paulo coelho – Butterfly Spirit!

Reflections of Travels

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page
– Saint Augustine

The year of 2024, was my year of travel! In March 2024, I was guided to Hamburg, Germany. By the summer, the destination was Lisbon, Portugal for a family trip. When one travels, there is often a feeling of freedom, possibility and to dream. An underlying expectation that each journey will be full of positive experiences, people and culture. However, what does one do when this expectation is not fulfilled?

What guided me to Hamburg, Germany? It was my sister whom I was to visit in Germany. Her family are expats and have lived all over the world. Truly an enriching way to live life! Germany is a country that piqued my curiosity. Historically I knew one day I would venture to this vast land. Hamburg was like a European suburb. It offered an aesthetic of culture, innovative architecture and was surrounded by the sea.

Visiting my sister was an enriching experience. This trip was preordained, as I felt we were supposed to help one another heal and evolve. The reality was, we let our vulnerabilities be seen, spoke from the soul and showed up as ourselves. Germany, especially Hamburg, actually shattered my soul. I am a “wanderlust” and this was hard for me to grasp. The reality of this vacation was that I experienced a cold culture and racial tension. I was not accepted, as I am a visible minority. I became quiet and had to go inwards for reflection. I admire my sister as she has learned German, become resilient by being in another country and has found her way. I am certain there are many individuals who have experienced what I had. Gratitude, counting my daily blessings kept my overall energy intact.

I have always been an avid reader, books are my source of inspiration. I picked up a few novels before heading abroad. I read an incredible novel called “Brida” – by Paulo Coelho. This novel assisted with understanding my soul, I never knew about. That there is a light which always shines no matter what circumstances are thrown our way. The narrative was depicted in Ireland. The storyline was centered around a young woman who was discovering her innate healing gifts – as a new age witch. I have always been drawn to Ireland and know I will venture there at the precise timing.

When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way
― Paulo Coelho, Brida

During my travels to Germany – prayer, yoga, meditation and listening to the channeling of Kyron helped me stay nourished. My perspective was that the world is changing and kindness will always prevail. Love needed to be sprinkled on Hamburg. I ventured to Berlin which was a breath of fresh air. My sister and I traveled by train, the European way! We visited galleries, ate beautiful food and saw historical monuments that were embedded deep into my soul.

Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. – Yogi Bhajan

By July the forces of nature brought me to Lisbon for a family reunion. The energy of Portugal was of light heartedness. I had never been to Portugal and being by the ocean was a healing experience. The moment I stepped off the airplane in Portugal, I knew instantaneously that this would be a unique adventure. The people, history and climate was entrenched with love. You could not help but feel a sense of awe everywhere you went. We celebrated my Mother’s 75^th Birthday, ate Portuguese tarts daily and ventured to cities close by. I felt carefree, alive and one with life. Portugal, had a lasting imprint not only on myself but with the entire family. Portugal felt like a hug for the soul, one could feel a vibration of spiritual energy.

Live your life by a compass, not a clock – Stephen Covey

Traveling to Europe last year brought contrasting energies. Germany was eye opening and had a deeper significance. The influence of migration and the socio-political structure has shifted the country not only in Germany but worldwide. I acknowledge that my expectations were not met, and that is ok. I was vulnerable, suffering and kept faith. That one experience will not hinder me from going back. As I am drawn to water, it felt that I was being restored. The universe propelled me to Germany to shine light on a country that needed love. I too had to shed old skin and grow. The relationship with myself was being replenished. Portugal in hindsight was the re-birthing of a new version of who I am. As I felt my soul shattered in Germany, in Portugal I collected those pieces like a tapestry and wove them together.

Our souls are drawn to certain cities, countries and continents for a divine reason unbeknownst to us at the time. Be it past-life or curiosity, there is something mystical with traveling. The soul holds an invisible compass that guides one to particular places. For anyone who is a wanderlust, or a carefree soul – do not let anyone or anything dim your light. Allow this powerful phrase from Mel Robbins to guide you on your way in life – “Let them”.

Your relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything in your life
― Mel Robbins

The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho

The good fight is the one that's fought in the name of our dreams ...

The first novel I ever read by Paulo Coelho was The Alchemist. His text spoke to my heart in profound ways. I was hooked! I have read many of his novels and presently reading The Pilgrimage. I feel to some degree, I am on my own individual “Pilgrimage”. Things come to you when the time is right.

My friends we are in a time where our faith will carry us forward. The higher power, universe and angels are by your side. We must remember love, and not let fear influence us. We are all feeling the effects of Corona Virus, however it is a time where humanity must all come together as a collective family. Its time to heal, just as Mother Earth is experiencing.

Taken from The Pilgrimage, I share The Blue Sphere Exercise:

Seat yourself comfortably, and relax. Try not to think about anything.

Feel how good it is to be alive. Let your heart feel free and affectionate, let it rise above and beyond the details of the problems that my be bothering you. Begin to sing softly a song from your childhood. Imagine that your heart is growing, filling the room – and later your home – with an intense shining blue light.
When you reach this point, begin to sense the presence of the saints (or other beings) in which you placed your faith when you were child. Notice that they are present, arriving from everywhere, smiling and giving you faith and confidence.
Picture the saints approaching you, placing their hands on your head and wishing you love, peace, and communion with the world – the communion of the saints.
When the sensation becomes strong, feel that the blue light is a current that enters you and leaves you like a shining, flowing river. This blue light begins to spread through your house, then through your neighborhood, your city, and your country; eventually envelops the world in immense blue sphere. This is the manifestation of the great love that goes beyond the day-to-day struggle; it reinforces and invigorates, as it provides energy and peace.
Keep the light spread around the world for as along as possible. Your heart is open, spreading love. This phase of the exercise should last for a minimum of five minutes.
Come out of your trance, bit by bit, return to reality. The saints will remain near. The blue light will continue to spread around the world.

