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#Post#: 213--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 28, 2022, 8:35 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Kelli Cook link=topic=16.msg205#msg205
date=1669516915]
Chapter 15
Travel Tip #1
As Nikki mentioned, I am also having a really hard time
answering the travel tips for this chapter. Reading Roadsigns
is really the first step into a spiritual outlook to me outside
of organized religion. I never thought of a different way of
thinking. I just knew I did not enjoy going to Catholic Church.
I want to believe there was a life before us and after us, but
I never really thought deeply about it. I know I want to be a
good person, a kind person, and do what is right. So to me, I
guess that is what I would say would be the qualities of a
spiritual person. Caring, thoughtful, kind, non-judgemental,
understanding, and open-minded.
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
Travel Tip #1: What is your main spiritual challenge?
I don’t know if this is answering it correctly, but I would say
my main spiritual challenge is being content in my life and what
I have AND doing what I feel is right for me and my family.
This takes me back to one of the reasons I left social media. I
found myself always comparing what others have. Wanting what
others had. I always seemed to feel down or feel like I needed
to buy more and so more for my wardrobe or house when looking
through social media. The more so over the last couple of years
after becoming a mom, it spiraled me and I realized it was a
problem. I was putting so much pressure on myself and my son to
follow what all the “experts” said about sleep, milestones,
eating habits, and so on and so on. It drove me nuts and made
me unhappy and not present in what I had. I have a loving
husband, a beautiful son, and a roof over my head. It did not
matter what kind of kitchen table I had or if my baby could put
himself to sleep. It sounds ridiculous typing this all out, but
it is SO true and not having that pressure on myself every day,
I truly believe has made a difference. So my spiritual
challenge is to be present, happy, and content with my life.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
#3: If it hollers, let it go
Byeeee social media! Lol No but really, this ties into what I
just said above. I am having a hard time thinking of something
else to use here for an example but what I will say is I am
going to take these questions with me and see if I can notice
any “security blankets” or habits that may benefit me in
letting go.
[/quote]
"Caring, thoughtful, kind, non-judgemental, understanding, and
open-minded." What you're looking for is what you want in
yourself and from the people who love you. Discussing quite a
bit throughout the program about the importance of having a
beautiful and supportive relationship with ourselves reflects
how we act toward others; it's what we subconsciously look for.
Spiritual challenges differ for everyone, and I'm happy to read
what you're pointing out, what you've been working against and
what you're grateful for. You're not alone in wanting more; we
live in a society that celebrates it and shames others for being
content with what they have. I think it is perfectly ok to
strive for happiness but also enjoy it along the way because it
all comes down to mindset and energy, positive or negative.
Security blankets or habits that benefit, great perspective.
#Post#: 214--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 28, 2022, 8:59 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=erin_kelly link=topic=16.msg209#msg209
date=1669594026]
Chapter 15
Travel Tip #3
I would say that when I don’t measure up to my ideal of
spiritual behavior, I punish myself with guilt. Since going to
therapy I have learned that I tend to consume myself in guilt
and feel like I am not doing something right. I feel as though
part of my spiritual journey is letting go of guilt and
remembering it is just a feeling and that no one is perfect.
Chapter 16
Travel Tip #1
What is your main spiritual challenge? My spiritual challenge is
setting boundaries and saying no. I have learned recently that
I'm type two on the enneagram test which means I have the
tendency to be people pleasing. It can be really hard to not
want to help people even if it can ruin my peace. My challenge
is to start creating more boundaries so I can keep my peace.
Chapter 17
Travel Tip #3
If it hollers, let it go. I feel like I am in the middle of this
right now. I am having a hard time figuring out if an attachment
needs to be discarded. I feel like many aspects of my life are
being questioned like relationships, goals and behavior
patterns. The questions included in the travel tip are helpful
to reflect on.
[/quote]
Beautiful words, Erin. Letting go of guilt and remembering it is
just a feeling and no one is perfect. Good for you for learning
how to create boundaries and finding your peace, one decision at
a time. You'll let go of the things that don't serve, again one
decision at a time. Be proud of yourself for all the growth
you're experiencing!
