Clarity and commitment are essential to creating a desirable life. Like any road map, without knowing where you’re going, you can’t possibly get there. Sometimes knowing what we want is unclear, but once we have clarity, a commitment to doing what it takes to get there may include taking action, being patient, or knowing when to say “no thank you” to the distractions and attractions that can lead us off our path as we move in the direction of our dreams.
In Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God, God tells Mr. Walsch that the reason we struggle to create our ideal life, is that we keep changing our minds. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe says it well, "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred...Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
So how do we get clear when we have conflicting thoughts about what we want? I have found that minimizing the noise, both internal and external, helps to clarify things for me and have developed a practice to help me get and stay clear:
1) DAILY MEDITATION
Deep down, most of us know what is right for us. But we tend to become distracted and confused by what we “think” is the right choice. Often, we are afraid of taking risks or disappointing others by our choice to be true to ourselves. By committing to a daily meditation practice, you will stay connected to your inner guidance, and clear a space to hear the messages of your soul. Sometimes this voice is very quiet, especially if you have been ignoring it for a long time. When you quiet the chatter in your head, you honor and make space for your inner truth to emerge. This is where true happiness is born.
2) GET OUTSIDE AND BE WITH NATURE
When we connect to the earth and literally plant our feet in the ground, we connect energetically with the natural rhythms of life to the Source of all that is, where information travels to us. There is a universal wisdom that we are all connected to although most people do not recognize or welcome it since it is beyond our five senses. Getting outside to be in the world where all beings are truly connected clears a space for intuition and wisdom to emerge. You may even find weird “miracles” or “coincidences” occurring when you get in touch with this Universal wisdom. Sit by a body of water, in the forest, a patch of grass, a sandy beach, or on a rock somewhere, close your eyes, observe your breath, and quiet your mind as you ask for guidance. Then watch for the signs that come up each day…pay attention to the simple things that you may otherwise shrug off as coincidence—a song on the radio, a traffic sign, a billboard, an old friend calling to tell you about her weird dream. Ask what it means when these things appear. There are messages all around us when we welcome them in and are open to the magic.
3) GET PLENTY OF REST AND EXERCISE
I’m a grouch without a good night’s sleep and a bit of daily exercise. This needs to be part of the commitment we make to ourselves. It helps us keep our bodies in balance, open to receiving the information that is right for us. If our bodies aren’t rested and our health is an issue, it’s difficult to focus on anything beyond our immediate need for wellness. Plus, a rested, energized mind is more grateful, joyful, and centered. When we exercise, it increases the oxygen flow to the brain and oxytocin levels which help us feel emotionally strong, solid, and more clear. This is the place from which good decisions are made.
4) JOURNAL
I have a morning practice that begins with writing down my thoughts. Sometimes they are random. Sometimes I don’t feel like writing anything at all and my mind is blank, but I do it anyway. Tracking our dreams can also be helpful. Sometimes I feel especially clear and inspired after a good night’s sleep and I need to get my ideas down before they disappear into the day’s events. By getting our thoughts out, we are better able to understand how we are feeling and release that energy so that it doesn’t block our inner guidance or interfere with our ability to take action.
5) PLAY TIME
They say that whenever we are doing something that makes us lose track of time, that we are doing our soul’s work, or living life on purpose. As a photographer, time falls away for me when I am shooting pictures or working in the digital darkroom. I also love to paint. One night I suggested to my boyfriend that we paint together. As we worked on the same piece side-by-side, I turned the music up and danced around the room feeling excited and energized by the spontaneity. We had a blast! And In addition to the playtime being emotionally bonding, I woke up the next day feeling inspired and focused. Play time—whether alone or with someone you love—is a great way to get in touch with what drives you. Is there something you love to do that gives you this feeling?
6) BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE
A great friend just reminded me that confusion is OK and that demanding answers before we have them is a form of self-abuse. Well, she didn't exactly put it that way, but this is my take-away. The point is, we need to give ourselves time and space for clarity to come. And not criticize ourselves in the process. Give yourself a break. The practice is as important as the results, and you will have answers soon enough.
7) DECIDE AND COMMIT
Once we figure out what we want, making a commitment to ourselves - and others - helps us stay on track to succeed. If we are non-committal, fear, doubt, and worry can sabotage our decisions, which pushes our goals further out of reach and makes them impossible to achieve.
So decide and commit! If you are unsure of what you want, just making a decision to commit to a daily practice will help the clarity come.
Namaste!
Nancy