This summer day is hot. I feel incredibly slow and lazy. Thoughts of unrealized productivity beat at my mind. Unkind words filter through, berating me: “What is wrong with you? Get your act together!” But no amount of self-abuse inspires me to action. As I contemplate a nap to 'reboot,' I'm reminded of a profound truth: transformation isn't about forcing change through self-abuse. Rather, growth is nurtured through mindful practices.
I know better than to get stuck here. I have faith that when I put my spiritual practices to work, whether through meditation, breath-work, journalling, the reading of wisdom literature, self-compassion or the like, my life transforms. It may be only a subtle shift at first, but over time, considerable changes occur. Just as a chef may combine unlikely ingredients in order to create something unexpectedly delicious, personal growth is a the result of the blending of diverse experiences and wisdom.
Let's use the creation of cauliflower pizza dough as an example of what I am talking about. Through this process of pizza creation for the first time, what I used to consider to be unrelated ingredients come together to make something unique and yummy. I learned something. I now look at the raw ingredient of cauliflower as representing our untapped potential. To me, it is like the starting point of a journey... much like the quieting of one's mind through meditation. In making pizza, the first step with the cauliflower is to remove the juice in order for the desired result to be achieved. The juice is not necessary in this context. I think of this as being akin to letting go of old beliefs and ideals that no longer serve my present-day life. Once the bulk of this unnecessary 'moisture' is squeezed out, I then become ready for new wisdom, perspectives and insights to be added (or, in the case of cauliflower pizza, herbs, eggs, and cheese).
The process of mixing and baking cauliflower pizza for the first time, to me, represents that which feels difficult... the step that, for me, on my path to deeper wisdom, often gives rise to me questioning my new choices. The discomfort of the untrodden path feels different and may feel effortful when I compare it to my old life. What I am familiar with may not be the most advantageous route for me, but it is 'known'... and that familiarity can seem effortless. Why can't change be simple?
Given time and heat, however, in life as in cooking, there will be a final result... where suddenly we can recognize that a idea has manifested into form and, with it, delightful opportunities. Look, there is a new kind of pizza to eat, and how wonderfully delicious this newly transformed version of an old standard is. Even though each ingredient on its own seemed quite different, the leap of faith it took to combine them together has created an excellent new experience, and now a world of fresh possibilities has opened up... . I wonder what else I can create?
Our Centre is on a journey of rediscovery. We have meticulously explored the core elements of what makes the Science of Mind a powerful philosophy of personal transformation. While holding fast to our bedrock vision of 'awakening individuals to their inspiration', I personally have had to squeeze out unnecessary juice in the form of an old habit of codependency. This path has led me to the realization that doing the challenging work for others isn’t helpful in the long run. We each need to experience the process of transformation first-hand.
In our leadership explorations, we have laid out the foundational principles and practical tools before us for examination, we have consulted a multitude of wisdom teachers to assist us in opening the way to an innovative approach, and we are concocting a new recipe. (Avocado Tofu Chocolate Mousse or Jerk Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Hot Sauce, anyone? Blasphemy or bliss?)
We laugh as we record the videos we have been working on for YouTube, “By the time we get rolling, YouTube may be a thing of the past!” But onward we march, knowing that, with conscious change, something beautiful always emerges. “Lather, rinse, repeat” may sound like a repetitive pattern, but when one is experimenting with innovation it takes on new meaning. Here is how I translate that formula now: Always try something new. Let it simmer for a while, reflect on the experience, modify and do it again.
The world is changing. Some days I feel exhausted by the pace of that change, not knowing which end is up anymore. What I do know, is that I have a steady spiritual practice as a constant space of grounding to return to , and it nurtures me every day. As the world evolves, so do I, and I know that as I continue to blend timeless wisdom with innovative approaches, I am creating a recipe for transformation that is both nourishing and exciting.
Just as a chef experiments with new flavour combinations, we can all explore fresh ways to awaken inspiration and foster our personal growth. The journey may be challenging, filled with moments of doubt and discomfort... it may even us fatigue sometimes... . The result of that practice, though – a life infused with purpose, joy, and unexpected delights – is worth every effort. So, let's embrace the heat of change, sprinkle in some courage, and see what delicious possibilities we can create together. After all, the most satisfying meals are often those that, at one time or another, we never would have even imagined were possible.