An authentic journey, but how authentic?
Yesterday I had a mystical and authentic journey, where I met my Higher Self.
We sat under a rainbow watching the sunset, and shared a joyous and inspiring meditation that awakened our inner wisdom to the spirit of abundance.
Doesn’t that sound glorious? Do you feel fulfilled? Are your senses sparkling with the brilliance of these words — this genuine vision?
Ok, enough already!
Sometimes I feel that if I see the words inspiration, abundance, authentic and awakening one more time I’ll throw up. Do you feel dizzy with all this personal development crap that you’ve been reading?
I do. Sometimes.
Still, I keep reading, and reading, and reading. Keep reading.
Spun out on the spiritual
I feel like a hamster in a wheel, spinning out of control.
Sometimes, instead of feeling more hopeful and spiritual, I feel smaller and lost in this huge ocean of supposedly positive ripples that I’m sending out to the universe. I’m caught in a perpetual wheel of self-discovery that spins me into a hole.
And what’s worse is that I write about it too! All the time. I’m addicted. Who am I? Really?
I pray that the wheel will stop spinning so that I can figure this out. But even when it does stop my world is still spinning around me. It’s better to go with the flow to stop the dizziness. Hold that thought.
Is there a self-help book for this?
If there was (and maybe there is, I haven’t Googled it), what would it be called? Certainly not “What Colour Is Your Parachute” or “The Power Of Now”.
How about What Colour Is Your Life Jacket, or The Power Of When.
I know I would read it. I would be better for reading it. I would have all the answers. Then, I would write about it.
I would share it with everyone. They would love me for it. I would be famous. I would be rich.
Write no list, make no plan, set no goals
This is your chance to take a much needed break from personal development.
Take some time to chew and swallow what you’ve read today. Digest it. Relax. Go play. Go sleep. Put that book down. Turn off your computer.
Give the spirit room to grow — time to find it’s rhythm. Let the dizziness subside. When our senses are awakened and not frozen, we can learn without turning it into a personal issue and without feeling a need for it.
Bless our hearts. We’re trying to absorb it all. Trying to be better. Trying to get somewhere.
Well, we’ve already arrived. We’re here. What else is there… but here?
We can’t do any more than we are doing. We’ve just forgotten to sit back and enjoy the view. To just notice. We don’t have to pick every flower. Sing every song. Climb every mountain. We can just sit. Just listen and observe.
Just when you think you stand above all others, there will be yet another kneecap staring you in the face. If you reach high enough you might be able to take that person’s hand.
- Davina (ahem, that’s me and this is one of my contributions to The Quote Effect)
We’re all in this together, because of each other. And that makes us real.
If you weren’t focused on making yourself better what do you think you would be doing?
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Hi Davina,
I love this post! Mainly because I was just thinking the same as I was going through my reader trying to catch up on blog reading. After lunch I walked past a tennis court and suddenly just wished I could spend the afternoon playing tennis and not worry about anything else. I like your saying: we don’t have to smell every flower, sing every song, climb every mountain.
Daphne’s last blog post..Interview: Lance from Jungle of Life
Hi Davina – I hear you. I love to read self help books, too. I’m currently reading three, but like you said, it best to put the book down and stop to enjoy life and where we are “now”, and to absorb what we read. You’re right, we do need to “give the spirit room to grow”.
BTW: I LOVE your quote. It will make a fabulous entry in your book.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..When Non-Blogger Friends Don’t Get It
I dunno, Davina – any self-help material worth its salt would lead to life being more satisfying, not spinning out of control. There IS a lot of crap out there – books, blogs and speakers – you must be tuning into the wrong ones! heheh
Robin’s last blog post..5-Year Plan For This Blog
Hi, Davina: Every word you wrote…ahh… I remember well being in that place of seeking, reaching, growing, practicing, perfecting—and you’re absolutely right: It WAS dizzying! …because I was so impatient. Your wisdom shines, here, when you advise slowing down and allowing inner growth the time needed to absorb newly found knowledge. One step at a time… Perfection takes time. ;)
Julie’s last blog post..This is the Day!
…maybe I’d be sleeping (and maybe that would be making me better…healthier…more alert…hmmm). And, I’m agreeing with Daphne – I like your line about “We don’t have to pick every flower. Sing every song. Climb every mountain.” – and it all sounds all right. And life does go on…
Lance’s last blog post..This Is A Day Of Joy
@Davina
You too? Thank GOD! (I thought I was the only one who felt this way).
