I opened the letter. It said: LIVE.
"Here is a letter to everyone.
You open it.
It says, Live."
~ Rumi
At home in Kuala Lumpur from powerfully renewing week long retreat with Steve Gold in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the first thing I notice when I walk in is my half decorated Christmas tree sparkling in the corner of the living room. Yes, it's Valentine's, and while I attempted to take off the ornaments sometime in mid-January, I didn't get very far. This just tells me I know where my priorities are, right? And, I just can't worry over the small stuff. I am Living.
In a book by Elizabeth Lesser, she talks about a hero's journey, which is about "moving from innocence to wisdom, and from stagnation to new life." A hero is simply someone who is the founder of their own life, not imitating everyone else's life.
Each season of my life moves me from some kind of dark forest, confused path, or what Steve Gold calls a self limiting belief or Vikalpa into an inner fire. That fire shifts me on to the next refining phase of my life. Some people believe they are in the flow and balance of life when all things are going smoothly, when there are no problems or challenges and things just click. I believe that those serendipitous moments are actually rudders that keep us on our path. Without some obstacles to overcome, I know I'm not making enough waves. Waves offer joyful or even painful personal expansion and open the door for great favor to come.
Making waves in my community, taking risks to live boldly for my passions and following what I believe in my heart to be authentic, takes courage. I often leap toward my quest, fly and then sometimes fall on my chin. I get back up, dust off and know that only good can come on this . Each moment, each experience, every person I meet is my teacher and carries a message.
"That's the basic motif of the universal hero's journey~ leaving one condition and finding the source of life to bring you forth into a richer or mature condition."
The message to myself is clear: keep going. Keep moving. Show up and be the author of my own life. I believe I am a conduit for community and for nurturing and revealing the beauty of those around me. I desire to allow my life to be used in such a way that there is no question that the choices I'm making are ones that align with my calling, my own Sankulpa (life's mission statement) which is to love and serve. I will continue to stub my toe or scrape my chin on occasion and not have time to take down my Christmas tree but after all, but I know what I'm living for.
I opened the letter.
No matter where in the world you are... this Friday, I'll be interviewed on Where Is My Guru #WMG from 11-12pm EST (That's 12am, Malaysian Time, but you can always replay it on itunes anytime after it airs. :)) Talking on inspiring to serve through yoga~ More info.
I would have just hung some paper hearts on your tree and it's all set for Valentine's day!! It sounds like you live in a beautiful place and I wish you only the best. I enjoy getting your emails and reading them. Take care and be good!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Daly
Elizabeth, sure miss your sweetness- even though it's been almost 3 years since I've had you in class? Thank you for your continual support and encouragement. Gosh, if we weren't getting a dog, then I would have left it up! We now have a new addition to our family ~ Eddie, son #3...a Malaysian dog. :)
ReplyDeleteHope to see you when I come through Texas in July! xo