#Post#: 215--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 28, 2022, 9:09 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Niki Ehrenkranz link=topic=16.msg185#msg185
date=1669081446]
Chapter 15
I am having a really hard time answering these questions…
My ideal spiritual person has a practice or an understating to
be connected with something outside of them. Is balanced, being
educated but has drive to self-improvement, has self-love and
acceptance but not a narcissist. Acknowledges pain or difficult
times but doesn’t dwell in them. Enjoys and craves being in
nature but can also find peace in their own home.
Chapter 16
My spiritual challenges are negative self-talk, pressure to feel
productive, and ability to let go. We live in a society of
go-getters; it’s hard not to compare myself to others. I am
working on re-wiring my brain to be kinder to my body and
myself.
I’m laughing to myself how much easier this question is to
answer then the one in chapter 15, it’s so much easier to
acknowledge the negative.
Chapter 17
I have a couple thoughts here- an attachment to my job and being
attached to feelings of guilt.
I think about letting go of my job because it’s unfulfilling and
monotonous. My job is definitely holding me back spiritually as
I do not align with the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a literal
income, benefit, and insurance security blanket. It’s really
hard to rip the Band-Aid off and leave corporate America. Unsure
if leaving this job will make me freer or more stressed. I often
say my job allows me to do the things that I want to do. Could
this be an attachment to money?
I hold onto a lot of baggage, conversations that happened years
ago, wrongdoings to people, comments that I should’ve kept to
myself, replaying memories. It’s a conditioned behavior to go
straight toward the negative. Dwelling on a past life. I am
learning to be present, continuing to be better person then
before.
[/quote]
Hahaha, I love how you checked yourself from the first and
second questions, ideal spiritual person versus negative. You
are your ideal spiritual person, and re-wiring your brain is
incredible because you're applying what you want out of life. A
wise woman said years ago, "Your job is a job! Your life is your
passion." Continue to be the better version of yourself every
day. You're doing great!
#Post#: 233--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: Erin Curro Date: November 29, 2022, 5:23 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15 - Do Not Pass: Stay In Your Own Lane
Travel Tip: #3
I really resonate with what Des shared about throwing your hands
up and having a giggle. That is so well said and deeply felt as
that has helped me just go about my days in general the well,
that’s got to be good enough and to always strive to remain
open, curious, and willing to grow as a person. I try not to
beat myself up for the past or dwell too much on the future but
try to be in the present and just do my best each day. A
continuous process for sure. I also related to this concept as
my ideal of spiritual behavior I think has evolved and I am sure
will continue to evolve over time so I am just trying to be ok
with that. My core values are the same to love and care for
others in the ways I would wish to be treated and to really
reflect to others the best version of themselves. It’s so
important to me that people know just how special they are. I
guess that’s been me from the beginning since I used to
empathize and cry for the Little Engine That Could slipping down
the hill. My own life experiences, traumas, etc. only further
instilled this in me. It’s also interesting to reflect on my
religious upbringing I was raised Catholic and went to Church
and private Catholic school K-8th which really did a number on
me. That coupled with a family dynamic instilled a lot of
messaging related to perfectionism, guilt/shame, and never
feeling good enough. I now have a deeper understanding and I
have always been curious about spirituality and religion, I
actually even wrote my dissertation on the impact of religion,
religiosity, and spirituality on ED’s because I was curious
about the impact positive vs. negative religious coping,
spirituality, and religious and social messaging has on people
and specifically in the ways it impacts ED’s. Long story short,
there was definitely a correlation if negative messaging was
experienced and internalized. Had you asked me this question
back in 8th grade I would have said I’m Catholic. Had asked me
in different places in my life I would have said I am Christian
or I am not religious. Ask me now and I will probably put my
hands up and giggle-no in all seriousness I would say I am not
married to any religion nor do I practice religion in the
traditional sense. I try to be accepting of others and myself
and say hey whatever flavor of ice cream you enjoy no judgment
from me just walk the talk of whatever core principles you
believe which all I feel relate to caring for others well. And I
will equally work on doing the same. So I guess if I answer this
question of who is an ideal spiritual person? I would say that
there is no one ideal but that a spiritual person is all of us
who are all in different stages and places of becoming who we
are at our core and unbecoming everything we are not while
acting on our values in terms of how we care for others and
ourselves that cultivate meaningful and valued living.
