It's November 1st! I feel a sense of excitement in me at the moment. Maybe it's because of the new month or because it's my birthday month or because it's autumn. I really love this season - the colors, crisp air, crunchy leaves. I know there is a shift happening. Sometimes, I just want to burst open, like right now.

Happy November and happy writing to all who are writing a novel this month!

I got some news yesterday that kind of sent me into a spin. When that happens, I tend to retreat inside to that place where no one can see all the hurt. When I got home, I let the emotions out and it was cathartic. The little voices inside were all wanting to be heard. Of course I heard the negative one first, the one that tells you that you're not good enough, not worthy, etc. But this time, it wasn't as loud as before. This time, there were other voices. This morning, the other voices became louder. I heard again the message "Stand in your own power". My life has been a bit foggy the past several months. Sometimes, the fog lifts but other times, it comes thick and heavy and I cannot see beyond arms length. There is this knowing within that guides me even in the thick of things. The seeds that I've been planting in the past several months are definitely taking root. I have more resources within to deal with external events that upset me. I realise that there will be upsets that send me off kilter for a bit. But that is all part of the path.

I read the following quote from this article in Yoga Journal and wanted to share it. It talks about clinging and the pursuit of happiness. Life is a dance.

"Life dances and you have to dance with it, whether it is taking you on a wonderful ride or is stepping on your toes. This is the necessary price and transcendent gift of being incarnate—alive in a body. But it is just life dancing. Life will move you in the rhythm and direction of its own nature. Each moment is a fresh moment in the dance, and if you are lost in clinging to the past or clinging to your hopes or fears of the future, you are not present for the dance."
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"Herein lies the paradox common to mystical teachings in most spiritual traditions: In order to be fully alive, you also have to die. When you cling to the past or future, believing you are holding onto something precious, you are denying what is sacred about life. Your life, with its unique pains and joys, can only be reconciled in your surrender to the truth of your experiences as they arise one moment after another, never fixed, always moving. A beautiful sunrise, a baby's smile, a broken heart, cancer, the loss of love—open fully to the experiences of your life in all their mysterious manifestations. Meet each of these moments with compassion, loving-kindness, and your very best response. Then let loose of each in turn, for however beguiling in their beauty or their horror, they are truly only life dancing."

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This was from the Daily Om. I’m getting a lot of messages of letting go, of surrendering, and that all is well…

Cosmic Support
The Universe's Plan For You

The path that speeds us toward our dreams can be a challenging and complex one, so it's easy to get bogged down in confusion and insecurities. We often hesitate at the start of that path, questioning our purpose or our capabilities. Yet we should be moving forward joyously, eager to discover what destiny has in store for us. The universe has plans for us that eclipse anything we have dreamed of thus far. Though we must work diligently to fulfill our potential and to accomplish our individual missions, the universe is aware of both the quests we chose before birth and the goals we have formulated in adulthood. If we accept that it us watching over us and believe that it will facilitate our eventual success, the universe will provide us with the assistance and opportunities that enable us to make significant progress on our journeys of ambition.

Nothing happens without a purpose. Whether we attract success or repel it depends on our willingness to stay open to a wide range of possibilities and to embrace concepts like synchronicity. The universe is always ready to care for our needs, but we must not write off its loving attention as mere circumstance or chance. Likewise, we must endeavor to ensure that our egos do not become a barrier that prevents us from recognizing that even perceived mistakes and strife can be profound lessons that smooth the progress of personal evolution. When we understand that we only need to enthusiastically try our best to realize our objectives, the universe will take care of the details, propelling us forward in its unstoppable current. We may not always immediately understand the significance of certain experiences, but our trust will help us choose wisely at each crossroads.

The universe wants to see you accomplish your goals. No matter how long you've dallied or hesitated, it will always be there to put its plan for you in motion at the first sign of your faith. You can make the most of this aid by acquiescing to it rather than fighting it-nurture your dreams but do not attempt to micromanage every detail along the way. The universe will provide you with guidance and, if you heed that guidance, you will find your formerly stressful quest for success will become a journey of great joy.

I have heard this famous phrase by Joseph Campbell on many occasions. Follow your bliss. What does that really mean?

I've been re-defining this for myself lately. In the past, it's always been associated with career for me. Following my bliss career-wise meant doing things that may be challenging, that may lead to disappointment but in the end, when it comes to my career, there is this solid foundation of doing what is right for me and knowing that I can do it.

Following my bliss has taken on a different perspective lately. When it comes to matters of the heart, I have not always followed my bliss. I have remained in relationships which were no longer helping me to grow. I have maintained friendships out of loyalty, obligation and nostalgia. I have done things to please other people because I didn't want to be a burden.

I remember a situation I had with a friend of mine a few years back. I was living in London at the time and we were up in Scotland visiting her father. We were out grocery shopping for our lasagne dinner. She picked up the pasta and asked what kind of meat we would like. She forgot that I did not eat beef or pork and I decided not to say anything. I thought I was being the good guest and going with the flow. When we got home and she realised that I didn't eat meat and blew a fit that I hadn't said anything in the store. Boy, I have never had such an argument with a friend before. We were both crying in the end. This story has really stuck with me. I learned several lessons from this situation: 1) listen to the little voice that tells you to speak up, 2) not voicing my needs/wants not only affected me but also affected my friend, 3) be honest, even if it means stepping out of my zone of comfort and having things not go as planned.

So lately, I have taken the phrase of "following my bliss" and applied it into my personal life and boy has it ever made a difference! In the past month, I made a committment to be a more authentic being. I realise that when I am true to myself, other people benefit as well. When that little voice speaks up and says, "don't do it", I listen. When I get this tightness in my chest that warns me that something isn't right, I listen. I must admit that it's not easy to always hear that voice or see the signals your body gives you. I like this new definition of following my bliss. What does it mean to you?

Here's another great article from Yoga Journal. It relates to what I  wrote in my last blog about following my bliss and listening to that little voice inside and doing what is right for you, not for anyone else.

Your personal dharma is the path you follow toward the highest expression of your own nature and toward the fulfillment of your responsibilities to yourself, to others, to your society, and to the planet...and for most of us, personal dharma comes down to that most basic question: What is the right thing for me to do now? or, Given my nature, my skills, and my personal preferences, what actions should I take to support the greater good?

Tomorrow is my birthday. I get very nostalgic and sentimental at this time of year. As I look back on this past year, I am grateful for every moment I've had. I am grateful for the challenges, lessons  and joy I'm experiencing. I am grateful for all the people who have touched my life - all the kind acts and words, all the challenges, all the heartache, all the different points of view have all lead me to this path. I am grateful for this life.