40 and Empty, Now What?

“If life is to begin at 40, why am I feeling empty…why do I feel something is missing?”

If this sounds like you, it may be a comfort to know people from all walks of life share your pain. In a worldwide happiness study of two million participants from 80 nations, researchers found people are at their unhappiest during their middle age.

According to the researchers, "something happens deep inside" and most reach a happier place during their fifties. Possibly by accepting feeling empty at forty is normal, transformation can be easier.

In Jewish mysticism, the gift of binah or understanding is received at age forty. Turning forty is not the time for feeling empty, but for ascension. Middle age signifies completion, as well as a new beginning – that is an understanding of what has gone on before and the prospect of reaching higher levels of consciousness.

Why are we Feeling Empty?

One of the big factors is societal poisoning. We are "supposed" to do life in a certain order. At forty, we should have a big career, big car, big boat, big house and so on.

Also, we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves. We had expected to become a millionaire, travel the world, write a bestseller, etc.

We may be experiencing "empty nest syndrome" or perhaps our self-imposed "failure" is dragging us into a dark abyss.

However, some people begin to suspect there is something more to life. We want more. We just don't know where to get it.

And, we've got questions. "Why am I here?" "What is my purpose?" "What is the meaning of life?" "Where do we go when we die?"

Consciousness Stirring

In ancient mystery schools, students were taught man is mechanical. We do not even use the smallest part of our inner-powers due to our sleeping consciousness.

Visualize this: you have a huge three-story house, filled with fine things. But you live in the basement and kitchen. You can't imagine all the beautiful furniture and artwork. If someone describes life upstairs, you don't believe them.

This example has a double-layered meaning:

1) Your journey to higher consciousness is personal. No one would believe you if you told them of all the wonderful things you discover anyhow.

2) Most people live in the "basement" of life, never questioning whether there is more. They do not reach their highest potential.

Observation

The key to awakening consciousness is observation. Study yourself, your beliefs, your negative habits – observe every facet that makes up the person you call "me." Observe nature. Gaze at the clouds. Watch ants at work. Climb a hill and breathe in the gorgeous scenery below. Pluck a daisy and examine its smell and texture.

Keep asking your questions. Read holy books. Learn about amazing ancient spiritualities. For example, in Old Hawaii, Kahunas performed brain surgery without anesthetics!

Stay present. One reason for feeling empty is that we tend to dwell in the past or worry about the future. Ancient masters taught their students to constantly affirm, "I am here."

Try this: "I am here." "I am here in the kitchen." I am here putting water in the teapot." "I am here getting a teacup from the cabinet." "I am here putting a teabag in the teacup." "I am here pouring water over the teabag." And so on.

This is called self-observation. It looks easy but it's not. See how long you can observe yourself without being distracted. Observe your thoughts, words and actions as long as you can and then repeat.

The Mentor

While, in truth, you must walk your chosen path alone, you will also need a mentor at some point. The mentor will push, pull and tug you in the right direction and he will be there to catch you when you fall. He will guide you toward answers to your questions. He will show you that some things are unknowable to humans.

A metaphysical truth says: "When the student is ready the master will come." This means do not be anxious. When you get ready a mentor will appear, almost like magic!

The Dawning

It takes a long time and a lot of hard work before you eventually experience a metamorphosis. Some old things will no longer matter. They will be replaced by new, bright, shiny things.

You will "shed" your old self to become a different person, your True Self.

Many people are called to walk the archetypical "hero's" journey. It is written few are chosen.

Maybe they were just more comfortable feeling empty.

Tag – you're it – you've just been called!

Gregg Swanson is a peak performance consultant and human potential coach and has authored several books and numerous articles on peak performance. Gregg specializes in developing mental strength in individuals that desire to reach their full potential. He has developed a unique online training program “Develop the Mental Strength of a Warrior.” You can also pick up your free eBook,” Why Change is So Hard” by going HERE.