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
Travel Tip #1: What is your main spiritual challenge?
I would say that my main spiritual challenge is probably similar
to Olivia, hello Type 1’s, and letting go of control. And when I
say that I think underneath that is fear. So I’ll flip this and
say I want to focus on trusting myself and trust that it is safe
and I am allowed and deserving of cultivating more
self-compassion through self-authenticity, meaning accepting all
parts of myself even the parts of me I strive to make more
perfect.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
Travel Tip #2: Simplify
Like others, I also connected with this tip. I have realized the
more I have lived life that simplifying is where I feel most
content. I grew up in a very affluent family and recognize the
privileges I had from that. I also do not like that materialism
and things were prioritized and used as a means of rewarding
someone for being good or doing a good job, even if that was not
meant will ill intention. My much younger self thought that
having a super nice home, nice car, a great well-paying career,
fancy vacations, perfect family, blah blah blah was what would
make you happy. And I learned that things don’t make you
happier. And actually fun aside, this is backed by Social
Psychology-money only increases happiness up to a point I
believe the last study I looked at said approximately $75k,
after that or basic needs were met, happiness did not continue
to increase. And I clearly had to learn this for myself. I still
have to be mindful of this, I like nice things and am very
sensory about how clothes for example fit/feel on my body but I
try to be more mindful of how I consume things and why I am
consuming them. When I was younger it was all about having the
look of having it all together or being a good person and having
all the things that would show I guess that I made it and was
good enough, that was a trauma response and came from a deep
inner insecurity less of a trying to impress others, I just
wanted to be liked by myself. I still like nice things (and I am
not saying that is bad-I think liking and enjoying nice things
is fully ok it’s just being mindful of it) but then I also know
on days like right now I am writing this working from home no
makeup, threw on a tunic sweater over my leggings so I look
professional, and am in my covid slippers lol. I had to get
honest with myself that yeah I like getting dressed up sometimes
or wearing more makeup but come on I am so that girl in leggings
and slippers/comfy clothes and shoes for life! And I am learning
to quite like her. All of that to say because there is so much I
could say, I am learning that these things I have collected or
these career achievements don’t make me good enough my believing
that I am is what makes me happy and the simpler things make me
even more happy, my husband, my family, my puppies, my health.
Being where I am now I have a lot to be thankful for, my
doctoral program was insanely expensive and I did not ask nor
have my parents fund my education I was determined to be
independent as much as I could during that time and I am proud
of myself looking back I wanted to say I did it on my own, my
success no one else can take credit for the accountability was
100% on me. Even though working for the government comes with
its challenges, I love working with clients and am grateful that
my job also pays for my doctoral loans. I can’t help but smile
the more I realize now that the simple things feel like the true
definition of luxury. I feel so fortunate and again am checking
my privileges to be able to say this, to now be in a position
where I am not experiencing financial stress, academic stress,
etc. and can actually try to relax for the first time ever and
enjoy the fruits of my labor. And to be honest, even though it’s
been a while since I graduated now, I still pinch myself when I
see a paycheck. Jim and I have often reflected on the different
life challenges we have navigated and how nice it feels for
things to now feel more chill if you will.
