Opening Up to

Sometimes in life we surprise ourselves. Too often though, our rigid thinking keeps us stuck in familiar patterns that prevent us from exploring new frontiers. Fortunately, once we step out of our comfort zone and embrace new ideas, we create novel opportunities to grow, pursue our passions, and really enjoy our lives.

I learned the value and joy of going beyond my limiting thinking in part while I was on my healing journey. During that time, I remember feeling that in some mysterious way I was being led to the experiences that I needed to heal, that was, until I was approached by the social worker at the Cancer Center to join a six week meditation class. Although I saw myself as being very open minded, the thought of meditation made me uneasy. I had many misconceptions about the practice and my own ability to do whatever it was that could keep people quiet and still for so long, it just didn't seem natural... I clearly didn't have a clue about the nature of meditation and it's benefits, or more importantly, the human spirit. However, trusting my social worker, I joined the class, and as fate would have it, by the end of the six weeks, I felt very much at home with meditation, and it has became a very important part of my self care, healing, and personal growth.

I am not writing this to preach to you about the benefits of meditation, how it helps you to be more mindful and present in your life, or how it gives you the tools to access the wisdom, peace and healing light that is within each of us, ( oops, apologies, that does seem a little preachy...) I am writing this in the hopes that it will help you to see that letting go of rigid patterns and thoughts can lead us to amazing opportunities for growth and healing. So often it is the very things that we resist that we need the most.

It is over ten years since I began the practice of meditation and as it turns out, I was meant to share what I had learned with others. Because I believe in it so much, I was inspired to step out of my comfort zone once again, this time, to offer meditation classes to my community. At first I felt a little insecure about my abilities, but I trusted the inner voice that urged me on, and with the help of a wonderful health promoter, the classes got organized and were a tremendous success. I say that with humility, for the success was largely due to the courage, dedication, and open mindedness of the participants. They were brave enough to try something new and stay with it even though it was uncomfortable at first. Of course they were not the only ones who benefited from the classes, I did as well. Sharing something you are passionate about is very rewarding, and I not only made some new friends, but I had the privilege of watching the participants open up, embrace something new, and become comfortable with a practice that will serve them the rest of their lives. What started as a six week experiment is still going, and growing, one year later!

It has become evident to me over the years, that when we go beyond our fear based thinking and listen to our inner voices, we open ourselves up to some of the most amazing experiences of our lives. When I look back, I see that the things I was most afraid of  brought me the greatest joys and rewards. Going away to university, moving hundreds of km from my family to start a teaching career, having children, sharing my writing, and mentoring cancer patients were all scary propositions, and it turns out, were all beautiful life experiences that richly enhanced my personal growth, health, and happiness. Fearful thoughts are just that, thoughts, the only power they have is that which we give them. On the other side of fear is a whole lot of love.

So my friends, give power to that which empowers... put your faith in the voice that would urge you to move forward into the unknown. Follow your passion and intuition, and know you are far more capable than you realize. Step out of your comfort zone, stay open, and allow yourself to fly... you just might have the time of your life!!




With gratitude to Erin Brown, who was not only a great meditation teacher and mentor, but someone who continues to be a source of inspiration as a kind, mindful, sensitive, beautiful, fearless, evolving soul. My appreciation for the training wings..

Breathe deeply

into the calm,
into the infinite light

that dwells within...

for that 

is your beacon,

 your inspiration,

 your peace,

 and your wisdom,
that, dear ones,
 is the beautiful essence

that will give you wings to fly
far, far, beyond
what you might have imagined
had you stayed,
safely tucked inside that box..

pbowman