What's in Your Knapsack?

If you were about to spend a week deep in the wilderness, you probably wouldn't attempt it without the correct supplies, right? You'd want to bring a knapsack filled with all the essentials: a compass, knife, tent, dry clothes, canteen, and foodstuffs. These tools would help you survive if you were to encounter treacherous weather or wild animals.

Without these necessities, your adventure might take a dark turn.

You'd be a Fool.

But what about when you're dealing with the big, wild world closer to home? How do you cope when all you see in the media is doom and gloom? Do you suck it up and stuff your feelings behind a closed door that no one can reach? Or do you choose to numb yourself through drugs, alcohol, sex, or endless hours in front of the television? If these are the ways you are choosing to operate when turmoil strikes, you may be depleting your emotional gas tank and running on empty.

At some point, if you stay on this course, you're going to bottom out. You need the right tools to remain grounded, healthy, and happy no matter what is going on out there ... or in your own life. Remember that ultimately what is happening inside you is what will dictate how you cope, manage, or take a stand in the world.

When you draw from your knapsack, or inner reserve, you fortify yourself against the rough terrain of the great wilderness of life. And you don't just survive ... you thrive.

Maybe you've spent your whole life feeling like you're fighting an uphill battle, being met with continuous challenges, roads to nowhere, and endless surprises. Many others have, too. But there is a different way of living and being in the world — a spiritual way, led by the wisdom of your inner compass.

If you look at Tarot's Fool, you might notice he has a small backpack that he carries on a wand. The wand symbolizes magic, and that knapsack is filled with his past experiences as well as the tools he needs to move about freely. He can leap into the world with total confidence because on some level, he knows that he has the proper utensils to make magic happen.

What about you? What's in your knapsack?

Is it full of magical implements and practices that uplift and sustain you?

Or is your knapsack empty?

What if you could be certain the necessary rituals and utensils were there for you whenever you need them? Imagine how your life would look. Instead of operating out of fear, you'd be living with total freedom. Better yet, you might be inspired to step up and lead with boldness, and that is what the world needs in troubled times: fearless leaders with the resources to guide and uplift us all.

But you can only do and be that if you have the appropriate tools.

We're not talking about hammers and nails. Instead, we're looking at the spiritually oriented stuff such as meditation, Tarot, magical rites, and affirmations.

These devotional tools have helped people for centuries have calm, meaningful lives, even when the world felt unsafe. Here's the truth: we've been living in troubled times since humankind first figured out how to start a fire. Wars, violence, and tragedies have plagued us since the very beginning, so troubled times are nothing new — but neither are the practices in this book.

We're going to show you ways to work with ancient spiritual traditions and tools so that you can be the best version of yourself ... no matter what is happening out there.

Instead of hobbling through life, your journey can look like something else: Golden light floods over your shoulders and fills you with a glow of freedom and certainty. Your steps are light and buoyant and ready for new terrain. Over your shoulder you carry a staff fixed with a small, red knapsack at one end. Bundled inside are the tools and implements you need to navigate any situation that might fall into your path.

Moving closer to the edge of uncertainty, your belly flutters with butterflies of anticipation. Great adventures have a funny way of filling us with wonder and trepidation — essential fuel to keep you moving.

Each step you take will hold the promise of possibility. Whether you stroll through peaceful meadows or find yourself negotiating rough, rocky terrain, with a bit of planning and commitment you'll be ready to meet whatever lies ahead. You might even blaze a few trails.

Before you cross the threshold into the wild stretches of unknown land, consider what you might bring to make your journey easier. Gather your awareness and sink your feet into the present moment. A successful adventure starts with intentional planning and preparation.

Finding your present coordinates gives you enough awareness to take your first steps confidently. So start by noticing where you are. What is the present state of your life? What are you missing? What do you have in abundance? Are you prepared for change?

The first thing to pack in your knapsack is a compass. You want to have a keen sense of direction, especially when you wander into uncharted territory. That compass is the difference between orienting yourself or being lost in space.

Each one of us is gifted with an internal navigation system as a means for traversing all the ups and downs of life. Deep inside of you is an unshakable knowing, your deeper wisdom, your truest voice, your intuition. This guiding force has always been there, waiting for you to trust, look, and listen.

Every step of the way holds a new challenge, a new possibility, and a chance to grow. Sometimes you will be met with challenges that you cannot change. You might be on a path with no other way but forward. Even if you cannot alter your present circumstances, you can still change your reaction to it. By using your internal compass and arming yourself with the proper tools, you'll find your way and thrive!

You can start by changing how you look at the world. If you're viewing the land before you with fear, you'll be sure to find fearsome things. Rather than meet this adventure with resistance, open yourself up. Be brave, curious, and willing to observe everything around you just as it is.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath down into your belly. Let it out slowly. Continue filling your body with deep, luscious breaths, exhaling each one slowly. When you start to feel settled, scan your body from head to toe. Notice any physical sensations. What is your body telling you? Listen to the sounds around you. What do you notice? As you continue breathing in and out, observe any thoughts that arise in your mind. Where does your brain go? Are you thinking about a random task, fretting over a problem, or do you feel anchored in the present moment? Open your eyes and look...