#Post#: 239--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: November 30, 2022, 9:44 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Erin Curro link=topic=16.msg233#msg233
date=1669764197]
Chapter 15 - Do Not Pass: Stay In Your Own Lane
Travel Tip: #3
I really resonate with what Des shared about throwing your hands
up and having a giggle. That is so well said and deeply felt as
that has helped me just go about my days in general the well,
that’s got to be good enough and to always strive to remain
open, curious, and willing to grow as a person. I try not to
beat myself up for the past or dwell too much on the future but
try to be in the present and just do my best each day. A
continuous process for sure. I also related to this concept as
my ideal of spiritual behavior I think has evolved and I am sure
will continue to evolve over time so I am just trying to be ok
with that. My core values are the same to love and care for
others in the ways I would wish to be treated and to really
reflect to others the best version of themselves. It’s so
important to me that people know just how special they are. I
guess that’s been me from the beginning since I used to
empathize and cry for the Little Engine That Could slipping down
the hill. My own life experiences, traumas, etc. only further
instilled this in me. It’s also interesting to reflect on my
religious upbringing I was raised Catholic and went to Church
and private Catholic school K-8th which really did a number on
me. That coupled with a family dynamic instilled a lot of
messaging related to perfectionism, guilt/shame, and never
feeling good enough. I now have a deeper understanding and I
have always been curious about spirituality and religion, I
actually even wrote my dissertation on the impact of religion,
religiosity, and spirituality on ED’s because I was curious
about the impact positive vs. negative religious coping,
spirituality, and religious and social messaging has on people
and specifically in the ways it impacts ED’s. Long story short,
there was definitely a correlation if negative messaging was
experienced and internalized. Had you asked me this question
back in 8th grade I would have said I’m Catholic. Had asked me
in different places in my life I would have said I am Christian
or I am not religious. Ask me now and I will probably put my
hands up and giggle-no in all seriousness I would say I am not
married to any religion nor do I practice religion in the
traditional sense. I try to be accepting of others and myself
and say hey whatever flavor of ice cream you enjoy no judgment
from me just walk the talk of whatever core principles you
believe which all I feel relate to caring for others well. And I
will equally work on doing the same. So I guess if I answer this
question of who is an ideal spiritual person? I would say that
there is no one ideal but that a spiritual person is all of us
who are all in different stages and places of becoming who we
are at our core and unbecoming everything we are not while
acting on our values in terms of how we care for others and
ourselves that cultivate meaningful and valued living.
Chapter 16 - Use All Lanes Available
Travel Tip #1: What is your main spiritual challenge?
I would say that my main spiritual challenge is probably similar
to Olivia, hello Type 1’s, and letting go of control. And when I
say that I think underneath that is fear. So I’ll flip this and
say I want to focus on trusting myself and trust that it is safe
and I am allowed and deserving of cultivating more
self-compassion through self-authenticity, meaning accepting all
parts of myself even the parts of me I strive to make more
perfect.
Chapter 17 - Check Attachments At The Gate
Travel Tip #2: Simplify
Like others, I also connected with this tip. I have realized the
more I have lived life that simplifying is where I feel most
content. I grew up in a very affluent family and recognize the
privileges I had from that. I also do not like that materialism
and things were prioritized and used as a means of rewarding
someone for being good or doing a good job, even if that was not
meant will ill intention. My much younger self thought that
having a super nice home, nice car, a great well-paying career,
fancy vacations, perfect family, blah blah blah was what would
make you happy. And I learned that things don’t make you
happier. And actually fun aside, this is backed by Social
Psychology-money only increases happiness up to a point I
believe the last study I looked at said approximately $75k,
after that or basic needs were met, happiness did not continue
to increase. And I clearly had to learn this for myself. I still
have to be mindful of this, I like nice things and am very
sensory about how clothes for example fit/feel on my body but I
try to be more mindful of how I consume things and why I am
consuming them. When I was younger it was all about having the
look of having it all together or being a good person and having
all the things that would show I guess that I made it and was
good enough, that was a trauma response and came from a deep
inner insecurity less of a trying to impress others, I just
wanted to be liked by myself. I still like nice things (and I am
not saying that is bad-I think liking and enjoying nice things
is fully ok it’s just being mindful of it) but then I also know
on days like right now I am writing this working from home no
makeup, threw on a tunic sweater over my leggings so I look
professional, and am in my covid slippers lol. I had to get
honest with myself that yeah I like getting dressed up sometimes
or wearing more makeup but come on I am so that girl in leggings
and slippers/comfy clothes and shoes for life! And I am learning
to quite like her. All of that to say because there is so much I
could say, I am learning that these things I have collected or
these career achievements don’t make me good enough my believing
that I am is what makes me happy and the simpler things make me
even more happy, my husband, my family, my puppies, my health.
