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Warning: Shiny Objects Ahead

Shiny Object Syndrome

[shahy-nee] [n. ob-jikt, -jekt; v. uh b-jekt] [sin-drohm, -druh m]

Noun

“The attraction to objects that exhibit a glassy, polished, gleaming or otherwise shiny appearance. Attention to said object is directly correlated to it’s shininess and … attention fades as the shininess wears off.” (source)
Condition in which a new object, idea, or concept captures the attention with it’s shininess/newness, and distracts from the initial goal, taking the subject off on a tangent.

The Universe is constantly communicating with us. Do you hear it?

For a long time, I’ve been open to the idea that we receive guidance – omens, coincidences, gut feelings, chance meetings … I believed that they were all part of a vague and mysterious communication intended for our highest good. It’s only been during the past year that I’ve come to discover that this guidance is actually clear, specific, and always available to us – it’s simply a matter of asking, and being receptive – knowing how to look and listen for the guidance.

My spiritual studies with Belinda Davidson’s School of the Modern Mystic (SoMM) have taken me on a journey to the quiet place within. I’ve learnt how to meditate effectively, and I LOVE it. This quiet time has taught me to feel the subtle but powerful energies within my body, and to learn their language. They have a lot to tell me, and are excellent guides. This is such a source of comfort, reassurance, and personal power.

What fascinates and excites me though, is that I believe that the Universe is always attempting to guide you, and all you have to do is pay attention. No matter what your problem, question, or uncertainty, you simply ask for guidance, and the Universe will deliver. The logical, cynical part of my brain likes to pipe up here with “oh, but you can draw meaning from absolutely anything – it’s not really a sign!’ – but that is actually the whole point. It’s a matter of attention and interpretation. I’m discovering that we are each of us part of a universal whole, and consequently, we can draw on all the intelligence, all the answers, from within ourselves. However, when we seek answers and look within, we are often met with fear, resistance, and blockages – the ego rears it’s ugly head. Asking the Universe for guidance can help us to bypass that ego attack, and give us more confidence in the answers, even though they essentially come from the same core source. We seem to more easily hear and accept the truth by taking this approach. Asking the Universe/God/Source/a higher power – whatever you choose to call it – bypasses the egoic distractions, and takes a direct route to the truth at the heart of the matter.

Let me share an example with you.

I have been toying with the idea of relinquishing my full-time stay-at-home-mum status, and finding paid work. I don’t know what this paid work will look like, but there’s no rush, and I figure that the Universe will begin to present me with possibilities as I ponder and dream.

Around the time that I first began contemplating this, I walked past a local shop that sells crystals. I noticed a sign on their window: Business For Sale. I didn’t think much of it.

A day or so later, as I was pondering the paid work idea again, the memory of the crystal shop for sale popped into my mind. I was surprised – this wasn’t relevant to me! I didn’t want to buy a business. I didn’t want to own a shop. But here was this thought in my mind.

What?!?! I tried to ignore it.

A few days later, my children asked me to take them to the crystal shop to buy a birthday gift for their cousin. The following thought stream began: “Damn it! I was trying to avoid thinking about that darned shop! I can’t escape though. Is this my sign from the Universe? Am I meant to buy this business? Please no! Does this resistance and fear suggest that this is my destiny? Gah! I can’t escape it! But wait – I have an out – I have no cash or other means to buy a business. Hang on … Marie Forleo always says “Everything is figureoutable”. Oh crap. I really need to think about this! I don’t even really like the shop. Sure, it has some beautiful crystals that fascinate and intrigue me, but it’s cold, kind of dingy, and I’m not sold on the energy of the place. Maybe I’m meant to transform it, turn it around, make it my own … good grief! I can’t believe I’m thinking about this!”

*Sigh*

Talk about an ego attack. I was so confused and perplexed. I knew, even though I really didn’t want to, that I had to ask about the business sale when I visited the shop.

I took the kids along, and got chatting to the owner. I worked up the courage to simply say “I see you’re selling the business.” She explained that they were moving interstate. I left it at that – I had no more to say.

I was still confused. I tried hard to stuff the whole matter away into the dark recesses of my brain space, but once you’ve begun on a journey of committed spiritual awakening, such attempts are futile.

I decided to get out of my ego, stop fretting, and wait to see what else the Universe had to tell me about the matter.

Over the next few days, the shop popped annoyingly into my head again, but I did my best to be mindful, and practice presence. Eventually, I had a very sudden and unexpected epiphany: the crystal shop was a distraction. It was my message from the Universe, just not the message I had been thinking it was. I had been misinterpreting.