Lately, I find Blogoland is SATURATED with advice on self-help. I wonder is everyone a Life Coach except me?
There seems to be an extra abundance of it these past few weeks. I dunno what it is. A global Blogging self-realization, perhaps? Jupiter aligning with Libra? Or mabye people have been sniffing too much happy gas.
Anyway, I’ve reached my Limit. Please, no more life-changing quotes. No more inspirational stories about little Timmy who fell down the well and then went on to win the Super Bowl. No more lists of things to do to improve my life and reach the 7th Level of Nirvana. Enough already!
I think We (as in Blogo-Land “We”) have way to much time on our hands. Sometimes we need to just get our head out of our arses, to stop navel-gazing, and get out there and ENJOY life, instead of trying to analyze each and every step of the journey.
Friar’s last blog post..Recent Update on Basil the Special Dog
You’ve hit the nail on the head – there are a lot of “voices” out there right now on the personal development “channel” and some are type A personalities who are “preaching” a form of self development boot camp.
Personally – I think YOU should write the book you’re asking for above! How about it? I can hook you up with a GREAT publisher!
Kathy @ Virtual Impax’s last blog post..How Familiarity Breeds Business a.k.a. the power of word of mouth
Thanks very much for this post. I really love this sentence “Take some time to chew and swallow what you’ve read today.” The truth about personal development is what you have revealed and many people needs to understand the principle of personal growth.
moses’s last blog post..SNOW
Fantastic. There are a million ways to write about personal development and a million people doing it. But if all we do is read & write, then it’s just…well I’m not going to say that after all because it’s not polite. But it’s completely missing the point anyway.
That’s one reason I’ve told myself that I’m only going to write on this blog 2 or 3 times a week. If I do it every day, then it’s going to suck a precious 30-45 minutes (or more!) out of my days. Writing isn’t the only thing that makes me happy.
Ruth’s last blog post..Judge Not? Why Not?
Hi Daphne, and welcome.
Playing tennis is fun. Better exercise than reading that’s for sure. It’s stimulating too. Ah, but so is blogging though :-)
Hi Robin.
I know what you mean. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading personal development material. I think I’ve been overdosing on it or something.
Hi Julie.
I remember that feeling of well-being — sounds relaxing. I guess this is something to get used to with so many ways to access information these days. It can be dizzying sometimes… especially when the mind is trying to make “sense” of it.
Hi Lance.
Better, healthier and more alert… and ready for the next round ;-)
Hi Friar.
This is why I read your blog. It’s a good break… a digestive aid, LOL. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I get too serious sometimes, and quite easily. You remind me to laugh, and make me laugh. You have a wicked sense of humour.
If you were a life coach, and I didn’t already work with one myself, I would hire you.
Hi Kathy.
I’ve hit the nail on the head — that’s good, because usually the hammer hits a finger or something. I’d LOVE to write THAT book! When, where, and who?
Hi Moses.
Thanks for your comment. As a nutritionist, I can vouch for effectiveness of chewing properly and swallowing. Seems this applies to the mind too. How do you take the time to slow down and absorb what you are reading? What would you recommend as a “digestive aid”?
Hi Ruth. Welcome, and thanks for your comment.
“Writing isn’t the only thing that makes me happy.” I agree — it’s good to have other pursuits and not lose sight of other interests. It gives a person more balance and less chance of dulling their mind… With blogging this can get out of control so easily. Don’t do what I’ve been doing ;-)
Hi Davina,
I would call it simply being present…but I know what you mean…there is so much to absorb and read and sometimes I grumble about “I should be writing not reading.”
But in the end, it’s all good…”Be grateful for the ability to see something imperfect as perfect!” :)
Back again soon,
Henie
Henie’s last blog post..Little Big Things
The journey of life, of developing self awareness, is not a straight line. Sometimes we step in to play and sometimes we need to rest. Enjoy your rest. Resting is part of the process. [Did you notice how I did not use the words inspiration, abundance, authentic and awakening in my comment…but I did squeeze in the words awareness and process.]
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..To Enjoy Life
Hi Barbara.
Sorry, for some reason you went into my spam folder. Enjoy reading those three books — if your world isn’t spinning you’re good :-)
Hi Henie.
“Be grateful for the ability to see something imperfect as perfect!” Well said.
Hi Stacey.
Thanks for the break. LOL.
It is addictive for the most part but I have to confess that I sometimes get tired too with reading personal development stuff. I’m all for balance and that is why I make it a point to plan for breaks. In fact, I just came back from tea with a friend whom I have not seen in years.