Being where I am now I have a lot to be thankful for, my
doctoral program was insanely expensive and I did not ask nor
have my parents fund my education I was determined to be
independent as much as I could during that time and I am proud
of myself looking back I wanted to say I did it on my own, my
success no one else can take credit for the accountability was
100% on me. Even though working for the government comes with
its challenges, I love working with clients and am grateful that
my job also pays for my doctoral loans. I can’t help but smile
the more I realize now that the simple things feel like the true
definition of luxury. I feel so fortunate and again am checking
my privileges to be able to say this, to now be in a position
where I am not experiencing financial stress, academic stress,
etc. and can actually try to relax for the first time ever and
enjoy the fruits of my labor. And to be honest, even though it’s
been a while since I graduated now, I still pinch myself when I
see a paycheck. Jim and I have often reflected on the different
life challenges we have navigated and how nice it feels for
things to now feel more chill if you will.
[/quote]
Great perspective on religion and religiosity because it truly
does evolve over time. I'm sure in your profession, clients who
didn't experience church may suddenly go to church for faith,
and paradoxically, like many in training, the church or house of
worship was a staple in family homes and beliefs, the driving
force. Some use it for living a just and moral life, while
others abuse it to justify their behaviors, it boils down to
intention. Different stages in our lives call for different
ideologies, discussions, thoughts, reflections, etc. Regarding
chapter 16, we can only control what is within our control and
one book that helped me years ago when I was fixated on
controlling an outcome was Tao Te Ching (before I did yoga
training). It helped me identify things I was otherwise fearing
to accept.
It's nice to have things that make life a little more
comfortable, nothing wrong with that. I think many people like
yourself (and myself included at certain times in my life)
strive for certain wants and ideals because as you know, it's
all psychological. Deep down it's having that internal comfort
that may be lacking, and of course, we automatically go for
external validation of some sort. Sitting in a tunic with
leggings is a vibe, and you're in an able position of reflecting
reward, not resenting the requirements.
#Post#: 245--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: wantalli Date: December 1, 2022, 11:55 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15: Contemplate these words... I Am That
“Do not pretend that you love others as you love yourself.
Unless you have realized them as one with yourself, you cannot
love them... when you know beyond all doubting that the same
life flows through all that is and you are that life, you will
love all naturally and spontaneously.”
Something about this travel tip, really hit home for me. All
though I know I do not fully embody this sentiment, (I can be
judgmental, frustrated, or harsh) I think I most live my life
from this place or love. I extend as much patience and
compassion to everyone as I can. I try to see the parallels
between my likes and differences, strengths and faults, in
others. And the part of me that is judgmental and frustrated, it
is looking into the mirror of myself in others. Rather it be
past or current struggles that I can witness in others. But
knowing that we are all one, we are all the same, and trying to
live for a place of love is what I aim to do. We are all just
body’s, thinking, breathing, and living our paths, some of us
will walk the same roads, and most of us will never cross paths,
yet we are all connected just the same.
Chapter 16: Reduce Speed
Amidst the chaos and excitement of long days, packed schedules,
and daunting to do lists, the pockets of peace and quiet are
fuller and more researching than ever.
I was talking to Niki yesterday about how I have been feeling
out of sorts and scattered this week. It’s just the accumulation
of life, work and lots of exciting things, but as YTT peaks and
comes to close I have felt so of center. The turbulence and lack
of routine completely faultered my confidence.
Despite knowing I had to do hours of catch up on here today, I
decided to get out for an extra long walk in the woods with
Scout this morning. It’s funny because we have talked so many
times about the things that ground us, and how that is such a
non negotiable for me... however I just didn’t choose to fit
that into my packed days this week. And boy did I feel it.
After slowing down, putting my phone away, being present, and
getting the fresh air with my bud, I feel re-centered. I can do
this, I want to do this, I am going to do this.
