AH HA! Suddenly you get it. Like a light switch you have randomly found clarity. Whether it’s the realization that you don’t NEED that second helping, or the spark of a million dollar business idea, epiphanies are down right magical. For whatever reason you have learned enough, let go enough, or by chance bumped face first into the answer as though it was there the whole time for the taking. Frustrating when you think about it…”why didn’t I see it sooner?!” So cool… now you’ve unraveled the mystery that has been driving you up the wall for a what seems like a life time. The choice then becomes what to do with this soul shaking epiphany… sit on it (out of fear) or take massive action (like a bad ass).
I’m a firm believer that epiphanies are the universe’s way of giving you a little nudge in the right direction. Or a three alarm wake up call blaring in your ears. Depending on the size of said epiphany, this could be your chance to make gigantic change in your life… right now. I bring this up because I have recently had several life altering realizations. Perhaps it’s maturing, or all my meditation/mindfulness “hippie dippy” daily practices. But for whatever reason (I’m going with my new found mindful living) I have happened upon these AH HA moments, I am going for the massive action approach. Why? Because we only live once!
My recent epiphanies and my present actions:
1.) Epiphany: WTF am I doing in SF?! For the first time in my life I have the ability to live anywhere in the world and do what I love. Teach pilates, dance professionally, and write. I am a 23 year old, single woman with nothing but a fierce longing to experience the world. For some odd reason I/we have been brainwashed to think that a life worth leading is one stuck behind a desk in a job I/we hate so I/we can get married young, have babies, buy a house, retire and die. I choose life. An experience meant to be lived every moment.
My Action: Throw myself into the world. Save some money. Put my stuff in storage and decide to devote the next yr(s) to being a gypsy… living and working abroad. Am I scared? Hell yes!! Am I going to do it anyway? Without a doubt.
2.) Epiphany: True happiness comes from inside you. Mindfulness (being present in the moment) is the key to unlocking that inner consciousness or soul. Only when you are happy and content with yourself are you able to make someone else equally elated.
Action: To take care of my internal space in order to send positive energy into the world and people around me. That means meditating and living in the now. Taking the utmost care of my body, mind and spirit and undoubtably allowing others to do the same. Soak in all experiences good or bad and continue to learn and grow.
I could probably list a few others, but I want to hear about you! What profound epiphanies have you experienced and how have you taken action?
As Robert Frost once said so brilliantly…”freedom lies in being bold.” I leave for Australia in May…the question is are you coming with?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Amber,
Stumbled upon your blog while surfing the web… It is lovely! Your last few posts hit close to home – my life is at crossroads personally and professionally! It is a great thing, of course, but self-motivation can always be challenging, so I enjoyed reading that blog… An epiphany is what led me to make all these changes… interesting how my surfing ‘led’ me to your posts..
Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Nahn is a lovely book as well!
All my best…
Wow thanks Polina. It’s great to hear that I’m not alone in the epiphany and self motivation efforts. Sounds like you are on track to follow your dreams as well. Let’s try to recruit new members to our new club of enlightened souls.
I too love the Miracle of Mindfulness..It’s on my radbook list.
I’m right there with you! Different shape epiphany, but I think that something serious is afoot in 2009. Leaving desk job for good.
I’m so glad Kristina has referred me to your site. What a wonderful way to inspire and educate many on wholistic health and wellbeing! After reading many of your blogs, its hard to believe you are only 23 (definitely an old soul)- your pages are full of heart and wisdom.
Australia’s ready and waiting for you Amber
Looking forward to meeting you!!!
Namaste
Hi Amber, stumbled across your site searching for images of an ‘epic’ nature and couldn’t peel myself away. I’m at that point now in August of 2009 where I’m questioning everything in my life, “Has the life I’ve been living been fulfilling to me?”, “Am I on the right path?” and other similar questions and what I’ve decided to do is give up all of my worldly possessions, I’m selling everything and I’m going travelling, first stop = Africa. I’ve had a few big items ‘leave’ my apartment recently through selling them and when I look at how empty the apartment is getting I suddenly realise how little I actually need to live on and at the same time realise how much life I’m missing out on by not doing what my heart says I should do. Am I scared…heck yea! But it’s totally worth it! Thanks for the inspiration!
You are 23 yrs wow. I am 41 and still don’t have that guts to take massive action, running through a new road.
@Jon- wow! I am so stoked for you! Africa is going to be amazing!!! I have always wanted to go do some aid work down there. Please keep me updated on you journey. Can’t wait to hear about it!
@Soham- it’s never to late to make a jump. Even if it’s just breaking out of your everyday mold. Break up your rituals and schedule and see what unravels. We can’t live in fear, we must live our lives because no one else will do it for us. Hope you are inspired and want to make some change. Let me know how it goes!
You’ve got it, on the sweet spot, girl!
Namaste
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