posted February 17, 2008 07:06 PM         

Do you ever think or imagine that your dreams can only be fulfilled by fleeing you’re your present life? Fantasies of escaping or fleeing from one’s present situation or circumstances in life should not be taken for one’s dreams. They are anything but that.

It is very common for average healthy women who are overwhelmed with responsibilities of family and work to have flight fantasies. Men have flight fantasies, too, but they are more inclined to act on them than women are. When people act on them we are likely to label them as irresponsible.

Whenever people feel the desire or the need to escape it is either because their life is too full with things to do, and they are not able to accomplish everything, or it is because their life is too superficial and unsatisfying. Both of these conditions frequently co-exist.

In the first instance, when the life is too complex one is seeking simplicity. And in the second instance when the life is too superficial one is seeking depth. Both simplicity and depth are characteristics of soul. Fantasies of escape are indications of a real need for soul connection, which would, when attained, bring greater simplicity because one could better prioritize and focus on what is really important, leaving the rest. And it would give greater depth as one would sense some greater meaning to what the life is all about.

There is another reality that often hides behind the above reasons for wanting to escape, and that is the emerging presence or pressure of some subconscious reality that needs to be faced. But because of fear or ignorance one tries to avoid facing it. Sometimes this is semi-conscious, sometimes quite unconscious. The flight fantasy then is an attempt to run away from oneself rather than from the circumstances in which one finds oneself.

Coupled with this subconscious need, there is often a soul necessity or energy seeking to manifest, creating tension in a person’s life. There may be a need for the ego to surrender to soul’s will or presence, and one is resisting that out of fear or because of an unwillingness to let go of some attachment.

The manifestations of escapism can range from minor indications such as excessive watching of TV or avoiding communication to more drastic actions such as abandoning one’s family or even suicide.

When there is a feeling of wanting to run away there is always a real need for change. That change may involve:

- doing things differently
- doing different things
- eliminating some things
- adding some new dimensions
- being more creative in approaching one’s tasks
- creating a different attitude and perspective about something or someone
- being willing to sacrifice
- finding meaning
- finding purpose
- commitment
- focusing
- greater attention to personal needs

It is far healthier to go for something that you value, letting the soul energy behind that support you in dealing with any obstacles or attachments that might challenge you in your positive pursuit. There is no soul support for escapism.

Exercises:

1. Describe ways of simplifying your life.

2. Describe ways of adding depth to your life.

3. Describe different ways that a person might demonstrate escapism.

By Soul Journey