“The only Journey is the one within.”
-Rainer Maria Rilke
I loved Rilke’s quote and his interpretation of the poem “Journey Within.” “As a sacred invitation to reclaim the truth of who you are at your core, your true nature. The path begins by seeing all life as sacred and guess what, this includes you. This is the first courageous step toward your liberation.”
Your life is a sacred journey. The design is like a kaleidoscope, full of patterns, habits, stories, dramas, opportunities, fear, love, gratitude, and abundance.
For years, our mind-driven thoughts, one could say ego, have carved a path of a myriad of experiences.
How we relate to our experiences and surroundings mirrors our thoughts and choices. When you were in school, which path did you find yourself taking? One of curiosity, wonder, speaking up, challenging the rules and status quo? Did you have a deeper feeling of contentment and a free spirit? Or did you resonate with not wanting to get into trouble, going along to stay safe, rarely questioning what you were told to believe, be, or do? Thoughts of scarcity and lack and fear felt pervasive.
What have you noticed about your “sacred journey” so far?
Some of you may be feeling a shift of consciousness, an inner knowingness. Trusting more in the invisible reality versus the physical reality. Having a loving heart and being at peace with yourself despite any circumstances or environment you find yourself in. You have learned to release, let go of old feelings such as “have to’s,” pleasing others, being hesitant to say no, and not believing you are deserving of being healthy, content, and abundant.
Others may feel and notice nothing seems to happen easily or get better for them. They are caught in the cycle of complaining or worrying, attached to the concept of struggle, discouragement, and at times tempted to give up. We often find this drama continues for friends and loved ones.
Do you find yourself being the supportive loved one, listening to someone’s story over and over, feeling bad and upset about things that are spinning out of control for them? Where are you in this story? Is this bringing peace and love into your own heart? Upon reflection, do you notice more of your energy is being projected outside of yourself? Are you spending your energy and time worrying about something you can’t control and someone else versus taking care of you and putting yourself first?
The antidote to this way of thinking comes back to YOU. If you feel your energy being depleted in these types of circumstances, it’s essential to realign and pull your energy back from the person or situation to yourself. Take a deep belly breath and visualize yourself moving from your head to your heart, more anchored in the body. This is a great exercise for you to practice letting go of the decisions and actions others have made for themselves and realize you can’t “fix” anyone or anything.
As a child, I remember being told to put others first and not to be selfish. Hence, if I could make others happy, I would be. Part of my sacred journey was to realize that it is not selfish to take care of oneself first. To honor values and priorities, set loving boundaries, and release the need to fix anything or anyone.
Gratefully, at this point in my life, I have taken many steps and appreciate my sacred journey with Divine guidance of greater love and freedom.
Here are some practices for you. What are yours?
- Connection with others that make you smile, laugh, and bring joy.
- Being in nature (sitting by the water, walking in the woods, feeling the breeze)
- Practicing acts of kindness, noticing and acknowledging special moments.
- Listen to or watch something light-hearted.
- Start each day with a grateful heart.
- Journal open-ended questions or statements.
I would love to hear how you are navigating your “sacred journey.”
Much love, health, and happiness!!!
