Beyond Happiness

Externalized Pursuits

In our modern lifestyle, we are constantly bombarded with images and messages promoting an idealized version of happiness.  The marionette of happiness tells us we will finally be at peace when we have found the dream job, the loving partner, or the perfect fill in the blank.  But what if we've been asleep and sleepwalking towards something that can never quench our thirst?  No matter how enticing and convincing the illusion may be, the external world is not capable of filling you. 

Peacefulness is at the core of what we all desire.  It’s there, embedded within us.  For some it is more accessible than others, but it’s like a silent heartbeat that animates all of us.  In the extroverted landscape of our current society, happiness has become a misdirection. Why?  Because it is too often connected with gaining something outside of ourselves.  True peacefulness is not about the accumulation of external things nor is it the story of an externally focused life.  Rather, it is about turning our gaze inward and taking charge of managing our own well-being from within.  In this blog post, I’d like to explore the concept of peacefulness, how it differs from our modern definition of happiness, and how we can cultivate this essential quality within ourselves.

The Illusion of Happiness

Happiness, as we've come to understand it in our culture, is often tied to external circumstances.  We believe that once we have achieved a certain level of success, recognition, or material wealth, we will finally be happy.  But this pursuit of happiness is elusive; we are always striving for more, never truly satisfied with what we have.  Even once we attain the “thing” we’ve been chasing, it offers only a temporary charge of relief.  The hunger will return and throw you back into the hunt for happiness.  This constant striving can leave us feeling empty, disconnected, and ultimately unfulfilled.

The journey of self-discovery asks us to become conscious of our unconscious patterns, so we can wake up and make new choices that are in alignment with our innate potential.  No longer hemorrhaging our life energy and paying homage to false idols, all the while becoming more and more depleted within ourselves.  Continuing on the illusion of happiness treadmill is not only exhausting, but unnecessary.  We mistakenly believe that finding peace is somehow connected to "being happy" and that this will be achieved once the perfect circumstances arise in our lives. However, this mindset only serves to perpetuate our dissatisfaction and discontent.

Redefining Peacefulness

Being peaceful is an inner quality.  It’s not something you can pretend to embody or force yourself to accept because it is a state of being.  It arises as a result of digesting the true nature of life—that we can react, or we can respond to the moment.  When we react, we become entangled and drift further into the illusion of separation.  Emotions such as anger, frustration, and shame take root and we become lost to these powerful reactions, swept up in the drama.  When we respond, we are residing in Awareness and can make a conscious choice about how to manage ourselves.  Anger can still arise, but awareness allows us to be conscious of this reaction.  Meaning, we won’t follow it into the grips of chaos because we are going to choose a new outcome within ourselves.  In this way, being in control of how we show up in life is the path to peacefulness. 

When we remain focused on the external world as the provider of how we feel within ourselves, we are most certainly setting ourselves up for a challenging and ultimately miserable existence.  For example, you are in line for a significant promotion, and you feel anxious anticipation because your self-worth is tied up in the result.  You get the promotion, happy celebration.  You don’t get the promotion, dejected depression.  What if instead, you approached the situation through the lens of Awareness as an opportunity to grow, no matter what the outcome?  Then, we are inviting peacefulness into our lives because we are not being defined by the moment, but we are defining the moment.    

Experience Makes It Yours

To fully comprehend this internal shift, it must be awakened within us.  No amount of reading or studying can replace the authenticity of experience.  I’ve created an exercise to facilitate this process so you can set yourself up for success.  You’re going to choose one area of your life to begin with where you can consciously set up the parameters beforehand.  This way, you will already have the framework in place so you can create the space for Awareness to meet you.  Let's explore this technique that will help you nurture inner peace and transform your life. 

A Process to Cultivate Peacefulness

• For this exercise, you’ll need a journal and writing utensil.

• Set aside at least 30 minutes and start by identifying one situation in your life where you feel happy when you get outcome A and you feel upset if you get outcome B.  For example, you feel happy when traffic is light, and you feel annoyed when it is heavy.  You feel happy when your daily meeting is short, and you feel frustrated with it drags on. Write down your answer. 