I needed to pause, to breathe, to slow down and “reduce my
speed”. Amidst the chaos I lost my voice of reason, but taking
the time to be with myself and slow down, I was able to regroup
and find my inner peace, confidence and will power to push
though this final weekend with the same bright eyes and
excitement I started it with.
Thank you all for the pep talks too! I love you all so much.
Chapter 17: Don’t be attached to nonattachment.
Im giggling because I always say “literally nothing matter.” And
while nothing matters, it all kinda does too. However I am a
firm believer is the thing that you let have power over you
will, and therefore you get to decide how much something,
upsets, excites, bothers, motivates, changes you.
So I think the “magic” of this place where you have control over
your attachment or non- attachment to things lies somewhere in
the middle. It’s a place where you are moved both deeply by
things, and also so unbothered by the outside influence of
things that you have no control over. It is accepting that
change is inevitable and you can push against it or flow with
the rolling tide of life’s up and down. It is not being so
unaltered and detached from your emotions that you have none,
but being so in-tune and committed to being present with the
emotions you feel and why.
#Post#: 255--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: December 1, 2022, 6:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Alli Want link=topic=16.msg245#msg245
date=1669917328]
Chapter 15: Contemplate these words... I Am That
“Do not pretend that you love others as you love yourself.
Unless you have realized them as one with yourself, you cannot
love them... when you know beyond all doubting that the same
life flows through all that is and you are that life, you will
love all naturally and spontaneously.”
Something about this travel tip, really hit home for me. All
though I know I do not fully embody this sentiment, (I can be
judgmental, frustrated, or harsh) I think I most live my life
from this place or love. I extend as much patience and
compassion to everyone as I can. I try to see the parallels
between my likes and differences, strengths and faults, in
others. And the part of me that is judgmental and frustrated, it
is looking into the mirror of myself in others. Rather it be
past or current struggles that I can witness in others. But
knowing that we are all one, we are all the same, and trying to
live for a place of love is what I aim to do. We are all just
body’s, thinking, breathing, and living our paths, some of us
will walk the same roads, and most of us will never cross paths,
yet we are all connected just the same.
Chapter 16: Reduce Speed
Amidst the chaos and excitement of long days, packed schedules,
and daunting to do lists, the pockets of peace and quiet are
fuller and more researching than ever.
I was talking to Niki yesterday about how I have been feeling
out of sorts and scattered this week. It’s just the accumulation
of life, work and lots of exciting things, but as YTT peaks and
comes to close I have felt so of center. The turbulence and lack
of routine completely faultered my confidence.
Despite knowing I had to do hours of catch-up on here today, I
decided to get out for an extra long walk in the woods with
Scout this morning. It’s funny because we have talked so many
times about the things that ground us, and how that is such a
non-negotiable for me... however I just didn’t choose to fit
that into my packed days this week. And boy did I feel it.
After slowing down, putting my phone away, being present, and
getting the fresh air with my bud, I feel re-centered. I can do
this, I want to do this, I am going to do this.
I needed to pause, to breathe, to slow down and “reduce my
speed”. Amidst the chaos I lost my voice of reason, but taking
the time to be with myself and slow down, I was able to regroup
and find my inner peace, confidence and will power to push
though this final weekend with the same bright eyes and
excitement I started it with.
Thank you all for the pep talks too! I love you all so much.
Chapter 17: Don’t be attached to nonattachment.
Im giggling because I always say “literally nothing matter.” And
while nothing matters, it all kinda does too. However I am a
firm believer is the thing that you let have power over you
will, and therefore you get to decide how much something,
upsets, excites, bothers, motivates, changes you.
So I think the “magic” of this place where you have control over
your attachment or non- attachment to things lies somewhere in
the middle. It’s a place where you are moved both deeply by
things, and also so unbothered by the outside influence of
things that you have no control over. It is accepting that
change is inevitable and you can push against it or flow with
the rolling tide of life’s up and down. It is not being so
unaltered and detached from your emotions that you have none,
but being so in-tune and committed to being present with the
emotions you feel and why.