If I am not spending time improving myself, I’d probably be doing something like scrapbooking or painting. I derive a lot of joy when my mind is engaged creatively.
It is true that many self improvement sites are marrying personal development and spirituality. Perhaps it really points to the increased collective consciousness thingie, as predicted in the run-up to 2012. Not a bad idea to be in the midst of it all!!
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Mouths Are Flapping
Hi Evelyn.
Agreed, it is addictive. Planning for breaks is important. I’m having tea with a friend today too. One of the disadvantages of working at home is that you miss interacting with other people.
Scrapbooking is fun. It’s good to get away from the computer screen for a while. There probably is something to what you’ve said about 2012. I suspect that after the 2010 Olympics we will start hearing more as it approaches.
“If you weren’t focused on making yourself better what do you think you would be doing?”
The total opposite which is too “easy” for me to do. For now, I need the “awareness” that I was headed down the road of self destruction.
Carla’s last blog post..Green + Chic Product Review: Golden Earth
Unfortunately, we’ve been trained to focus on our weaknesses. I just read why this is not good at http://tinyurl.com/8w7gzv. Very insightful read!
SpaceAgeSage — Lori’s last blog post..Do you fake it to make it?
If I did not care about my personal path, I’d focus more on walking the dog. :)
Seriously, walking is a huge help for me. I reconnect with nature, I find solutions to my challenges, I grow. Plus the dog stays happy. :D
Squawkfox’s last blog post..Free Printable Workout Log
How much self improvement can we really absorb?? I understand, I understand. Hope you’re enjoying your time away.. You better be. :) It is so important to let our minds rest and absorb and think….
What would I be doing? I would be sitting in the arms of my wonderful husband with not a care in the world – if he were home now. :) Then I would paint or do some form of art.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
Hi Carla.
I hope you’ve moved off that path of self-destruction — you are “aware” if you know you’re there. I’ve found a good analogy that works for this. Compare your life or Self to a home. Some rooms are brightly lit, while others are in the dark. Sometimes you just need to go to some of those dark rooms to turn on the light.
Hi Lori.
I just read JD’s post. Thank you! This IS what has been getting to me! I’ve been focusing on what I want to improve, rather than on enhancing what already is working. It’s so clear now.
The part that is whining about all those “juicy” words is the part that doesn’t need the work — it’s just a black hole that keeps eating everything up. When I think or read those “juicy” words from the perspective of the part that is “ok” there is no groaning. Brilliant Lori… and JD!
Hi Squawkfox.
A happy pooch makes a happy dog owner, and vice versa. Walking has incredible benefits — connecting with nature is one of the best ways I know to find “answers”.
Hi Jennifer.
I had a good visit with my friend, thanks. And a walk home in the cold and fog. What a wake-up that was. Sitting in the arms of a wonderful husband… is that a fairy tale? LOL Sounds perfect. And you’re naturally becoming “better” while doing this, without expecting it. You are a lucky girl.
“Sometimes I feel that if I see the words inspiration, abundance, authentic and awakening one more time I’ll throw up.”
That’s because you need more passion! And goals!
j/k :D
Chris | Martial Development’s last blog post..Our Top Martial Arts Blogs – The Year in Review
Well, you KNOW I agree, because I’m hibernating. Look at nature — nothing just grows and grows without becoming depleted of nutrients. It needs to rest, to eat, to drink. And we don’t just eat one thing, all the time. Besides, I don’t think we were meant to do all our growing in just one lifetime. :-)
Dot’s last blog post..The Presidential Inauguration
Hi Chris.
Darn, you made me read THOSE words again, LOL. More passion? More… ugh… goals? I dare ask, what do you recommend?
Hi Dot.
“I don’t think we were meant to do all our growing in just one lifetime.” Wow, I love that perspective. I’m glad you came out of hibernation today. :-)
Hi Davina,
As you may know I’ve dedicated this year to exploring the connection between authenticity and prosperity. Why? Because that’s the number one thing that most everyone, including coaching clients and our fellow bloggers want. They want to simply be who they are, do what they feel like and be paid very well for it. I believe that ending work-fulfillment poverty is a worthy goal.
I can certainly understand your exasperation. In the past I’ve felt the same way about the multitude of productivity posts that the success of Zen Habits has seemed to spawn.
I also understand what Friar is saying about coaching. The entry to our profession only requires the balls to say you are a coach. Yet as a coach, I can usually tell whether that coach/author is actually working with clients on the issues that they write about. Find an article like that and it’s a good one.