  • Talk more about the situation and explore your own reactions.  Observe yourself and explain in as much detail as you can what happens when you get the outcome you want and what happens when you don’t.

• Now, if you remove the outside situation that triggers a response within you, how would you like to feel?  You have complete control over how you feel in the situation, how would you like to feel instead?  Inspired?  Grateful?  Calm?  Write out your responses and be mindful not to get caught up in the mind chatter of, “That will never happen”.

• Next, make a list of things that can support you in feeling the emotions you wrote about above.  If you are driving and get stuck in traffic, maybe you wrote down that you’d like to feel inspired.  What would help you feel inspired?  Would it be listening to an uplifting audio book?  A favorite podcast?  Or a certain style of music that eases your mind?

• Get prepared so that next time you are in whatever situation, you are ready to become conscious and take action. In this way, you have prepped the inner-scape beforehand so you are ready to make a new choice instead of defaulting to your usual unconscious habit.

• Finally, put it into action.  When you are faced with the situation you highlighted, use the resources you’ve prescribed for yourself.  If you don’t actively use the process, it will have absolutely no benefit for you. 

Embracing the Journey

Make a concerted effort to carry through with the above process.  It is a starting point and one that can be expanded out into other areas of your life.  You will see firsthand how it works and this experience is what you can build off of.  If you are met with resistance, say “hello, resistance!” and observe what is happening so you can find creative solutions to support yourself.  Remember, giving up isn’t a solution when change is what you seek. 

The path to peacefulness is a journey of self-discovery, requiring us to examine our beliefs, thoughts, and actions.  As we redefine peacefulness and shift our focus from external circumstances to our inner world, we can cultivate a life of contentment and balance.  The above exercise is proof that you are in control and can consciously respond to life instead of unconsciously reacting to life.  By implementing these creative tips, we can foster a sense of peacefulness that transcends the illusion of happiness.  As we embrace this new way of being, we become empowered to create a life that is not defined by the external world but rather by the deep and abiding peace that resides within us.

I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.

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Journaling: A Path Within

Unleash Your Inner World

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery can be a profound and life-changing experience.  One of the most accessible and effective tools to facilitate this exploration is journaling.  In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with our inner selves as we navigate the constant distractions and stimulation while being pulled in multiple directions.  Journaling offers a counterbalance to the chaos—a sanctuary where we can slow down, reconnect, and delve into the depths of our being.   In the practice I’ll share in this post, we will move away from our technology-centric every day to embrace the art of writing by hand, giving our minds the space to explore and create.

As a lifelong journaling enthusiast, I have experienced firsthand the incredible benefits of this practice.  From my childhood scribbles in a tiny Hello Kitty notepad to my present-day notebooks filled with insights and reflections, journaling has played a central role in my spiritual journey.  Discovering the connection point between self-evolution and journaling can be a truly transformative experience because of the harmonious relationship they share.  Due to being externally focused, many are not used to looking within, but this is the true arena for manifesting lasting change.  So, becoming comfortable with understanding ourselves from a deeper level is a crucial component of this work.  My hope is to inspire you to begin your own journaling adventure and provide guidance to create a practice that fosters self-discovery and growth.  

The Sacred Space of Journaling: Honoring Authenticity

Journaling is a deeply personal experience, an invitation to explore our inner landscape.  To truly harness its transformative power, we must be willing to embrace vulnerability and the unknown.  Surface-level writing may fill the pages, but they will not produce the necessary in-sight for self-evolution.  It is our authentic, honest self-expression that reveals the true path to inner growth.  Therefore, it’s important to remove the fear of being honest by reassuring ourselves that there will be no repercussions for our truth.  We are the ones consciously creating a safe space to freely express for our own benefit of self-realization.

For some, the thought of admitting how we really feel might be overwhelming and trigger a restrictive response where we clamp up.  Don’t use this as an excuse to give up before you try but turn it into an opportunity to grow.  I wrote an extensive blog post on “The Power of Honesty”, which you can read here. 

