Be Willing
Explore the importance of inner transformation and why many people avoid it. Uncover how true healing comes from within and what the critical first step is all about. Learn about the difference between saying "I'm willing" and truly being willing to do your inner work. Begin the process by showing up for yourself and building a conscious relationship with the inner-self for meaningful change to flourish in your life.
I’ve been teaching The Living Art for 6 years now and I’ve had the honor of helping a variety of people overcome their limits. I often wonder why more people don’t walk this path. Recently, I realized that most aren’t aware that something is missing nor what it means to turn within. Many become comfortable with masking the uncomfortable feeling that keeps poking them by turning to something that will numb the pain. Is it that evening beverage, working out obsessively, the “buy now” retail therapy loop, or has food become a forever bestie? Instead of listening, turning to a familiar pattern might feel like a viable solution, but the reality is—it will never be a sustainable path to lasting inner peace. The reason? Because what requires healing is inside of you, not outside of you. External distractions pull you further away.
The Journey Begins.
When I review the different ways people have come to and intersected with my work, I see that there is one critical component on the journey of inner transformation. There is a starting point that is the same for everyone. And that is the first step.
We’ve all heard, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That single step is so important because it is your first step. I want to take you even deeper so that by the end of this post, you are crystal clear about what “taking the first step” means when it comes to applying it directly to your own life.
So, what is the first step? Where are you stepping? In what direction should you be looking? This way? That way? Where??? Before you get overwhelmed, just consider this. Think of the “first step” as an internal switch that needs to be turned on. Therefore, it’s not a physical step. It is a decision that you make within yourself so you can start the process of change. The crucial “first step” is being willing—being willing to introspect and get to know yourself. To be willing to get to know you, the real you, maybe for the first time. This is your first step.
The tricky part is that there is a difference between saying “I’m willing” and actually “being willing.” You can say “I’m willing”, but then continue to ignore doing the actual work. This is not “being willing”, but it’s pretending to be willing so you can trick yourself. This will only take you around in circles, eventually leaving you feeling frustrated and hopeless because no-thing is changing in your life. Let’s set ourselves up for success, instead.
Embrace An Introspective Journaling Practice:
Being willing, truly willing, is an internal shift that occurs so you can start the process of looking within. Being willing means, you give yourself permission to pause and look at yourself. To slow down so you can introspect. To look at yourself without any shame or fear, but with a curiosity. Then, you act. Journaling is a wonderful way to start the introspective process as it allows you to explore and discover. Start with a notebook and pen, then begin by asking yourself, “How am I doing today? I mean, really doing. Do I have any tension? What might be causing it?” Set the intentional space so you can allow whatever appears. Instead of trying to change what you hear or distort what you know to be true in your heart, see if you can approach this exercise without any judgements. You are the observer and your job is to listen and record.
To learn more about how to start your own journaling practice, I’ve written an entire blog post called “Journaling: A Path Within”.
Make time each day to do a simple check-in with yourself. You don’t have to create a complicated list of prompts to follow or put pressure on yourself to “perform”. Rather, you’re showing up with the intention to just see how you are doing on the inside.
Be Willing & Be Transformed.
The most important component of this entire process is YOU. Unless you show up for you, your life is going to continue along the same course. Until you decide that you’ve had enough, the locomotive called “my life” will keep chugging along the internal tracks that you’ve laid in place.
Even if these tracks were put in place unconsciously and even if they are causing you harm, they are the dominant narratives that control your life. You will not switch tracks unless you become conscious and start creating the new pathways within yourself.
If you don’t take the time to get to know yourself and take care of your inner-self, nothing will change. So, stay curious and understand that you’re taking the steps to build a relationship with yourself. It will take time, practice and devotion, but it is a path filled with promise and profound beauty.
I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.
What Is My Purpose?
Have you ever wondered, "What is my purpose?" You're not alone. Learn how this universal question can help you realize something far greater in your life by shifting your focus from finding a single purpose in life to realizing your full potential.
Unlocking the Mystery of Your Life's PurposE
The age-old question, “What is my purpose?" has echoed through the hearts of countless individuals across time. This enigmatic query has both intrigued and daunted us, often leaving us feeling adrift in a seemingly never-ending search for answers. My own quest for meaning began during my college years when I delved into the world of Eastern Philosophy. I found myself captivated by the wisdom emanating from these ancient masters, and I knew I had to learn more.
As life unfolded, it became my greatest teacher. Embracing the role of a devoted student, I have followed a longing to know and walked this path of discovery ever since. In doing so, I've unearthed a revelation that is essential to our evolution of Self, and it is directly related to purpose. The question, "What is my purpose?" feels like it is charged by a mysterious vortex that is propelling us to seek and find greater meaning in our life. However, in my research on growth and human potential, it is not as significant as we have come to believe. Instead, there is something far more profound—aligning with our limitless potential.
