Last weekend I coordinated a local BodyTalk Class. I've done this many times, but this time there were an unusual amount of glitches. For example, the manuals didn't arrive, students canceled at the last minute, and a couple of our demo subjects didn't show up for their appointments.
As first I was frustrated and felt myself taking is personally, wondering what I could have done differently so these events didn't happen. Yet as I was describing the weekend I heard the events from a different perspective.
From a blow-by-blow account, the theme of these situations became clear and an opportunity to learn about my own life was upon me. What I discovered was each of these uncomfortable events carried a common theme of people not showing up or following through on their commitments.
Sure I could have thrown up my hands in exasperation and blame, but instead I found myself asking, "Why are these situations happening in my life now?" "What is the hidden message that I can learn from?" "where am I not showing up in my life?" "What commitments am I breaking?" "How can I use this experience for insight and growth?"
It's tempting to go through your daily routines on autopilot. Or to chalk up difficult circumstances as a fluke, bad luck, or to just plain complain about them. I do it myself! But I challenge you to look at the lessons tucked in the pocket of your everyday living; to step into the light of curiosity, creativity, and surprise.
As you get started, here are a few places to look:
- A common phrase or word you find yourself repeating
- "I lost my grocery list", "Our team lost the game", "I want to lose 10 pounds"
- These comments point towards the themes of: loss, letting go, new beginnings, defeat, etc.
- Different situations that carry a similar theme
- You notice your dog barking a lot. You're losing your temper. You're reluctant to answer the phone.
- Common themes: communication, defending boundaries, expression, anger, protection
- Repetitive symbols in your environment
- Color - Are you suddenly drawn to a particular color? Is a certain color suddenly "arriving" in your life?
- Colors carry their own unique vibration. How does this color make you feel? How does it correlate to the chakras?
- Shapes and Objects - A ring catches your eye while shopping. You take a walk around the block. you get lost and find yourself "driving in circles".
- The circle is significant in nature, the cycles of life, ritual, astrology, plus more. Are you beginning a new cycle or ending one? Are you in a repetitive cycle in your life?
- Activity
- Pay attention to the activities that catch your eye. You are driving by a school yard with children playing. You notice two dogs playfully chasing a ball. A child asks to play a game with you.
- Common themes here are playfulness and freedom. How is play present in your life? Are you playing to much or not at all? What does this mean to you?
- Themes in the lives of people around you
- You overhear friends talking about money. Are you concerned about money in your life?
- Three people at work mention vacation they're taking. What does this trigger for you? Are you taking time for yourself? Do you need a vacation from something?
- Color - Are you suddenly drawn to a particular color? Is a certain color suddenly "arriving" in your life?
Have some fun with this! And remember, the answers aren't as important as the questions.
Enjoy!
