Do you have the courage to follow your own star?
Well, if you're anything like me I'd be willing to bet there are times in your life where you've looked at someone else's life and thought, “Wow! I want that.”
The truth is we've all seen it. We've all done it (or have been tempted to do it.) Someone inspires us. We might know them, meet them, hear about them, watch a live lecture or TV special about them. Regardless of how we come to know about this person they awaken something within us that wants to live the lifestyle they live.
Perhaps they have similar beliefs or talents to our own. They might even awaken creative juices inside that haven't been alive in years. We think, “Wow! Look how successful they are. If I applied myself a bit more here and tweaked a few things over there I could do what they are doing. Then, I’d be really happy!”
Sounds easy, right? What could possibly go wrong?
Stay with me a few more minutes as we follow this “all-too-common” comparison trap leading to an endless cycle of frustration and disappointment. You will discover ancient wisdom teachings and angelic guidance designed to help shift your awareness away from others and lovingly embrace the beauty and magic of your own bright star.
We typically become increasingly focused on learning the techniques that helped them achieve the success we want. We become vigilant. Watch their video recordings, read their books or interviews, listen to podcasts, attend seminars and/or workshops, talks and retreats. We can't get enough of it. It's exciting!
It feels within reach. Ironically, we may even reach a similar status and recognition. Yet....and yet, it feels hollow. Incomplete. Inauthentic. How can this possibly be?
In the yogic teachings I am familiar with, the word dharma has an explanation for this all too common dilemma. Dharma comes from the root dhri, meaning to uplift to uphold. The devotional practice of dharma yoga emphasizes good health, a clear mind and a kind heart.
Another translation I've found means "to listen." My favorite interpretation comes from Dr. Deepak Chopra. He explained there are three important components to living your dharma.
Number 1: Knowing
Knowing what your dharma is. These are your natural born gifts and talents that no one else in the world quite has in the same mixture.
The truth is most of us have absolutely no idea! And yes, this is precisely where it can get sticky. The temptation and desire to follow someone else's star or dharma can be incredibly strong. Intoxicating even. Here we are at our most vulnerable.
The dharmic teachings remind us that it’s far greater to follow our own dreams. Our own star. And yes, it may very likely get messy; however, it is far more worthy and satisfactory than following someone else's dharma flawlessly.
They have their own path. Let them have it. Admire the courage they invoked to do this. In fact, they are an example of what dharma in action looks like. For us, we need to look within and ask the questions of our Higher Self to receive our own answers. This is most often achieved during moments of quiet reflection dedicated to allowing ourself to really hear and feel the answers.
Here, Jyoti outlines Henna art. This comes easily to her. She has always loved art and knew that she was born with the gift. Jyoti, by the way, means Ray of Light.
Number 2: Understanding
This leads us to the second aspect of dharma--understanding.
For many of us this can be the most difficult part. It took me years before I was comfortable enough to acknowledge my gifts and talents. I am telling you from personal experience that this is extremely important and incredibly rewarding. It takes courage to look within at our own gold reserves and see value in them.
The truth is this is the stage most people often get stuck in. It's too scary (we think.) Who am I to be great? Who am I to shine? We keep telling ourselves it's okay to stay on the sidelines and keep ourselves small. Let other people shine.
We may have a running inner dialogue of, I don't know how to be a beacon of light for others without feeling guilty.
Here are a few questions to jot down in your journal. Take your time in answering them as they are speaking to your heart:
Who am I not to be great?
Why is it okay to settle for less than I was born to be?
Why not put energy into discovering how great I can be instead of getting overly caught up in other people’s problems? (which by the way is a favorite delay tactic of the Ego)
Who would I be if no one ever told me who I was supposed to be?
The world needs more people owning their beauty, their greatness, talents and creativity. This second step of dharma keeps us from falling into the trap of becoming someone else.
What about the angels?
Working with the angels of serendipity helps to keep us rooted in our spiritual anchor and individuality amongst a world that is doing its best to keep us the same. For me, this has been a superpower. I’ve heard it said that serendipity is when the angels remain anonymous.
We literally cannot force “chance encounters” or “coincidences” to happen. When we lean into our own lives and stop placing so much attention on others, opportunities appear and doors open where before we had roadblocks.
We are not meant to copy others. Yes, we can be inspired by others and let their greatness or peak performances enhance us. But, and this is important, we are meant to take their example to amplify our own lives, not reproduce what they’ve done. We need to bring our own magic sauce, ideas and creative way of navigating life to the table. We need to place value on the soul gifts we’ve been given by the angels.
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde
The second section of dharma reminds us that we are all called to be individual aspects of the Divine.
Here’s celestial wisdom from your angels:
”We (the angels) broke the mold when we made you and there is no one else quite like you on this big, beautiful planet. Trust that we knew exactly what we were doing when we made you, sweetheart. We did not make a mistake nor did we get it wrong. You are part of the Divine. You and your unique talents are needed. You are a light and you are a beacon. Share your light. Share your love. We are always with you to support you.”
Sound too lofty?
Have no fear, your angels will help guide you along the way. This is not a practice the intellect is comfortable with, but have faith you’ll be shown exactly what you need to know on any given day. Nothing more and nothing less. Think of it like breadcrumbs and you’re following the subtle signs (breadcrumbs) each day.
How do you know to follow the signs?
It’s easier than you think. They are the ones that light you up, bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Move away from thinking of living life through a label, such as “I do this for a living” or “everyone in my family does things this way” and that defines me.
Rather, move towards following life through feeling and heartfelt emotion. Your purpose may be much simpler than you realize. It could be that you are a light to yourself and others, regardless of where you are and what you’re doing.
As someone who holds the light you bring joy to the grocery store, post office, garden, kitchen, family gatherings, decorating your home, decision making, meal planning, being around children, caring for animals, etc…
Number 3: Sharing
This leads us to the third phase (my personal favorite.) Sharing. Referring back to the yogic teachings around dharma, they say we need to use these gifts to help others. That is why we were given these talents in the first place.
To keep them stuffed inside and denied only leads to emptiness, confusion and frustration. When embraced, we not only feel the satisfaction and lightness of discovering our never-ending vessel of talents, we also feel the deeper meanings around sharing them. The bigger picture becomes more clear. We realize there's something much greater going on we can't quite explain.
We realize we have these gifts, yet they are not our gifts. Never have been. To quote Kahlil Gibran, “they are life's longing for itself.”
They are gifts bestowed upon us for this lifetime to help our fellow humans. The only thing required of us is to say Yes! A heartfelt and resounding Yes!
The angels take care of the details. All that's required is for us to be willing to share with others. Take the first step. Your angels walk with you every step of the way.
Your Turn: What is one way you are being guided to say Yes to your life today?
Share in the comments section below.
With Love and Light,
💛
Joanna
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