Opening to the Collective

In order to truly create something original and sustainable, we need to put the bucket into the well of the collective unconscious and see what wants to emerge through our unique instrument. No human form is alike, each is tuned to a very specific vibration and therefore, whatever is created through that particular form or instrument cannot help but be unique as well. The only reason for it to not be original is when a human imitates another human and claims it as his/her own. This arises due to a fear of the unknown or an inability to tap into the well of the collective that lives inside of each of us.

All spiritual and creative paths require the same thing: access to the universal or collective consciousness through which all creation arises.

Life gifts us with an access point inside of us through which we can stay connected with our Higher Self (which is really our connection with the Oneness of life). To reach the access point, we must be willing to cultivate an environment of receptivity, which includes silence, discernment and follow through. In other words, we must meet the Muse or Higher Self halfway and demonstrate our commitment. We do this by having a daily practice at the very least, until it becomes second nature. Then we absolutely must follow through on the inner direction we received. It comes down to this: the more we use it, the stronger it gets. So we have to decide it is not only the best way to be in the world, but the ONLY way.

How different life would be if listening to life’s messages and our intuition was the standard way people moved in their lives!

Art has been a great escape for many. It’s less hidden than mysticism, and sometimes less brutal, though many an artist has starved, as it is usually not valued enough to pay the bills. Living on the fringe may be the only way to keep things simple, and not so contradictory or schizophrenic. Nature helps as do long periods of silence. Equilibrium isn’t easy to achieve but if one cultivates a consistent relationship with the inner realms, help is readily available, however, this requires a strong trust of the unseen. What is seen has a powerful sway on our consciousness, so shifting our focus to the unseen and cultivating that makes its influence stronger and easier to follow, in spite of the social resistance we encounter.

The emptiness of a life of conformity is enough to make me willing to deal with the financial consequences of life on the fringe. At least I’m living my own truth in a place of integrity and authenticity. Life naturally feels more sacred in this way as there is a slowing down. One cannot hurry through life, if one expects to be guided by an inner voice or feeling. Moving with a reverence for life reveals hidden beauty and subtle gifts not perceptible in the midst of daily routines and agendas.

I love the discovery process of working with the Muse. I never know what to expect when I make myself available to her. I've committed to show up every day to let her speak through me onto the page. Sometimes I share it, sometimes I don't. But each and every time I find delight in what emerges. Opening in this way to the greater wisdom of the universal, has become one of the important parts of my daily practice and my day. My writing and my spirituality are seamlessly intertwined so that one flows invisibly into the other.

Life speaks. I listen.

In service to that which gave me breath and continues to breath me, I capture these messages and share them the best that I can through writing, speaking, touching, listening and sometimes just being present and holding space for others. It's a wondrous way to be in the world. Not only does life share itself, but it is the greatest teacher. It guides my every step. All that is required is surrender and showing up. Trust helps. In return, I am cared for and loved, sometimes beyond what I ever might even think to ask.

It's a great partnership, though not without it's rough patches. My path has not been a path that should be idealized or romanticized or envied. It's been messy and filled with more heartbreak than I would ever have imagined possible. However, when I step out of my story, I feel myself part of something so much bigger. Peace is there. Happiness is there. Joy is there. All can be found in those sacred moments in the spaces between the challenges and the hardships. Of course, I appreciate the stretches of calm and cherish the grace that arrives right when I feel defeated or lonely.

My heart is strong and my capacity has been stretched immensely since I first entered this life. I trust my resilience and endurance now, more than ever, and I'm oh so grateful for the sanctuary of my daily writing, my precious union with all that is. It lifts me up and restores my faith in the power of the whole and the truth that love holds us all. In that place, we need nothing, for we become everything.