On reflection, the crystal shop was a metaphor for all of the distractions that lure me away from my path towards my soul purpose. I’m prone to “Shiny Object Syndrome”, where new ideas and concepts capture my attention and distract me from my goal. It’s fitting that in this instance, the distraction was quite literally the shiny crystals of the shop! Crystals have been on my radar lately, I have a small collection of my own, and a Pinterest board dedicated to their shining beauty. But I’m not keen on selling them!

What a relief! The crystal shop was not meant for me – phew – and deep down I knew this, but it was put in my line of vision to highlight and demonstrate how easily I am distracted and confused. There’s certainly nothing wrong with pursuing new interests – indeed, I believe that anything that truly lights me up is well worth my time. The key lies in coming back and remaining focussed on the goals I’m committed to, practicing mindfulness around how I’m using my time. When the journey takes me outside of my comfort zone, or takes longer than I’d anticipated or desired, it’s tempting to turn to “shiny objects” for a boost of gratification, without stoping to consider that it may jeopardise my journey toward my goal.

For me right now, this means a few things. SoMM Level 2 – The Soul Essence Journey, is an epic undertaking. It’s everything I’ve been yearning and searching for – spirituality, coming home to myself, finding the answers within, and discovering my soul purpose. This is a huge priority, one of the most important undertakings in my life to date. It demands focus, clarity of thought, concentration, dedication, persistance, surrender, trust, and to be “match fit”. Already I’m finding that this undertaking is not easy – it has it’s challenges. When things aren’t moving along easily, those shiny objects look all the more enticing.

The demands of The Soul Essence Journey have me pondering on where I can best focus my time and energy. My two biggest “shiny objects” at present are this blog – which has been a huge personal growth vehicle – and practicing some newly learnt energy reading skills from a workshop I attended with Belinda just a few weeks ago – a mind-blowing, fascinating, and thrilling experience. Both are important to me and worth my time, but may need to take somewhat of a back seat whilst I focus on my number one priority – discovering the purpose for which my soul incarnated into this life. I’m not about to disappear from this space, and I’m sure there will be times when I feel called to write and share, which I look forward to. For anyone who has volunteered to allow me to practice reading their energy, I’m committed to practicing and will get through my (very long – thank you!) list, but I need to prioritise.

As far as paid work goes … we’ll I’ll just see where the wind takes me for now. But I can assure you, it will not involve purchasing a crystal shop business.

Enrolment for Belinda Davidson’s School of the Modern Mystic Level 1 opens today! If you want to change your life, fix any area of your life that isn’t working, or discover your life purpose, look no further! I cannot recommend Belinda and SoMM highly enough. To find out more and enrol, click here, or feel free to contact me at rachael@rachaelstella.com if you’d like to ask me any questions about my experience with SoMM.

Image credit: Amethyst Macro by MattysFlicks. Under license.

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Message from a Tree-Hugging Hippy

I’ve been pretty occupied lately.

Being a mummy. Preparing food. Washing clothes…

Practicing yoga. Meditating. Resting…

Studying. Reading. Learning…

There has been a part of me just itching to share more about what’s been occupying a large chunk of my time over the past eight months, because it has been freaking awesome. Amazing. Eye opening. Life changing. But … There has also been a part of me that has been hesitant to share, fearing negative judgement. To be completely honest, I’ve thought way to much about what every single person I know will think of me if I share this part of my life. I’ve learnt this lesson before – worrying about the opinions that other people have of you is futile. However … I tend to be a slow learner! I’ve been scared that people will think I’m a “tree-hugging hippy”, a bit weird, a fruit loop, a naive and silly little girl with my head in the clouds and a loose grip on reality. But something subtle is starting to shift within me, and I can feel a mask slowly peeling away from me, leaving me feeling more and more ready to express without fear. With abandon. Because the people who don’t get me, aren’t the ones I’m supposed to be talking to. My truth is that I’ve recently experienced some of the most profound and significant lessons of my life to date, and I feel moved and obligated to share with people who are interested, open, and perhaps searching. For the people who think that I’m weird, that’s none of my business. Thanks for coming, have a nice day. Being free of the idea that I have to hide a part of me, is truly liberating. Let’s get to it.

I’ve spoken a little here and here about my studies with Belinda Davidson’s School of the Modern Mystic (SoMM). I’ve just completed Level 1, and to say it’s been a game changer for my life is, quite frankly, an understatement. I feel like my entire approach to life has shifted. Actually, it has. The way I go about my day, my every waking moment, is informed and influenced by what I have been learning. Let me tell you a bit about exactly what I’ve learnt.

