There is a lot of inspiration on line. Overflowing! I'm learning to pick and choose the things that work for me. Sometimes those who have inspired me in the past continue to inspire, others have run their course and I greatly benefit every day from the lessons learned.
Danielle LaPorte is a favourite of mine and has been for many years. She is fierce. And brilliant. At first I was startled, fascinated and judgemental of her in-your-face approach to life. I have become a full fledged fan over the past five or six years. I am often on the sidelines of her blog, Facebook page and my book shelf is filled with her words - I am happy to cheer her on and gleen what I can.
I bought my Desire Map online last year and I couldn't put it down. I'm thrilled that by the New Year these books will be distributed and available in book stores! Even more thrilled to have been chosen to be a leader in the Desire Map biggest book club ever starting in early January.
With the book in hand, I joined the group on Facebook and have greatly enjoyed the community. I admire the commitment of each member to the process and the stories shared. The bravery I have witnessed has brought me joy and tears - sometimes simultaneously!
Recently Danielle LaPorte has introduced Desire Day on Fridays.
I have hung back, silently considering my participation by reading the prompts and wondering if I am ready to dig deep enough to respond with authenticity and truth. Am I willing to do so outside a journal, and put it "out there" which means, here, on the blog? With, of course, the obligatory hashtag: #DesireMap on whatever platform chosen. Could I participate in 140 characters or less? THAT would be a challenge. Or, would a full entry here on the blog be more in keeping with what I want to express? Or should I simply wait for the prompt and decide on Fridays?
Onward ... to the prompts!
Prompt Week 1: Your Relationship to Destruction, Goddess Kali, and Fridays with Desire(read it and you'll understand fully my paralysis at starting this project!)
Prompt Week 2: What was your favourite feeling this week?
Prompt Week 3: Be your own dictionary of fulfillment. One feeling. Your world. Go.
Prompt Week 4: What do you trust? An exercise for strength and mind-cooling.
Yes, these are some serious kick-ass, use your head and your heart, prompts!
Scary stuff!
The past couple of years have been filled with all kinds of scary stuff, so this is just one more challenge on this delicious journey of mine. Of course, the best part is that EVERYONE is invited! Head on over to the Desire Map and sign up for the weekly prompts. And, as we've been told, come as you are and "shine your light any way you want". LOVE THAT.
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How do you feel about destroying what must be destroyed in your life?
This has been a (long) period of positive transition for me. I destroyed a lot in the last couple of years, but there is still more to purge. I've also built a lot of very good things in the last couple of years. There is still plenty more to destroy in order to make room for more good:
Destroy: My tendency toward unhealthy "habitual" relationships: spending time with people who treat me like I am not good enough and I should consider myself fortunate to be in their presence. The fact is I am good enough and should surround myself with those who believe and practice it. At least I am now much more aware and escape more quickly. I need to destroy my tendency before it requires an escape.
Destroy: My belief and active practice of the word "can't". I can't go to this event, that movie or that activity. I can't lose weight. I can't get healthy. I can't have a relationship. I can't measure up to the "mean girls" - who are, like me, almost 50! I can't survive and thrive in Pilates, yoga or meditation. I can't open a new business. I can't learn "real" photography. I can't write a book. I can't, I can't I can't. I can, I know I can.
Destroy: My need to over-commit - to myself. I know how to say "no" to just about everyone but my children, father and sister. They are also the least demanding people in my life. I over-commit to projects that I really want to do, but overwhelm myself and then live in paralysis and then disappointment when I don't complete the project, the course, the plan.
Destroy: My sense of doubt. My new dedication to authenticity, awareness and love is possible. Right here, existing in front of me with all that is so accessible. I have to stay open to receive everything I am not consciously aware of now. I must be far more aware of my reactions and encourage patience and kindness, keeping my inner-voice criticism to a minimum.
Destroy: My ego. It's time to live fully outside ego. It's beyond time for me to embrace fully love, compassion, empathy, passion, joy and healing - especially toward those who do not feel the same toward me. I'm almost there - it is just within reach.
How do I feel about all of this destruction? Fearless.
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Join me?