Embrace Your Infinite Potential
The concept of purpose is often perceived as something we must "find" or "uncover," as if it were an elusive treasure awaiting our discovery. However, the truth is that nothing in life is absolutely predetermined. While natural tendencies exist, we possess the power to transcend them.
The notion of purpose can be restrictive, as it implies that we are destined for a single path in life. Yet, we are complex beings with a multitude of interests and capabilities. Our potential is not confined to a singular purpose or occupation; it stems from our connection to the infinite All. As such, your potential represents the boundless energy ready to be channeled through you and into the world.
Our highest potential serves as a compass, guiding and inspiring us to continually evolve. This journey is not about becoming a specific label, such as an engineer or data analyst. Our true potential lies beyond these realms, within the vast expanse of Creation. If we have a purpose, it is to constantly grow and transform into extraordinary human beings, as we become increasingly aligned with our potential. Purpose, then, is not a destination, but the journey of uncovering what our potential truly is.
So, what does it mean to align with our potential as human beings? It involves transcending our past conditioning to embrace the best version of ourselves and honor all aspects of our being. Through conscious choices, we determine what is important to us and how we wish to contribute to the world. It is the process of immersing ourselves in a harmonious flow that resonates from our very core by doing our inner work and healing our fracturing.
Each of us possesses a unique combination of talents, passions, and experiences that naturally support a form of expression that is uniquely tuned to each of us. By exploring and nurturing these facets of our being, we can align with our potential, creating a life that is both fulfilling and empowering because it is an act of becoming. The various threads of who you BE flow together as a cohesive song to offer to the world.
How do we begin this alignment?
The journey starts with a deep understanding of ourselves. Here are four practical tips to help you embark on this path of self-discovery:
1. Journaling: 1. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be a powerful tool for self-reflection. I’ve written a post on this topic of journaling which you can read here. Dedicate time each day to journaling, and explore the following questions:
· What brings me joy?
· What am I passionate about?
· What are my strengths and weaknesses?
· What experiences have shaped me into the person I am today?
· What kind of impact do I want to have on the world?
2. Spend time in nature: Regularly immerse yourself in natural settings to quiet the noise of everyday life, allowing for deeper introspection and self-discovery. When was the last time you walked barefoot or woke up early to step outside and greet the rising sun? Get outside and engage your senses, practice mindful walking, reflect on your experiences, and observe nature's wisdom to foster a greater understanding of your true self.
3. Experiment with new experiences: Actively pursue new hobbies, join clubs or organizations, and attend workshops or classes that interest you. These experiences can not only help you uncover hidden passions or talents, but they help you break free of routines and conditioned patterning, so you are more open to possibilities. You’ll find that it fosters your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
4. Practice gratitude: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help you become more aware of the positive aspects of your life and shift your focus towards what fuels you to grow. Pick a consistent time each day (when you first wake up, at noon or before you go to bed) to take 5 minutes to close your eyes reflect on what you are grateful for. Instead of it being a list you cruise through, feel the emotion of gratitude, and allow it to soak your entire being.
Action Leads to Success
Endeavor to incorporate at least one of the above-mentioned practical tips in your daily life. By doing so, you can foster a deep understanding of yourself and start building a practice for inner exploration. This is the foundation of aligning with your true potential. Potential is not something you can learn from a textbook or a Google search because it is an intimate, internal process of embodying and becoming a living masterpiece.
Remember, your potential is unique to you and can only be discovered by traversing your own path. My work here with The Living Art is devoted to helping people walk this pathless path. The key is to remain authentic to your own process of blossoming and not be swayed by societal expectations or the opinions of others. You are learning to be guided by the unseen dimensions of your innate essence, which comes alive as you focus in on that direction. By opening up to the possibility that life has more to offer, you begin to unlock your true potential.
The question “What is my purpose?" can serve as a valuable catalyst for self-reflection. However, the ultimate goal is not to reveal a predetermined purpose, but to cultivate our inner world and allow our potential to flourish from within. As a human being, you have the capacity to craft a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful. By exploring our passions, developing our talents, and staying true to ourselves, we can align with our potential and create a life that is uniquely harmonized to us.
May this message resonate with you, igniting your curiosity and inspire you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery to BE the living expression of your highest potential. You possess the power to create a beautiful and rewarding life—all that is required is the courage to believe that it is within your grasp. I cannot tell you what your own personal experience will be, but I can absolutely tell you that it is the most exquisite journey.
Embrace the adventure of aligning with your infinite potential, and revel in the knowledge that you are capable of crafting a life that is truly yours.
I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.