This ritual can and should be done with more than one person. When this is the case, the participants should hold hands while they do this exercise.

I felt inclined to share this exercise as soon as I read it. Perhaps it can shift the energy we are presently in, raising our vibration and Mother Earth’s as well. Sending love and blessings xo

Wisdom from Paulo Coelho

Image result for alchemist quotes

It was 2012, when a dream came true as I attended Oprah’s Master Life Class Tour live in Toronto, Canada! It this extraordinary event I heard renowned speakers such as: Anthony Robbins, Deepak Choopra and Ilayna Vanzant. Oprah Winfrey is a woman of grace who has made such an impact with the OWN Network. Her desire is to bring knowledge and help individuals rise to there utmost potential. Oprah is instrumental for bringing together a new wave of authors and she truly in captures the light of everyone she encounters. There is an author I have wanted to meet my entire life, I have read many of his novels and he goes by the name of Paulo Coelho.

The great courageous act that we must all do, is to have the courage to step out of our history and past so that we can live our dreams. –Oprah Winfrey

I’m truly a seeker and will always be intrigued by serendipitous signs, omens and more! I delve into books, Ted-Talks and Podcasts and anything that makes my soul awaken. In my early 20’s is when I first read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho and it transformed my life and has resonated with my spirit for years. It illustrated the values and ideologies I have practiced my entire adult life. I recommend The Alchemist to anyone who is on the spiritual path or open to it. It was the cornerstone to uncovering myself.

The main character Santiago is from Andalusia Spain – A Shepherds son lives a comfortable life with his parents and starts to question is there more to his existence. In the beginning of the novel Santiago while sleeping under a sycamore tree has a recurring dream that he needs to travel to Egypt to find his treasure. He can not shake this prophecy and feels inclined to pursue this path. Dreams hold particular messages if we are open to receive them. The protagonist is tested with challenges that encouraged him to pursue his own path “personal legend” to understand his soul. He was an Alchemist all along, and obstacles where placed in his life as to keep him faithful. This was all done for a divine reason, to uncover parts of himself in order to evolve. Omens, signs and people were sent along his journey, I believe many of us can relate to Santiago when we are trying to figure out which direction to pursue. Follow your heart!

Now back to Oprah! During the latter part of 2017 I stumbled upon an interview with Oprah and Paulo Coelho. It was called Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. She has interviewed many new age authors such as: Micheal Beckweth, Gary Zukav and Caroline Myss all incredible authors who offer spiritual insight in today’s world . This was a sign I felt, to reacquaint myself with The Alchemist. Messages come into your life at particular times and this was one of them.

Paulo Coelho was born in Brazil to devout Catholic parents. During the conversations with Oprah the author illustrates that was an artist at an early age and knew he wanted to be a writer. His parents did not favor his chosen path and begged him to follow an alternative career. His own parents even insisted he go into a facility for his mental health! They were so afraid he was going against the grain and not following the life they intended for him. He later attended law school and dropped out to travel the world. On a chance encounter with an individual in Amsterdam he received a message to travel to Spain and walk the holy pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela. Here is where he received the intuitive messages to become a writer. I felt so inspired when listening to Oprah’s Soul Conversations that I had to write about this!

The author offered such insight to life and I feel that I was meant to share is wisdom! Here are a five segments that may help you LIVE YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE:

You may get off track in life however you will always be drawn and guided to the right course. Every person, experience or obstacle you encounter is for your highest growth and healing. You may feel life is shattering underneath you, this is when you are being reborn.
“There is only one way to learn. It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey”

Know what you want, the universe will conspire to make it happen –TRUST! Do not let anyone sway your decisions. You have all the answers within, the universe wants to help you.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
The universe will always direct you to your path, follow your heart it will never lead you astray. Your heart center is sacred, within lies all the wisdom you are seeking. Your heart holds all treasure.
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense .”
The language of the divine is the language of the world. Be still and present to what you need to hear.
“There was a language in the world that everyone understood, a language the boy had used throughout the time that he was trying to improve things at the shop. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired.”
Dreams are when you reconnect the symbols and signs. Never stop dreaming, visualizing everything you desire. Its a request that you are transmuting to the universe. YOUR dreams will happen, stay focused on all the blessings each day of your life.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

After all the lessons and experiences Santiago faces he eventually makes it to Egypt. However, there is no treasure. As he goes back home to the sycamore tree where he had the recurring dreams – his treasure is found. The author and main character Santiago understand that love is the cornerstone to spiritual awakening. You will encounter signs along your journey that will direct you towards what is meant for you – please pursue them. It could be a dream, epiphanies or your intuition steering the ship of your life. You must tune in and allow your spirit to carry you.

Paulo Coelho never abandoned his dream – it was within him all along. What is your dream? Work towards it on your own terms. Don’t be hard on yourself and know it will happen. For myself writing is a form of freedom and expression. I have often questioned whether I will write a book or an editorial one day. All I know is that writing connects me to my heart. Hearing Paulo Coelho’s life story again ascertained that we all have a calling and its our mission to honor it in this lifetime. Have no regrets, be brave, make a decision and know its all working out for you!

But he was able to understand one thing: making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist