Dwell in Possibilities
Several years ago, the TV show 60 Minutes featured a 12-year-old musical prodigy named Alma. A child virtuoso on both piano and violin, she was also an accomplished composer likened to Mozart. In Scott Pelley's words, Alma "channels music from a mysterious source like a portal in time."
Not only does something like this renew my God consciousness, but it also reinforces my belief that we are all connected to some "mysterious source." We each carry our own personal potential within which, in many cases, has never been tapped; rooms inside of ourselves that we don't even know exist! And while our potential may not be as extraordinary as Alma's, it still has the power to influence our ability to create, to love, to grow, to discover, and to make a positive contribution to the greater good.
So why are we so quick to discount or to waste this marvelous potential of ours? That question can have several answers. Perhaps we don't believe this personal potential exists. Maybe we are just too darn busy putting out the everyday "fires" of our lives to explore these inner rooms. In some cases, unacknowledged and/or under-healed inner grief can keep this potential from seeing the light of day. While in other cases, we may have had glimpses of our innate potential, but spend more time comparing ourselves to others than taking action on our own behalf.
Probably the biggest reason we fail to dwell in possibility is that we just don't know how to gain access to these inner rooms of ours. We don't know how to get from here to there. And while there are no short cuts to this "recovery" process, one thing is for certain: It will absolutely require our willing participation.
Begin by creating space for the adventure! Seriously, how can we even think about exploring our inner potential when we are consumed with racing hither and yon at break-neck speed? We must make time between the many events of our lives to simply sit and wonder.
Establish a DAILY practice for listening to and for the Higher Truth. This practice might include spiritual readings, prayer, meditation, yoga, breath work. The key for this practice is consistency.
Ask the “mysterious source” for help. Remember what Rumi says: “What you seek also seeks you.” Enlist the help of whatever Higher Consciousness or Power that resonates with you to help this come about.
Pay attention! As you go through your days, make a conscious effort to listen to your body/emotions/spirit/how you are feeling. Whether mad, glad, sad, frightened, fragmented, or connected, pay attention. When do you feel the most right with the world, the happiest? When do you feel most like your authentic self? What is going on during these times? Who are you with? What are you doing?
Write things down. Keep a "waking-dream" journal. I love using an artist sketch pad for this as it has no lines and allows for free-flow thoughts and desires. Write down anything you see, hear about, or read that sparks your interest and passion. You don't have to do anything with the information, just notice it and record it. As you go along, more will be revealed.
Remember, we are the only ones who can initiate movement to tap into our marvelous potential. So take time to dwell on and believe in the possibilities for your own life. Then take the necessary action to cultivate both the extraordinary and ordinary into your circumstances, relationships, into your gardens, your poetry, your books, your circle of friends.
And once you do, be willing to be surprised!