The first module of the course is all about chakras. Prior to this course, the only things I knew about chakras were that they are within the body, they are related to energy, they are the colours of the rainbow, and my yoga teachers often refer to them during class. Belinda has taught me so much more. In a nutshell, the chakras are a part of our energy system, which affect every aspect of our life. Let’s go back a bit first, to explain how this works. My (very limited) understanding is that according to quantum physics, all physical matter in the universe is essentially made of energy – that is, the smallest “part” of all physical matter is energy. For example, a solid piece of metal, is not actually solid at all – it is made up of miniscule “bits” of vibrating energy, all squished so closely together that they appear solid (can you tell I’m using my best scientific terminology?!). As such, the body is made up of energy. The chakras are an energy system of our body. These chakras generate, distribute, and absorb energy. Our energy field is made up of 12 chakras – 6 in our physical body, and 6 above our head, and each one relates to different aspects of our physical body, health, and life circumstances. Belinda teaches, in the School of the Modern Mystic, that we can positively influence the chakras, via our subconscious, during meditation (i.e. focused energy), in order to change our energy field, and thus change our life. We do this by practicing a chakra cleanse meditation. Belinda’s motto is “change your energy, change your life … get your chakras rocking, and life becomes magic”.

The chakra module of the course is very in-depth. Level 1 covers chakras 1-7. We spent two weeks on each chakra, learning the theory (i.e. it’s location, attributes, areas of the body it governs, how it impacts our life), as well as activating, balancing and strengthening our chakra, and reflecting on the state of it, and how our practices are impacting it. In this sense, the course is extremely practical. As Belinda explains, you can know all the theory in the world, but unless you are actually doing your spiritual practices, you are not treading the spiritual path.

This module of the course on its own, has been mind-blowing. I have been interested in the benefits of meditation for a long time, but never committed to a regular practice, and frankly, found it boring (ha!), which made it difficult to stick with. Like many others, for a long time I was mistakenly under the impression that meditating required me to stop thinking for lengthy periods of time. Have you ever tried to stop thinking? If you’ve never tried, I’d be willing to be that you won’t make it to a minute. The guided chakra cleanse meditation that we use in the course made meditation so easy for me. A 35 minute audio, guiding me through the meditation, during which I focus on each of my chakras. No striving to stop my thoughts. Simply focusing on each chakra as guided by the audio. Six months ago, I could not have predicted that I would now be guiding myself through the meditation without the audio prompts, actually feeling and experiencing the energy of my chakras, feeling energy course through my body, and observing the effects that the chakra cleansing is having on my life. Whilst I’ve always been interested in hearing about energy medicine and modalities like Reiki and polarity therapy, I could never understand or relate when people could feel or see or sense energy. Now, I’m experiencing it for myself.

Early on in the course, I knew I had imbalances, weaknesses, and blockages in pretty much all of my chakras, simply by learning the theory, and analysing how it fitted in with my health and life circumstances. As the course progressed, and I meditated more, and focused more on my chakras every day, I learned to feel the state of my chakras – to feel their energy. Aspects of my life have certainly shifted and improved as I’ve worked on my chakric health, and when I’m having problems or difficulties in certain areas of my life, I now intuitively look to my chakras, and work on the issue from there. Interestingly, sometimes I recognise an issue in my chakras before I notice its manifestation in my body or life circumstances.

Module two is all about the White Light – a healing spiritual energy. I feel a LOT of resistance in talking about this module, as its sounds kind of “woo woo” to use Belinda’s words, however it was surprisingly fascinating, heart warming, enlightening, very practical and thrilling! We learnt how to use the White Light, to strengthen our ability to cleanse our chakras, clear energetic blockages, and manifest our desires. It’s given me a certain power to supercharge my creative action taking, and it’s filled me with unconditional love. This module was the most surprising for me, as it cemented my true belief in this work. I have been able to physically experience the energy of the White Light, which was initially startling (but beautiful), and I see the effects it’s having on my life – proof that it’s real and it works!

Module three covered a topic that is getting a lot of coverage these days, and rightly so: mindfulness. We studied two texts as part of this module: The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle, and The Happiness Trap, by Russ Harris. I view both of these texts as handbooks for life. Tolle’s writing isn’t particularly easy to read, but it is full of profound wisdom. Harris’s book is extremely practical and simple to read. Both help us learn and understand how the mind works – that we are composed of two “selves” – the thinking self (the ego), and the observing self. Our aim is to learn to disassociate from the thinking self, and learn to associate with the observing self, through practices of mindfulness and presence. I can’t recommend these texts highly enough. This module has taught us to recognise when our ego is taking over, so that we can align with our observing self – our “higher self” or “light-filled self”. In this way, we can continue on our spiritual path, without getting sidetracked or high-jacked by our ego, which can only lead us back to pain and suffering. I practice mindfulness every single day. It is especially helpful when I’m dealing with screaming children, trying to get the kids ready for school on time, or lamenting the fact that I can’t seem to achieve all the things on my “to do” list every day!

