Living a heart-centered life

“When you let go of your idea of what your life has to look like your world gets so much bigger."

Years ago, one of my mentors taught me this lesson, and it is still one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned. It is one that I continue to practice and teach. I am certainly practicing it here in Maui. I knew that this trip was necessary. But I could not have imagined how transformative it would be.

The first week it was clear I needed to simply decompress. I allowed myself to rest, reflect, soak in the healing powers of the ocean, practice restorative yoga, immerse myself in nature all around me, and simply feel connected to my soul. 

One thing I will say is that this trip has been about meeting myself where I am, as opposed to where I think I am “supposed to be” or “should” be. This has always been an important lesson on my journey.

Meeting yourself where you are rather than where you think you are supposed to be can be scary, confronting, and extremely vulnerable. It also feels very courageous. It involves a deep surrender. This can often mean sitting in the uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty, grief, anxiety, and instead of asking those feelings to go away, asking them why they are here, and what they have to teach us in order for us to grow. It’s looking at yourself without judgment and with curiosity, so that you may explore these feelings deeply while offering yourself kindness and compassion  - just the way your best friend would.

My mission in life is to provide guidance and tools on the transformational journey toward a life of true well-being and joy. I can only do that for others when I have first done that for myself, filled up my own cup, and practiced what I teach.

I have another few weeks to be here, diving into my book, getting work done, making friends, doing yoga, swimming in the ocean, and surrendering to everything this natural world has to offer. And most importantly, allowing myself to be in flow - by following my instincts in the present moment, creating balance and alignment - in body, mind, spirit, heart, brain, soul - all of it.

Life’s challenges will change you if you let them. I believe this is something for which we should be grateful. There will be ebbs and flows, torrential downpours, sunny skies, and everything in between. All of which inform our growth, and help us make meaning out of our rich and wonderful lives. 

I will continue to share my journey and my quest for meaning. I will continue to connect to my deepest truths and connect to others in a meaningful way through love and compassion. This is what it means to live a heart-centered life.

So here I am, inextricably connected to my soul, meeting myself where I am. With love, acceptance, compassion, and curiosity - moment by moment, breath by breath, wave by wave.