Carla makes a good point. She needs the awareness now. It all depends where one finds themselves on the cycle of discovery, awareness, focus and execution. Like a good friend says, “to find shit out, you’ve got to do shit.”
I don’t know where you find yourself but I would guess that wherever it is you’re ready to move to the next stage of the cycle ,so you can feel the inspiration once more. Knowing you, I’m sure it won’t be long. :)
I think that you’ve touched on a very interesting phenomena. If so many people weren’t searching outside of themselves for the answer or the secret to life, happiness or bliss, then we wouldn’t see so many self-help authors purporting to have found it. The very thing you have ranted about, authenticity, is the very experience that most have way too little of in their lives. The problem isn’t an excess of posts about authenticity but a paucity of practice within it.
Finally some of the stuff you’ve been reading may not be authentic. If an author is writing without having lived what he’s writing about, it can stink like that. The good news about this post is that it is authentic. You wrote form the heart of what you were thinking and feeling that day. Who can ask for more?
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Five Mood Enhancers for Business Success
This is a very interesting question Davina. I think if I weren’t focusing on my personal development, I would probably be working a 9-5 job and very much unconscious. I don’t necessarily think that’s bad, but I think deep down I would feel my heart tug at my consciousness every now and then.
I’m really enjoying your insights, they are thought provoking – and that’s always good. :)
Hi Tom.
“The problem isn’t an excess of posts about authenticity but a paucity of practice within it.” A brilliant statement! Thank you.
And thank you for reading, “seeing” and not judging. This is what my tagline “Taking the Personal out of Personal Development” is all about.
As I shared with you in my email, I read very recently on Liara’s blog, DreamBuilders[dot]com that we are not honouring our gifts or ourselves if we are not… here I go… LOL, authentically expressing our truth.
My interpretation of that was… Dare to be different by Being who we are, not by being who we think we should be, or saying what we think people want to hear. So, that’s where this came from.
I was noticing “stuff” in myself and came to a place where I could express it in a gentle way.
Thanks again Tom… “Delightful Work” :-)
Hi Nathalie, and welcome!
Thank you for your comment. That’s a great answer. And this is kind of a trick question isn’t it? By not focusing on what you can improve or enhance, and by just “doing your thing” you naturally are drawn towards where you need to be — your Crimson Compass at work.
Hi
Yes, I can definitely relate. I recently wrote a post about what to do with all of this overwhelming personal development knowledge.
Recently I made a decision to cut back on some reading and get back into some living.
Thank you for pointing this out!
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet’s last blog post..What Are You Thirsting For?
If I wasn’t trying to make myself better, I’d probably play a lot more video games. Instead I am playing with a rubick’s cube and reading books.
the weakonomist’s last blog post..Weaky #11: Sweet Home, Nigeria
Hi Davina,
We as a personal development focused group of people have this habit of always looking into the future and always trying to improve ourselves through study, practice, or what have you.
I recently received some age old advice from a friend to just learn to enjoy the moment that is called now. The present. And you know what? It is about a balance and for most of us the focus needs to come a little off of the future and more into the present.
Great article and great thoughts!
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Day’s last blog post..Group Writing Project: Creating Value
Hi Juliet.
Thanks for visiting and commenting. I’ll read that article of yours — I’m open to ideas. “Get back into some living.” Gee, it sounds so simple. Hmm, today the sun is shining… I wonder…
Hi Weakonomist.
Thanks for the visit. Playing video games is addictive… just like blogging… In highschool I used to play pinball and pacman all the time. Went through a lot of quarters. Rubick’s cube, that’s a tricky one. Have you finished it?
Hi Jeremy.
Welcome. Thanks for your comment. You’re absolutely right. Tisk, tisk… I keep forgetting about that NOW. Thanks for the reminder. Haven’t I read that somewhere before? LOL.
If you feel sick, then discomfort is always drawing your attention to something you resist. As you move to identify the source of discomfort, you begin to come-to-terms withe the power of ego and also how you can evolve to discipline your mind differently. You make all your choices as an unconscious way to help yourself. Believe that.
Liara Covert’s last blog post..10 Reasons to face your fear
Thank you Davina…
Liara says,” if you feel sick then the discomfort is always drawing your attention to something you resist.”
Well, I am in big discomfort and making those around me uncomfortable too. What am I resisting? That has been my driving question of my life.