So, put it all together, and these three modules give us the pillar practices for creating healthy energy, and thus being able to create the life of our dreams.

Where I’m at right now, at the conclusion of this Level 1 course, is a place of calmness and positivity. That may not sound astounding, but it is. I feel confident that I have the ongoing ability to deal with whatever life throws at me, as well as to create and live a life of my choosing, as opposed to drifting with the current. This course has given me a foundation, I believe, to ensure that I never again find myself wallowing in self-pity and using “I can’t cope” as an excuse to opt out of life. In a practical sense, this translates into an ability to keep my cool (mostly!) with my kids, no matter how severe the tantrum. To experience contentment and peace in the present moment. To trust that there is a path in front of me, leading me on the journey I am destined to travel, filled with so much joy and love. To have eliminated the sense of despair and dread of a ho-hum existence or worse, as well as the incessant worrying that I’m a terrible parent, stuffing-up at every turn and ruining my kids for life.

As a gratifying extra, my husband has told me he’s noticed a difference in me. He thinks I’m coping better with daily life as a mummy. I’m happier. I’m less stressed. I’m more easy-going.

In the interests of transparency, I’m not suggesting that life is suddenly perfection and that there is no room for improvement, or that I don’t have times of struggle or pain. There are ongoing issues that I’m still working on, and my manifesting technique requires much practice, but – THAT’S FINE. I’m in a place where SoMM has given me the ability to recognise, on a moment to moment basis, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and that wherever that is, IS perfect. Instead of stressing about why I haven’t manifested something-or-other, I know that I am on my path, and that it will manifest when it is meant to, if it is in my best interests. When I notice myself feeling upset, or angry, or frustrated, I’m able to observe those thoughts or feelings, and recognise them as separate to who I am. This doesn’t necessarily solve all my problems, but it helps me to move on from them more quickly than what I otherwise would have, or to find solutions instead of wallowing in pain.

In the aftermath of completing Level 1 of SoMM, I am now preparing for Level 2, which is all about learning how to discover and live your soul purpose. Completing Level 1 has prepared me and my energy field to embark on this new journey. I have yearned for what seems like forever, to know what it is that I was put on this earth to do. I am thrilled to have found a path to discovering what it is that my soul intends for me.

As I’ve progressed through SoMM, I’ve felt like I’m becoming better able to connect with the things that bring me joy. I’m drawn to them, and I’m recognising the feelings they incite. As I plan to begin Level 2 in July, the Universe is giving me little insights. I’m learning that whatever feels awesome, lights me up, sparks an interest, is worth pursuing. That my soul purpose is something that will make my heart sing with joy, not something that I will become begrudgingly obligated to follow. That my spiritual practices will take me there. That there is an abundance of guidance and help available to me, if I simply ask.

My spiritual practices, which have become part of my daily routine, are having the most beautiful impact on my life. I’m astonished by the power of a simple daily chakra cleanse meditation. I feel my chakras spin. I channel White Light. It’s truly magical.

So I’m firing up. Following the sparks. Expressing what I can. I still have no idea where it will lead me, apart from where I am destined to be. And that, my lovely, is THRILLING!

xoxo

To learn more about Belinda Davidson’s School of the Modern Mystic, or to purchase the Guided Chakra Cleanse for Busy People, click on the images below.

I am a proud affliate of Belinda Davidson’s School of the Modern Mystic, and earn a commission on any sales made as a result of my referral.

Main image credit: crazy flare, by Yutaka Seki. Under licence.

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Getting Honest

I’ve been attempting to write blog post number two for weeks now. I’ve started writing so many times, and failed to come up with something I deem publish worthy. Some attempts have turned into lengthy journal entries, which have been cathartic, but not worthy of sharing with you. It’s been frustrating, and has left me wondering, at times, whether I’m cut out for this whole blog thing after all. But I’m choosing to hang in there.

My aim is to write content that will uplift, inspire, and delight you. This is where my problem currently lies . I can pretend all I like to be a shining beacon of positivity and “perfection”, full of sage advice on how to live an awesome life, but that would be a big fat lie.

The truth of the matter is, that right now, my head is a very messy place to be.