[/quote]
It's been said we see ourselves in others, and I believe what we
do see in others could be that universal connection to past
lives to some degree, the elements we so easily pick out in
others. That's my theory, anyway. If you've ever taken human
design, you may be a projector. Indeed we're human beings
living, loving, breathing, and learning.
Thank you for making time to go for a long walk and gather up
some fresh air for clarity and peace of mind! Stick to that
non-negotiable no matter what. Ah, the paradox of non-attachment
and the attachment to non-attachment. There is a middle ground
that I agree is magical because you can oscillate through your
emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc.
#Post#: 258--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 15/16/17
By: Madi Rowan Date: December 3, 2022, 9:04 am
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Chapter 15 - Travel Tip #4
I chose Travel Tip 4 because I definitely can relate to those
questions within my own spiritual journey over the years. I
think when you're learning something new, it can be easy to
doubt yourself or feel like you don't know enough or aren't
spiritual enough, but that's when that inner trust has to kick
in. And even today, I find that when I'm around people who hold
different beliefs than I do surrounding spirituality, I find
that I definitely hold back & suppress my true thoughts &
feelings. For example, my mom is very devout to her Catholic
faith & when I'm around her, it's a topic I honestly want to
avoid entirely. So yes, while in a sense I can see how I am
suppressing my true thoughts & feelings, I also think it's a
healthy boundary that I've established within the relationship
to not get into that conversation. And I think at the beginning
of someone's spiritual journey, it's easy to kinda feel like an
imposture at times (relating to the first bullet point of the
Travel Trip I chose). I remember when I first was introduce to
crystals (the first example that comes to mind), I had this
feeling to an extent of "am I merely creating a spiritual
experience" or do I really feel this way. And after I sat with
it for a bit, I really leaned in to being drawn to crystals &
wasn't left with any feelings of it being a facade.
Chapter 16 - Travel Tip #1
My main spiritual challenge is not being a clear decision maker
within some areas of my life. When it comes to myself
individually, I am fully able to trust myself & make a clear
decision when I'm the only one involved. However, as soon as
another person comes into the picture in terms of decision
making. I fall into decision fatigue, even with my husband. I
think this stems from my childhood because it was never up to me
to make decisions, so I had to go with the flow based on what my
family/parents decided which got more difficult for me as I
started to mature into being a teenager/young adult. So to
relate it back, I think my main challenge is not being able to
lean into that inner self trust of being able to make a sound
decision when other people are involved, the same way I'd make a
decision for myself. Because for me, I know what I want & that's
why I'm clear when it comes to the things that involve solely
me. And in most cases, I know what I want when it comes to
making a decision with others involved, however, I stray away
from speaking my truth sometimes out of fear of
disappointing/disagreeing with someone else.
Chapter 17 - Travel Tip #3
I had never drank alcohol before heading off to college, due to
my strict upbringing. Honestly in high school, I was focused on
my goals & didn't have the desire to party (nor was I allowed
regardless haha) or drink. However, when I got to college, to
say I let my hair down would be an understatement HA. I made up
for the fun I never had in high school entirely & then some.
Leading up to & throughout my sophomore year of college (which
was one of my hardest years to date), things really got
amplified. I was struggling mentally, physically, emotionally, &
I numbed it through drinking anytime I went out with my
teammates. The goal was to always "black out" or get close to
that & it became a really negative thing that trickled into many
areas of my life. I completely used alcohol & the amount I was
consuming as a crutch & as a way to numb the many emotions I was
feeling throughout that time in my life & I definitely hurt a
lot of people along the way. I drank & partied hard up until the
day I met my now husband. As we started to grow into our
relationship, I could really start to feel myself beginning to
step into a better version of myself & I started to become more
intentional about the things in my life, what I was eating,
drinking, doing, etc. I realized alcohol had never contributed
to my life in a positive way, so I made the decision to cut back
my drinking. Throughout the rest of my college experience I had
a drink here or there, but before I graduated in 2017, I
realized I did not need alcohol in my life, so I completely
stopped drinking. It's been over 5 years now since I've had a
drink! It really was a gift to decide to eliminate something
that was 100% a crutch & something that did not contribute to
the life or person I personally wanted to become.
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