As
I reflect upon the events in my life over the past year, I discover that part
of my learning in Sedona has been about taking time for me—and enjoying
it. As an American, it is part of our
cultural dynamic to work 40, 80 even 120 hours a week. We are not
considered a success if we don’t tow this incredibly challenging line. So, we do it. I certainly used to do it. I would come home exhausted, craving a glass of wine in order to drown my sorrows, while trying to achieve some semblance of relaxation or at least escape—if only for a moment.
considered a success if we don’t tow this incredibly challenging line. So, we do it. I certainly used to do it. I would come home exhausted, craving a glass of wine in order to drown my sorrows, while trying to achieve some semblance of relaxation or at least escape—if only for a moment.
When
the Universe (which of course, means me and my good old Higher Self) decided
that it was time to be put on the super-highway of Awakening, the corporate
life that I had once participated in diminished into nothingness. However, for the next several years, I spent
my time studying, writing and eventually teaching 40-80 hours a week. Yes, now I was doing what I absolutely love,
but I still hadn’t learned to simply chill out and be at ease with myself. Relaxation wasn’t a part of the lessons our
society had indoctrinated in me—and that is where Sedona came in to show me my
next homework assignment.
I
have seen time after time, people who have experienced some sort of chaos in
their lives who listen to their Inner Wisdom and show up here in Sedona. They usually don’t have jobs lined up or if
they do, they may end up losing them as soon as they step foot within the
boundaries of this magical place. Even
more surprisingly, travelers often don’t have a home to live in upon
arrival. The good news is that if you
are meant to be here, the Universe will align everything you need in perfect
order.
To
be honest, there really isn’t much “being normal” here. Most people have two to three odd jobs to
make ends meet—and they still only work part-time. Many of us have a lot of time to hang out at
the local cafés and eating hubs, giving us the opportunity to intermingle with
the other locals and sojourners.
Everyone knows everyone else and it’s kind of like being in Spiritual
high school. It also means that none of
us are killing ourselves with work that we loathe, just because society tells
us that is what is normal.
Instead,
we find time to hike (a lot of time, in fact).
We experience nature with all its glory.
Furthermore, we spend an inordinate amount of time gathering for a
friendly meal. If you are ever in a
dining establishment, café or even the grocery store where my friends and I
are, you will likely hear a whole lot of rambunctious laughter going on. We certainly explore our sense of silly here.
Last
Thanksgiving, some of my friends and I went to The Chocolate Tree (they
actually spell it ChocolaTree, but I wanted to make sure you could read it how
it is supposed to sound). We ambled in filled with so much jubilance, that
everyone stopped and stared as we entered and continued to do so throughout the
evening. We were our own little
island. We went from showing off our fun
side, to sharing our deepest gratitude for the past year, to even shedding a
few tears of joy for the beauty of that special evening. Yep, I had to use a few napkins in lieu of
tissues for that crying session. It
didn’t matter that we were in public. We
were all exploring our Divine Selves and being who we were in that moment—and
it was simply beautiful!
Ever
the course of 2012, I haven’t spent much time writing and even though I teach
wherever I go and have also recently begun opening up groups to the public
again, I am no longer working eighty-nine thousand hours a week. When I am tired, I revel in doing nothing—and
it feels good. I know I am not alone
when I say it is a common theme that Sedona-ites allow ourselves the time to explore where we
fit in this fine Universe—and that is a good thing too!
So,
as I reflect upon the last twelve months, while putting together my
e-Newsletter, I realize that this year has been about a love letter to my
Self. I am a worthy piece of the Divine
Puzzle and I am finally, after forty-six years, able to say without
reservation, that I am embracing my freedom—and I LOVE it! I truly have learned to appreciate my
physical, emotional/mental and Spiritual sides all at the same time—and for that,
I am eternally grateful.
So,
if you are like so many and feeling overwhelmed, take time to smell the roses. Take conscious breaths. Taking as little as three full breaths while
paying attention can shift your emotional state. Learn to enjoy life. Create your perfect job. Be with friends. Laugh.
Cry. And most importantly, be
yourself. After all, you are the best
you there is.
Sending
much Love and Light your way for a fantastically jubilant, relaxing and
prosperous New Year and beyond,
-Lisa