A Useful Visualization Tool

Use this visualization to help you overcome such hurdles.  Recognize any limiting thought forms and imagine that they are solid blocks of ice.  Close your eyes and with each breath, invite the sun to shine warm and bright upon the ice so that it begins to melt.  See it melting away with each breath as you bring more and more light forward, so that by the end the ice has completely melted.  In this way, you can acknowledge how you feel while allowing distractions to dissolve so they do not hamper your progress.     

Countless benefits can enhance our emotional well-being and personal development through the cultivated practice of journaling.  From increasing self-awareness to fostering emotional healing, journaling holds the key to unlocking our inner potential and creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.  In the following section, we will delve deeper into the numerous benefits of journaling, highlighting how this transformative practice can lead to profound self-discovery and growth.

The Benefits of Journaling:

1. Self-awareness: Journaling provides a mirror, reflecting the inner workings of our minds and hearts.  By documenting our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, we become more attuned to our inner world, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves.

2. Emotional healing: Writing allows us to express and process complex emotions, creating a safe space for emotional release and healing.  Journaling can be a therapeutic tool that aids in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Personal growth: As we write about our triumphs, challenges, and aspirations, journaling becomes a catalyst for personal growth.  It helps us to recognize patterns, set goals, and track our progress on the path to self-improvement.

4. Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making: By organizing our thoughts and exploring different perspectives, journaling can improve our problem-solving abilities and help us make more informed decisions.

5. Creativity and self-expression: Journaling is an artistic outlet that encourages creative thinking and unique self-expression, enabling us to explore our passions and hone our individual voices.

6. Mindfulness and presence: The practice of journaling cultivates mindfulness and presence, anchoring us in the present moment as we delve into the intricacies of our thoughts and emotions.

Now that you're familiar with the incredible benefits of journaling, it's time to embark on your own journaling adventure.  To help you get started and make the most of this transformative practice, I've compiled some practical tips to guide you on your journey:

  Embarking on Your Journaling Adventure: Tips for Getting Started

1. Find a journal that speaks to you: Whether it's a beautifully bound notebook or a simple composition book, choose a journal that resonates with you and sparks a sense of excitement.  Focus on a physical notebook instead of a digital app because we want the tactile experience of putting a writing utensil to paper.

2. Equip yourself with a favorite writing utensil: Just as a painter has their favorite brush, a writer needs a trusty pen (or pencil) to bring their thoughts to life.  Select a writing instrument that feels comfortable and enjoyable to use.

3. Create a dedicated journaling space: Designate a quiet, comfortable nook where you can write without distractions.  Personalize your space with soothing elements such as soft lighting, calming scents, or inspiring artwork.  Create a space that you look forward to spending time in each day.    

4. Establish a routine: Consistency is key in developing a successful journaling practice.  Set aside a specific time each day to write, whether it's in the morning with a cup of tea or at night before bed.  Approach it with a sense of wonderment so you don’t resist the idea of having “one more thing” to manage.  Instead, see it as an enhancement to your life and something that you choose to do for your own well-being. 

5. Choose a format that resonates: Experiment with different journaling formats to discover what works best for you. Try free-writing, prompts, gratitude lists, or a combination of methods.  Remain curious with the goal of finding something that resonates with you.  Don’t force the experience but embody a mindset of playfulness instead.  If you feel stuck, start each entry with the same question, such as “How are you feeling right now?”

6. Embrace vulnerability: Allow yourself to be open and honest in your journaling.  Your journal is a sacred space for authentic self-expression, free from judgment or expectation.  Give yourself full permission to look within and contemplate what you find. 

7. Reflect and grow: Periodically review your entries to glean insights into your personal development.  Use these reflections as a compass, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your true potential.

Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper—it's an invitation to embark on an intimate and deeply personal journey.  Engage the practice from the place of genuine intent so that it is a sustainable practice for you.  Recognize that each day might feel different and the words that flow might vary from day to day.  This is all perfectly acceptable, and you don’t need to beat yourself up for an experience that is called, the creative process.  As you set out on your journaling path, remember to be gentle with yourself. Embrace the process and allow it to embrace you in return. Explore, learn, and grow, discovering the vibrant world that lies within.  With time, patience, and dedication, journaling can become an indispensable tool for self-discovery and personal growth, illuminating the path within.

I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.

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What Is My Purpose?

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.

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