Marilyn Ross: "Breaking With the Past"

A year ago, approaching 70, it seemed time to break with the past and take a leap into a spiritual unknown. Spirituality per se was not new; I’d had a lifetime of reading and discussing spiritual books, and could quote Gary Zukov as well as the next. Knowledge was no longer enough, and I felt at a standstill. Then I discovered an organization that practices “practical spirituality” and a group approach to serving others. I had my doubts, since the major form of the service at the Center for Purposeful Living was running a restaurant. Sure, the California Fresh Buffet profits went to charity, but beyond that, it didn’t fit my concept of “spiritual.”

The organization’s people seemed genuine and purposeful however, and the full scholarship was appealing, so I signed up for the Center’s yearlong residential program. It was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done: 30 hours a week of restaurant work, plus classes and practice on everything from spiritual laws to public speaking (my big fear), and money management. I was ready to quit a dozen times. Then I discovered that I could truly serve by making a difference in the lives of our restaurant patrons. My attention to small things counted with them. In the process, my own life was transformed. I lost 30 unneeded pounds and now I’m down to skin and Soul. My body has never felt better, nor have I had more enthusiasm for life. I stopped quoting Zukov and started living spiritual truths. Almost without trying, I’ve found purpose in life through small acts of service.