I took a yoga class this morning with Camille Monro at Room to Breathe Yoga in HoHoKus, NJ, which is always awesome! In the first few minutes of our practice, Camille always suggests putting an intention in our mind and heart that will be the center of our practice for the day. I did this, and nothing came. This does not disturb me. In fact, during the last few minutes, as we lay on the floor, so in the moment and clear, post-yoga, during that meditative period that I treasure so much, a feeling came to me.
I remembered a time almost 20 years ago, when I first began training to become an hypnotherapist. I had never considered going into a profession such as hypnosis. I just knew that when I began to practice hypnotherapy and worked with a hypnotherapist, that some miraculous occurrences spurred me forward to learn more. And when I learned more, I realized that hypnosis was a language that I intuitively understood.
Let me explain. When I was a child, I was musical. I could pick up instruments and play them. I sang pretty well, both on my own and in harmony with others. I was able to learn to play instruments by watching others, or from listening to music. I learned at a young age to read music effortlessly. I continued on like this until the age of 16, when my environment was no longer conducive to musical discovery. At that point, sadly or practically, it became about achievement, getting into a college, and living a very "normal" life. While I still play piano and guitar and sing a bit, it was not the revelation and saving language it was of my youth. But I never forgot that feeling of grateful joy.
Things went on like this throughout my young adulthood as an employee, spouse and parent. I made room as best as I could for my daughters to have the space to be creative, discover their own joyful language. At that time, I took saxaphone lessons and loved it, but stopped short of joining a band, which I regretted. However, my life was full with my family and work, and I seldom thought about it.
Then my Mom, Jeanne, got very sick. I was with her a lot and became stressed. I began seeing a therapist. The therapist suggested I see a hypnotherapist. This began another miraculous time. As I began not only to practice hypnosis for myself but began to study to become a hypnotherapist. I realized that hypnosis was another intuitive language for me, just like music. I was again joyfully grateful, which I continue to be today.
When I first decided to begin to practice as a professional, I was nervous. My family did not understand. Some of my friends thought it might be some type of voodoo. It took time away from them. But it is not voodoo, not religious or dogmatic. I'll talk more about what hypnosis is another time.
The point I am finally getting around to is this. As I embarked on my second remarkable inward journey (the first being music), I received quite a bit of push-back from those around me. Also, I was confused about just how I would actually work this into my life. I was more than a little nervous and bewildered, but just as compelled to move forward, wherever forward was.
So my intention at that time, and this morning, became this - I am open to guidance from God. I am open to inner guidance and enlightenment, but I do not know today what that guidance or enlightenment is. And that is okay. I am an open vessel only ever for good. More information will come at the right time. It always has.
So my prayer, my mantra, my meditation is simple - Open Open Open - and trust that you know what can come in and to know when it is right.
Happy New Year! My wish for you is grateful joy as you discover your heart's desire, your own language.