I like dwelling on Dr. Marshall Rosenberg’s statement: “the goal of life is to serve life.” That is an Epiphany that only comes from action…
Ever read the book: Don’t Push the River by Barry Stevens?
patricia’s last blog post..Never Build on Your Food Supply
“We don’t have to pick every flower. Sing every song. Climb every mountain. We can just sit. Just listen and observe.” Very, very good advise!
Tammie @ Are You For Real?’s last blog post..How To Use Blessings?
@Davina and Tom – Great analogies! Thank you for the helpful advice. :)
Does a tree need advice how to grow a branch?
Does a bee needs flying workshops?
Do flowers read self help books?
Do you need advice how to be yourself?
Stop being somebody else!
Buddha of Hollywwod’s last blog post..Enlightenment 103
Hi Liara.
“You make all your choices as an unconscious way to help yourself.” I will accept that truth. Thank you.
Hi Patricia.
I WISH I had the answer for you about this discomfort. Re Dr. Marshall Rosenberg’s statement, “The goal of life is to serve life,” how do you think this “situation” might be serving your life and those around you? I want to respect your privacy… let’s chat about this in email, if you want to explore further? I haven’t read Don’t Push the River. I suspect you would recommend it?
Hi Tammie.
Welcome. I’m glad you found this helpful.
Hi Carla.
You are welcome. My pleasure :-)
Hi Buddha.
That’s quite an entrance. Hurray for Hollywood. Who are you being?
Davina,
I have two discomforts that have surfaced right now: my internet crisis which has taken me back to the FCC creating this controlling situation and monopoly problem with their rulings under Michael Powell and his replacement. Citizens in the USA need to confront the freedom of speech issue now, while Obama is new as my research shows that there are limits to freedom of speech to the Internet coming our way! How to inform people once again.
And the crisis of my health situation is my second resistance. I have spent most of my life as a health educator – resourcing for folks how to become knowledgeable about themselves and the health care situation. And here am I ill and absolutely NO ONE is listening to me about what I know about my body…Right now my resistance is tied to that fact that I have pain and fatigue. But I know that I must get back to educating folks and teaching what our Great Great Grandparents once knew and passed on.
The book is about living in the here and now and enjoying life. You do with it what you would like to but I just put it out as a resource. It is another of my books that is falling apart.
I personally believe one always finds “life” by living and trial and error, the Epiphany experience, I write about on my blog, and that always comes to me when I am doing for others not for myself or reading books. Most on my Integrating of ideas happen when I am walking or swimming.
patricia’s last blog post..Doctor, Doctor are you Listening?
“What Colour Is Your Life Jacket, or The Power Of When” Hilarious!
If I weren’t so busy trying to work on myself… probably writing and reading poetry all day, running and walking more. Probably not trying to work so hard to get better on the guitar, or I should say worrying so much about getting good on guitar.
btw, my e-mail has been down so I am sorry I have not responded to you yet, as I so wish to.
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Like a bord on a wire, 3
Hi Patricia. I was reading your recent post today and can understand your frustration with the doctors. I wonder how far “book knowledge” will take them as long as they continue to categorize their patients in this way. You know, I think that even if you felt that they were listening to you, that would be half the battle right there. Perhaps if they listened, they would have to admit that they didn’t have the answers.
I can relate to what you’ve said about living by trial and error. That’s how I learn the best.
Hi Jannie.
Funny, I imagined you already do a lot of writing and reading of poetry. Your blog is testament to that :-) No worries about the email. All in good time.
Oh yes, it’s easy to get caught up in the reading and learning and totally forget to absorb it all or start bringing new habits into our actual living. This is a great post and an excellent reminder that self-improvement is no good if we don’t actually take the time to put it into practice.
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Why Proofreading Matters
Hi Melissa.
Thank you. It seems that maybe the fear of trying and failing keeps a person reading instead.
Hi Davina – This is a great post. Maybe we need to stop trying to be perfect and just allow time to be us. I love your quote as well. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve written a slight variation: “When you think you stand above all others, that’s when you’ve *really* got problems..”
Hmm. I think I should have sent that in for your eBook. It’s more concise then the stuff I submitted!
Simon’s last blog post..Follow My Leader?
Hi Simon.
Thank you. I like your variation of the quote. So true! You can still replace one of your earlier submissions with this one if you want to. I haven’t started to compile the book yet.
Davina,
I recommend proactively setting a goal to increase your passion for productivity.
Chris | Martial Development’s last blog post..The Evolution of MMA and Dodo Birds
Hi Chris.
Thanks for the suggestion. I think my passion for productivity IS the problem, LOL.
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