Tag: journey

The Beauty of Traveling

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We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.–Anais Nin

Wanderlust, traveler and free spirit! These are all words that I call myself as an avid traveler!!! Traveling started at the age of 3 months; my very first trip was with my mother in India. Although I have no recollection of this holy adventure, I do know that it was monumental for my life. Up until today my mother always tells me how as an infant I was cleansed in the holy water in Golden Temple of Amritsar, Punjab.

Growing up my second home was the United Kingdom. There are so many memories of visiting family and creating new experiences. By my 20’s that’s when the traveling bug hit! It started with Cuba, and then I fell in love with Europe. I have been to Italy four times and love all things European. My dream is to live in Europe one day! The moment my feet hit the ground of each country it feels as if I’m walking on ancient terrain. Almost like I have traveled to certain places before.

In June 2016,  I had the opportunity of to travel to Europe with my best friend! We had wanted to do this for years and finally were able to make this trip happen. It was a journey of lifetime and memories we will share forever. Prior to this trip the last time I was in Europe was in 2013, I went with a tour organization called Contiki Tours! With the tour group we explored the Mediterranean — Spain, France, Monaco and Italy. I was apprehensive about going on the tour alone, as I would be with a group of complete strangers and traveling with them for a lengthy period of time. There was something inside me was saying step out of your comfort zone and embrace this opportunity. This truly was a time of growth. Little did I know that these unfamiliar individuals would become my new group of family and lifelong friends.

The beauty of traveling is life experience! This past summer especially, while being in Europe I had no concept of days or time, I was so consumed in the moment – it was exhilarating. I was never concerned of where I was heading next or fear of being alone. This experience taught me to go with the flow. While on the Contiki trip to the Mediterranean, new faces became familiar friends. I met people from all over the world and connected on such a beautiful level. It was as if there was an invisible thread that connected each and every one of us together on the Contiki tour. Something extraordinary was happening, stories were exchanged new memories were created and lives were changed. Each individual had a special gift; something to share that made them shine their own light.

Find life experiences and swallow them whole. travel. meet many people. go down some dead ends and explore dark alleys. try everything. exhaust yourself in the glorious pursuit of life. –Lawrence K. Fish

There were two significant events that I will always carry in my heart. I have always felt connected to the country of Italy. As the Contiki group arrived to Italy I had the pleasure of walking through the terrain of Cinque Terre also known as the fisherman’s islands. At the Cinque Terre, while breathing in the ocean air, many of us hiked from the city of Vernazza to Monterosso. While on the mountains I felt so close to the sky, limitless, free and so engrossed in the feeling of peace. The Vatican City was another holy experience. When I was at St. Peter’s Basilica last summer, I felt oneness and connected to something far deeper then I can imagine. It was a spiritual awakening. Time stood still and all I could think was how blessed I was to be alive living a dream of traveling in Italy, with new and old friends.

Why does one travel? Traveling open’s the spirit and the soul. It allows us to find clarity, reflect on our own lives and embrace conscious living. We gain perspective while being away from the comfort of our city and home. We encounter souls who we share our stories with and ultimately we are on the same journey. So that being said, where will you be heading next? I’m off to France for the next adventure, hope to see you there!

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
—Robert Louis Stevenson

The Spiritual Path

"The further down my spiritual path I go, the less I am able to define. When I turn inward, I find no words. Only Light; only Love." ~Laura Jaworski

One thing: you have to walk, and create the way by your walking; you will not find a ready-made path. It is not so cheap, to reach to the ultimate realization of truth. You will have to create the path by walking yourself; the path is not ready-made, lying there and waiting for you. It is just like the sky: the birds fly, but they don’t leave any footprints. You cannot follow them; there are no footprints left behind. —Osho

Walking the spiritual path is within each soul if they chose to follow. It is a deep understanding and appreciation of all religious faiths and ideologies. The emphasis is on love, peace and non-judgment. You begin to realize that there is something greater then yourself. An inner awakening occurs; you are being led by your soul. Spirituality is a calling; once you are aligned to living this way you become awake. Your faith will be tested, challenges will come and you may face adversities. This is all happening to show you how incredibly resilient you are. The trials and turbulent time are there to facilitate your ultimate growth and healing.

I once read that the first 40 years of our life, we are trying to get over the first five years. What does this mean? We all have baggage, past grief, or had a childhood that may have not been the most encouraging. Always remember with each experience you have had in life it shapes your destiny. Observe each experience whether being positive or negative as valuable lesson. Try to always see everything as a blessing as everything is happening for your highest good. You always have a choice and each chapter of your life has significance. You are creating your story each day you are here.

