is a constant game of hide and seek, especially when it comes to self-discovery and spiritual growth. Despite the tendency to assume agency in this quest, it’s crucial to acknowledge a fundamental truth: one cannot truly find oneself. The act of being found is often serendipitous—an unintended consequence of myriad circumstances beyond your control.

The Illusion of Seeking

Many individuals engage in meticulous introspection, perhaps subscribing to self-help doctrines or delving into spiritual practices. While the intention is to ‘find’ oneself, this pursuit paradoxically overlooks the passive nature of being discovered. Just as in a game of hide and seek, you can’t dictate the moment the seeker shouts, “Tag, you’re it!” You’re a passive entity in your own revelation; you’re found, not the finder.

Strategic Hiding: Making Yourself Discoverable

Although you can’t control when or how you’re found, you can influence the likelihood of that moment arriving. In the game of hide and seek, some children pick hiding spots that are intentionally easier to discover. Similarly, in the realm of self-discovery and spirituality, you can make your “hiding place” more accessible. You may engage in activities that resonate with your inner self, undertake adventures that challenge your beliefs, or even disturb your own complacency by asking unsettling questions. You’re making noise, beckoning the seeker to hasten their quest and find you.

Spiritual Availability

When one begins a spiritual journey, the objective isn’t merely to find enlightenment or reach a specific destination. The goal is to become more ‘available’—to elevate oneself into a state of readiness to be found. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or any other form of spiritual practice, what you’re effectively doing is sending a signal. You’re making it easier for the universe, God, or whichever force you believe in, to locate you and say, “You’re it!”

The Accidental Moment of Discovery

Despite all the strategic hiding, the noise, and the spiritual availability, the moment you’re found remains unforeseen. It’s often a composite of external circumstances, internal readiness, and pure chance. And that’s the beauty of it: the accidental nature of discovery makes the moment profoundly impactful.

Conclusion

Being found is not a proactive endeavor, but a receptive one. While you can’t command your moment of discovery, you can prepare for it by making yourself more available—emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. As you navigate the complex labyrinth of life, remember that the game of hide and seek never really ends; it only evolves. And in this eternal game, being found is not the end, but a transformative new beginning.