Dream it and make it so…
At my meditation class this week, we were asked to visualise a mountain that represented our nirvana. As I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths, it was such a nice feeling to see this mountain as the life I have already created, and it felt just about perfect. And in the process of visualisation, which was about ‘letting old baggage go’ as we walked towards our mountain, it was comforting to know that I have a lot less baggage than I used to carry. That’s not to say I’m not continually dealing with ‘my stuff’ but by seeing life as one beautiful, unfolding process, it gets easier to recognise my blocks, and the habits that can weigh me down and get in the way of me living my full potential, my dreams.
So how do we get to live our dreams? I’ve always loved to dream and visualise the things I want in my life. I buy the occasional magazine – from fashion to lifestyle – not to feel the oppressive weight of envy or ‘lack of’ for what I don’t have – but more to be inspired and spark my reative juices. I love Pinterest for the same reason; to be stimulated by gorgeous images, places, art, nature, so that I may craft in my dreams and in my desire for the kind of life I want to create for myself. I imagine myself in those images and see if they fit, or take ideas to see how they might apply to my own environment or life. Or better still, feel inspired and stimulated to take action. It got me thinking about the kind of tools we might use to give ourselves the best opportunity to turn those dreams we have into reality.
"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal." Pamela Vaull Starr
Here are some ideas for you to try out.
Vision boards
With a plethora of digital tools like Pinterest and Trello, as well as good ol’ fashioned collages and pin boards, start browsing and pinning ideas to your ‘dream boards’: the kind of house you’d like to live in, the environment you want to thrive in, the clothes you can see yourself wearing, the person you might like to share time with, the success you would like to achieve. Allow yourself to feel like you have those things already. Visit your board frequently and maintain the feeling that you have what you are creating.
Whatever is in the box is
Here’s one I got from a book on Law of Attraction, and I have to say, it’s been a great one for me. First, get a lovely box, the size of shoe box for example, decorate it with love, or choose one of those charming boxes you can now buy in all sorts of stores. Write on the outside of it: Whatever Is In The Box Is. Then, like the vision board, start to drop things in the box that you would like to manifest or bring about in your life. Whenever you put an image or something into the box, say “whatever is in the box is”.
Turn your challenges into new opportunities
There’s a saying in permaculture circles: the problem is the solution. How often do we find that the very thing that tests us, or challenges us, becomes an opportunity for growth and renewal? Keep that in mind when something difficult comes up, and recognise that you have a chance to grow and learn from what is before you.
Act on your desires and dreams
Trust that instinct, that spark of intuition that comes up for you. If you can dream it, you can do it. With a little courage, and getting into real action, with even the smallest of steps, you will begin to create the life you desire – whether it’s leaving an unhealthy relationship, starting that enterprise you’ve been thinking of, or getting out there to meet and network in new circles. If you don’t make a move, and you think that it will happen all by itself without any action on your part, you are likely to feel disappointed and unmotivated.
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Be committed to your process
Without commitment, we lose traction and enthusiasm. And ultimately, we don’t achieve what we want for ourselves. Stay focused and committed to what you want to see for yourself and you will be amazed at how your tenacity toward the outcome will reward you. That single-minded attention will be what gets you results.
“I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent.” Anthony Robbins
Get the support you need
Seek out great mentors, teachers, coaches and people who inspire you. Observe how they overcame obstacles, what their lessons were, and be encouraged by their journeys. Don’t be afraid to ask for support or training, and learn what you need to in order to move forward.
Design your destiny your way
Don’t be afraid to do things differently, or out of the norm. Create the rules and standards you want to live by.
Be clear without the fear
Articulate clearly what you need to make things happen. Set tight boundaries and raise your standards. Say what needs to be said without fearing a reprisal, because if it’s your truth, what means something to you, go for it!
Create the life you love and make real those dreams.
“Don't keep your dreams in your eyes, they may fall as tears. Keep them in your heart so that every heartbeat may remind you to convert them into REALITY.”
Nishan Panwar