Spirituality is like climbing a steep mountain. You start at the bottom of the hill, as you grow through each lesson and experience you get closer and closer to reaching your potential or even enlightenment. The goal is not to reach the mountain top but to bring awareness of everything that you have learned along the climb. You will learn every day of your life and continue to for as long as you are on the earth realm.

Faith does not need to push the river because faith is able to trust that there is a river. The river is flowing. We are in it.– Richard Rohr

How did I embark on the path to spirituality? I was born into the Sikh religion, and as a family unit we would attend church each Sunday. Prayers, mantras and religious hymns were always played throughout our home. The virtues of faith, compassion, charity and love are aspects of our culture that my parents have passed along. Spirituality has been within me since I was a child not until I was in my teenage years did I really start to question life and its meaning.

It was the summer just before high school was to begin; we had family visiting from Montreal. After having a family brunch each of my siblings and I were presented a narrative from my uncle. It was called Unlimited Power, by Anthony Robbins. I remember reading it and felt so inspired. It was at the pivotal moment of my life I understood that the universe was working for me. I felt protected by angels, assisted by the higher power and a deep connection to my soul.

By my twenties I started to question more about life and its meaning. A dear friend of mine gifted me with the Holy Bible and another part of my soul awakened. Teachings of Master Christ resonated with my soul deeply and I had a deep appreciation for his teachings. I read anything spiritual I could get my hands on from past-lives, angels, and self-development. I wanted to absorb all the material I could and now realize it was all here to foster my growth. Yoga came into my life and changed my spirit in so many ways. It allowed me to feel so alive and fostered inner healing.

The Spiritual path has many twists and turns and bends in the road. There are many times when I question the higher power to why I face challenges. When the obstacles arise, I have learned to become silent and sit with meditation. I listen to the divine messages that come within. I chose this path for a reason, not only for myself but to guide others along the way. We all hold the miracle of the holy greatness within us. The path was chosen for all of us, cherish it and always know that you are a blessing to everyone you meet.

Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives. —Brené Brown

 

 

Goals vs. Intentions

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Every journey begins with the first step of articulating the intention, and then becoming the intention.
― Bryant McGill

It’s almost the end of January; the New Year is officially here. I have been reviewing my wish list for 2017. Every year, I take out my journal and pen and get down to business. I make a list of resolutions and goals that I would like to accomplish throughout the duration of the year. We are given 365 new days, a clean slate to set things in motion and shake it up. I must admit it’s quite advantageous, and sometimes a few of the goals get crossed off, but not all of them. After attending a meditation class in December 2016, my perspective completely changed with setting goals and resolutions.

It was the end of 2016. and I finally made it to a weekly meditation session. I had not participated for a few months and realized it was time to get back into group practice. That night we were to meditate and read a Tibetan passage regarding the topic of goals vs. intentions. That evening changed my outlook on everything with regards to how I perceive goals and life.

Personally speaking, I’m an action oriented person. I write things down and like to see results instantaneously. After attending the mediation class it entirely shifted my perception. I learned something so valuable that evening and feel inspired to share.

Goals are orientated in the ego and mind, we look for rewards immediately. When things do not happen the way we like, we get discouraged to try again. When setting goals, right away it seems like we pressure ourselves into getting things done instantly and forget about the process. Honestly, goals sometimes stress me out. I’m a heart centered soul and take my time to make decisions and that goes with tasks as well. Completing tasks should be creative and fun not arduous. That goes with life in general; we need to enjoy what we do on a daily basis and build from there.

Now for intentions, they come from the heart. This was the biggest “ah-ha” moment ever. It was like the bells were ringing and time stopped, something was so clear. The Tibetan approach to living a peaceful lifestyle is to set daily intentions every morning we rise. All it takes is few minutes during your day to spark this process. Setting an intention can be done at your desk, in the car or even in the subway. What matters most is that you are doing something constructive for you. The value of intentions is that we can reflect on it throughout the day and before we shut down for the evening. Intention sets the way for growth and allows daily miracles to unfold throughout the process. There is no stress in this heart centred approach.

Intentionality fuels the master’s journey. Every master is a master of vision. —George Leonard

We have to be ready for change on the inside and in order for the transformation to occur on the outside. With setting intentions it gives us direction, ask your heart what it wants. Results may not happen in a day, week or month. Things take time and learn to trust every experience that comes your way. Life is not a race to be won, life is to be experienced. Now what your intention for today?

Everything in the universe has a purpose. Indeed, the invisible intelligence that flows through everything in a purposeful fashion is also flowing through you. –Wayne Dyer

Article of reference:

http://garywonghc.tumblr.com/post/145532783712/set-your-intention-rejoice-in-your-day-by-geshe