"The Untethered Soul" -- Question One

What brought you to "The Untethered Soul"? What was happening in your life?  What were you wanting more of?  How did the book land in your lap?

My Answer:
I remember that for about a month before I found the book I had an intense feeling of wanting to be more open. I probably did not even know what that really meant for me, I just wanted to feel the opposite of justification and control and push (I had just finished a very busy contract).

I think I originally caught a snippet of Michael on one of Oprah's "Supper Soul Sunday's", and I just knew that I wanted to read the book.

As I look back now I can see how his words were a perfect match to my desire of wanting to understand/be more open. It seems like it has taken me farther than I expected, but I know that is not true. I asked, and was ready for, every morsel.

Now it's your turn (if you like -- or just listen)!

Go to Facebook: 'Living On Purpose With Sandi', for more discussion.

An "Untethered Soul" Discussion

As some of you know, a book I have really enjoyed this past year is "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer.  I have read through it a few times now and have been feeling like I am want to continue to digest it, but perhaps now in a new way.  I had invited anyone who was interested, to join in on a discussion group, however, that timing did not seem to work for people. 

So, I am inspired to move forward with thoughts, questions, and potential discussion via blog and Facebook.  Every once in a while I will post my thoughts and questions and highlights from one of the five parts of the book and you are welcome to join in if you are inspired.

My focus for the discussion is to:

-- take what we have heard Michael's words saying to us and evolve, digest, and practice them in our own lives;

-- help us remember who we really are;

-- build faith in who we know we really are;

-- find ways of expressing who we really are;

-- benefit from the momentum of co-creation; and

-- have fun

With Appreciation (for today's technology) and Anticipation (of digging into those pages once again),

Sandi

A Cocooning Weekend

Sometimes the thought runs through my head that I just want to have a cocooning weekend.  I think that desire is not so much about hunkering down on the couch with a blanket, good book, and a crackling fire (although, that will often do just fine), but about wanting some guilt, obligation, resistance, and 'should' free time. 

I believe my cocooning desire is less about actually cocooning and more about finding and fostering the essences of (perhaps read these slowly enough that you can feel them) peace, ease, freedom, fun, spontaneity, creativity, and relaxation.  And honestly, I could experience those essences in so many activities.

So I wish you all a cocooning weekend (whatever that means for you), and if a whole weekend doesn't seem possible then maybe a day, and if not a day maybe an hour.

Happy Groundhog Day!

The Sweet Spot

People sometimes talk about finding the 'sweet spot' of some activity.  And no, this is not about adding sugar to something.

Golfers may find the 'sweet spot' with their swing when they let go of everything they have learned and experienced, and allow the intuitive body to take over and find the perfect swing for that shot with effortless knowing.

A speaker may have a well crafted speech planned, each word selected, and then during the delivery they listen to a flash of intuition that leads to a saying, or a story, or a statement, that is felt as a ripple of knowing throughout the audience.

A jogger may find a rhythm where they feel they could go on forever.

I love it when I find the sweet spot cross country skiing.  It feels like the waxing. the conditions, and my energy level have all culminated at this perfect place where each glide is effortless and beautiful -- like I am flying.

'Sweet spots' may seem to be something that we only experience out-of-the-blue.  As if they only happen when we are not expecting them, that they sneak in through the back door and then we find ourselves immersed in their wonder.  However, I don't believe 'sweet spots' are meant to be an oddity in our life.  They may not be normal occurrences, but I do believe they are natural. 

Perhaps if we let go of what we have learned and experienced more often, listen to our flashes of intuition, and allow ourselves to find our rhythm, life would be more sweet.

LOP is living more of my life in the 'sweet spot'.

Horse Then Cart

There is the saying, "you are getting the cart before the horse," meaning we are doing things backwards.  We may get the cart before the horse because we think what we really want is in that cart, but we forget that the horse is the driving force, the fuel, the real focus, and what is in the cart naturally arrives because of the driving force of the horse.  When we put the cart before the horse we have no driving force and it ends up being very hard work getting anywhere.

So, it's not money that is suppose to be the horse (driving force), that's what is in the cart and will naturally come with the horse.  The horse is us being passionate about and enjoying what we are doing.
The weight loss is the cart; feeling healthy and energetic are the horse.
The 'perfect' mate is the cart; the ability to love and appreciate are the horse.
The university degree is the cart; the learning is the horse.
Success is the cart; having fun is the horse.
Convincing others of something is the cart; knowing what I believe is the horse.
Taking care of others is the cart; taking care of myself is the horse.
The all inclusive vacation is the cart; the ability to breathe, relax, and let go are the horse.
Having people over for dinner is the cart; having open and genuine relationships is the horse.
The winning of the medal is the cart; the knowing I can do it is the horse.
Our laws and rules are the cart; understanding each other is the horse.
The 'fame' is the cart; the being who I really am is the horse.

LOP is putting the horse before the cart.

LOP Is Not a Competition

Posted to Facebook Feb. 1st.
As we get on the path of LOP, and are interacting with others, we may find there is the tendency to want to prove to others we are LOP by sharing our exciting stories of 'getting it', or of desires manifesting.  When I catch myself doing that I know I am caught up in an old habit/belief of wanting to prove or justify myself, my worthiness, my choices in life. 

Contrary to that, the times I really feel like I am LOP, I don't seem to need to share or convince anyone of anything because it is so genuine, and complete, in and of itself.

When in groups of people who are practicing LOP, and the justification habit pops up, it can start to look/feel like a competition of who is LOP better.  When I find myself caught up in such a conversation it is a good reminder that I have gotten off track.  At that point I try and remember WIRA by letting go and just listening, really focusing on what the others are saying, and just appreciating the moment.

LOP is practicing LOP even when I am sharing my experience of LOP.

Henry David Thoreau

"Our life is frittered away by detail.  Simplicity!  Simplicity!  Simplicity!"
-- Henry David Thoreau

Inner Directed Service

Posted to Facebook Jan. 25th
I recently heard someone speak about their goal of being in service.  Sometimes we can feel we must put aside what we love, and who we really are (WWRA), to be in service, when actually I believe it is the exact opposite.

Service could be described as coming from two different directions -- an inner or an outer.  When I am listening to the inspirations of WIRA, I am being inner directed. When I am trying to guess/figure out what others need, I am being outer directed.  When I am inner directed I am infused with my passions and desires, excited about possibilities, eager for more.  When I am outer directed it often feels like obligation or needing to control things.  It can feel like we are trying to fix someone, like there is something wrong.  One of these options inspires, brings hope, and uplifts, the other not so much.

And maybe our logical minds try to jump in and say, "That can't be possible!  How can I possibly be serving anyone as I follow my dreams and desires?"  But then I would ask, did Gretzky not serve us by playing hockey?  Did Mozart not serve us by writing his music?  Did Einstein not serve us by 'selfishly' focusing on his science?  Did Disney not serve us by building his wonderland?  Did Steve Jobs not serve us with his obsessive attention to detail?  Did Mandela not serve us with his dream of freedom?

LOP is following my dreams and knowing THAT is my service.

Doggy Footing

Posted to Facebook Jan. 21
We use the term 'pussy footing' to call up images of a cat carefully, quietly, slowly, calculatingly placing its paws with each step.  Often the cat is putting a stalk on something he wants, and he doesn't want to disturb anything before he gets it. 

We also use this term when referring to our human companions, although it may have a slightly different meaning.  Human pussy footing is also sometimes referred to as 'walking on eggshells'.  It too calls up the image of carefully, quietly watching ones step, especially when around a person we are not wanting to disturb.  Children walk on eggshells around parents.  Employees pussy foot around bosses.  Spouses pussy foot around each other.  We may pussy foot/walk on eggshells when we are asking for assistance from a store clerk.  We may pussy foot around our neighbours or our teachers or authority figures.  We may have been taught that the best way to exist in our world is to carefully, and quietly, watch our step.

Now compare that quiet, flying under the radar, cat to the image of a puppy, with paws three sizes to large for its body, bounding into a room to be a part of whatever fun might be going on.  He may not be able to put the breaks on in time, there may be a few things knocked out of place, and there is certainly a change in the energy level of the room.  There is probably a smile or chuckle on the faces of most who are observing.  He is not apologizing for showing up.  He is so ready for the fun that is available in that moment.  He loves everyone that is there unconditionally.  And, if there is something that shows up in the next room that looks like even more fun, without hesitation, or apology, he is off to check that out too.  The puppy enters the room unabashedly himself.  Yes, with time, this puppy will also learn to enter the room more reserved, but he will probably never pussy foot.

LOP is allowing myself to unabashedly, without hesitation, unapologetically enter the 'rooms' of my life.  LOP is about doing more doggy footing.

Happy 2013!

Posted to Facebook January 2nd.
I've always liked the arbitrary, man-made event of moving into a new year. 

I like the freshness, the 'turning over a new leaf', the 'new beginnings' feeling it has.
I like having a time in the year when I consciously reflect and put into perspective the past twelve months.
I like the feeling of clarity I get by revisiting my priorities.
I like taking the time to appreciate all that transpired in the past year; what I've learned, what I've enjoyed.
I like purposefully deciding what I now want.
I like the freedom of letting go of the old, and having a fresh slate.
I like the creativity of imagining the new.
I like the excitement of the unknown that is around the corner.
I like the promise of increased daylight.
I like making new plans.
I like the spaciousness that is created after Christmas decorations are again packed away.
I like the falling out of routine while on holidays and then the getting back into a routine.
I like the new year because it is a time when it is easy to reaffirm my intention to make decisions and choices in alignment with who I really am.

Happy New Year!  May you perceive every step of the way as an enjoyable, ever evolving adventure.