“Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~ Mahatma Gandhi
I believe that people who are aware of their beliefs, values, fears and habits tend to make better choices; benefitting both themselves and the world.
When I was in my 20’s, a dear friend of mine enlightened me regarding the benefits of shopping locally. “Look at the labels,” she advised. “It is important that we shop close to home, in order to support our local communities.” This was a new idea to me at the time, but I embraced it wholeheartedly as a personal value.
Currently, as I delve into teaching a course about our financial relationships, key questions arise: “What do I buy? Where does my money go?”
The exercise of carefully tracking our spending can lead to significant revelations. The most profound being: our money has power. Where and how we ‘exchange’ it represents our vote for the world we desire. Every penny that circulates through our lives is an opportunity to infuse our transactions with our values… creating ripples in the broader world. Like the butterfly effect, small changes have large, unpredictable outcomes in a complex system. The world is more interconnected than we might assume.
When I began my journey in the realm of conscious living, I was astounded by my previous ignorance. Often, I found myself merely reacting to events, rather than responding with intention. Back then, I often ended my days with a very sore throat from yelling at my children or husband. My anger was unchecked. I was living in emotional chaos. (Picture a screaming match with my husband: he storms out of the house and I leap onto the hood of the car in an attempt to stop him. Yup, crazy! I was a young mother, I was going to University… I was losing my mind).
Desperate for change, I became a seeker of another way. One thing led to another and I found myself in a group facilitated by a woman who was speaking to my soul. (I hadn’t even known that I had a soul, let alone that this inner world of mine had a language of its own). Something within me cracked open, and I was hungry for more. I became driven in my quest for understanding.
Now, twenty-seven years later, I am eager to impart these insights. I advocate practices that awaken us to our inner wise world… to that voice inside that is whispering (perhaps yelling), “Go this way!”
There is a way to discover who we are, what our driving needs are, and what our ultimate purpose is. My drive to enhance joy in the world is relentless. I yearn for everyone to experience safety and connection with themselves and with others. I desire to be part of a humanity where each and every person thrives in wellness, through self-expression and empowerment, since (as I mentioned at the top) I believe that empowered individuals make better decisions for themselves and the planet.
I am trusting that my words resonate with you and your soul.
Perhaps you have a group of friends, family or co-workers (at least three) who would like to gather with me to lean into these rich conversations? I have so much wisdom to share, and I know that tuning in to the passion within each one of us is not a solo journey! I know that others yearn to be heard, to be seen, to be acknowledged too. Together, we can make a change… first for ourselves and then through extending our power out to those around us. It takes a village to make a difference. Let’s do it together. I know we can! Check out this link if you would like book a gathering: https://www.thecentrecr.org/event-details/work-life-connect-1)
(Funny footnote to my initial story: Years later, we were in a grocery store together and I noticed my same friend selecting items without regard to their origin. My knowledge of local products had grown substantially by then, so I stopped her to ask about her decisions, reminding her of the values she had shared with me so long ago. She had completely forgotten, and had begun let price-point guide her decisions instead! She was grateful for the reminder).
ACTIVITIES for TRANSFORMATION
DAILY FOR THE NEXT WEEK:
Find a Quiet Space:
Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you won't be disturbed.
(If you are new to meditation, start with short periods, like 5-10 minutes. As you grow more comfortable, you can gradually increase the duration).
Focus on Your Breath:
Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath.
Notice the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest.
Acknowledge Your Thoughts:
As you meditate, your mind will inevitably wander. This is normal.
When you notice your mind wandering, gently acknowledge it and bring your focus back to your breath.
Integrate Conscious Living Reflections:
During your meditation, periodically reflect on questions related to conscious living.
For example, think about your values, the impact of your choices, or how you can align your actions with your beliefs.
This reflective process fosters a deeper connection between your meditation practice and the principles of conscious living.
Conclude with Gratitude:
Before ending your session, take a moment to feel grateful for the opportunity to engage in this practice, and for any insights you might have gained.