This truth came to its latest peak on Saturday, with a series of three mini meltdowns. Exhausted and emotional, I spent a good chunk of yoga class hiding my mental turmoil and my tears in child’s pose. When my beautiful yoga teacher showed me some love and kindness with a hug after class, I disolved into a fresh set of tears and escaped as quickly as possible to the privacy of my car. Later in the day, whilst having my hair cut, the conversation with my long-time hairdresser (13 years and counting!) had me admitting that I was unstable, whilst a fresh set of red-eyed tears washed over me, and she spent the rest of my appointment giving me heartfelt advice and love along with an awesome haircut and blow wave (not to mention a dreamy head massage!).

This is certainly not the day of someone who’s got life all sorted out.

So, instead of pretending to have “it all” figured out, I will instead just tell the truth, with the aim of sharing the lessons I am learning along the way.

My beautiful, clever, wise and loving hairdresser made me promise that I would get help. I’ve been mulling over my options and talking about it with my husband. I’m not certain yet what all of that help will entail, but I’ve finally made a commitment to myself, to take care of me. It’s time to take responsibility for myself.

We’ve heard it a million times – to take care of your family, you must first take care of yourself. Almost every article I’ve ever read on the subject refers to the in-flight emergency oxygen mask analogy: fit your own mask first, before helping others. But it seems I’m a little slow and stubborn to allow this message to really sink in, or to actually take it on board. I needed close to 5 years of motherhood related meltdowns to learn this crucial lesson. I know I’m not the only one – too many mothers I know follow the same pattern, putting the needs of their family, and especially their children, before their own. The inevitable result: meltdown (like my day on Saturday), breakdown, physical ill-health, mental ill-health. The lesson is clear: MY FAMILY NEEDS ME TO TAKE QUALITY CARE OF MYSELF, IN ORDER FOR ME TO BE CAPABLE OF TAKING QUALITY CARE OF THEM.

Perhaps I should give myself “lines” – write this sentence out 100 times!

So, for me, it begins with this: I commit to care well for myself, body, mind and soul.

For me, it seems logical that whilst I need to care for all three of these parts of me in order that they all work indiviually, the key aspect is caring for my soul. Without nourishing my soul, what is the point? It’s the essential part of me, the eternal part of me, and without it, I am nothing.

I recently watched Oprah interview Gabrielle Bernstein on Super Soul Sunday, and it spoke to me deeply about how I can nourish my soul, and be a spiritual person. Gabby, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, yoga and meditation teacher, video blogger and self-confessed “spirit junkie”, described the following steps as nessesary in order to become more spiritual:

1. A willingness – to become more spiritual.
2. Pay attention – when you’re willing, guidance, opportunities and assignments will appear, if you pay attention.
3. Show up – when the guidance and assignments appear, you must show up for the assignments.

So, I’m willing. I’ve stated my commitment to self care, body, mind and soul. I’m paying attention, and it amazes me how the universe has given me the exact guidance I need. Specifically, I need to sleep (who would have thought?!), and I need to meditate. Step 3: show up. That is my task now. I’ve begun. Early to bed, and I’ve begun with 5 minutes daily meditation. Simple.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

What about you? Do you practice quality self care? If so, what does this include? If not, what’s stopping you, and what’s the first step you can take to change this habit? I look forward to hearing from you.

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Hello!

Where to begin …

Thank you for being here! I’m excited, nervous, optimistic, hopeful, scared, thrilled, and exhilarated to be embarking on this blogging journey. I’m not clear just yet on the precise direction in which this will head, but I begin with two main intentions:

To help me

I’ve felt the pull, for a long time, to discover my purpose in the world. At this particular point in my life, this task feels more urgent than ever. I hope that this blog will enable me to explore, facilitate and share the ways in which I can live a life of passion and purpose.

To help you

A few months ago, I was completing a “Goal Planning and Focus” worksheet. Question #1 asked me, what do I want in my life? My answers flowed quickly: happiness, love, fun, health, joy, purpose, fulfilment, adventure, abundance, and my core desired feelings: exhilarated, vitality, luxurious, potent (more on this in a later post, I promise!). Question #2 asked, if I could create it, what would make my life worthwhile? Again, the answer was simple: to bring all of the above, to others. My wish is that this blog will become a place in which I can bring some, if not all, of these things to you.

I truly am excited. The energy is right. This is the beginning. It’s not pretty and polished yet (hanging out to get to that!), but it’s a start. The Universe expressly told me, in an email last Friday, that if I want happiness, I should do something, anything, as soon as possible, and do it with care. So, here it is.

Again, thank you for being here.

PS – if you’d like to receive your own emails from the Universe just like me, visit www.tut.com

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