2 Live Inspired

What would happen if you stepped off an edge into the ocean of your deepest inner self? Isn’t that really what we all do every morning as we begin each new day? Have you ever stopped to think of how your life might change if you were more conscious and more fully aware of this reality? And what if you looked at your life as one vast, amazing adventure?

These are some of the questions that have helped to shape my life and inspired me to tell you this true story:

Not So Long Ago …

It was a cool and rainy day, but no one seemed to mind. There was plenty of laughter as our group of 25 filed down the plank to the dock.  Some of us were filming as we waited to climb onboard our two beautiful 40 foot sailboats. Everyone was excited.

My plunge into the water was so sudden, smooth and silent that, at first, no one knew what was happening – not even ME! …- that is until the dark water had closed in over my head and I suddenly realized that I was sinking! Fast!!!

* “Oh my god!”, screamed Jordanne, “Oh my god!”

Minds were racing as some of the guys prepared to dive in after me: “Can she swim? Did she hit her head?” My friends stared down at the spot where I had disappeared and saw nothing but blackness. The shiny surface reflected boats tied to the dock … and nothing else. Not even bubbles.

Meanwhile …

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Abyss”? Frightening? Beautiful? Mysterious? What would YOU do if you found yourself there?

A group of 20 from around the world were participating in an elite summit with Jonathan Budd and Mark Hoverson (top 7-figure earners in the online industry). Just for fun, they had arranged for all of us to spend an hour sailing in the Pacific. It was raining as we walked from our hotel but no one seemed to mind. Standing on the wet dock, video camera in hand to film my approaching friends, I took a half-step backward and …

vanished

into …

Deep Peace

Deep Water

No Fear

Have you ever felt like TIME STOOD STILL? If only for a moment? The funny thing is, when that happens, you really have no sense of how long that moment might have lasted! When I finally started coming back toward the surface my friends were right there, ready to pull me up onto the dock. It felt like I had been away, removed, gone – for a chunk of time. How long was it really? No one had any idea, but I came out of the water laughing and amazed.

Water = The Unconscious Mind

Water is a common symbol for your unconscious mind (emotions and/or attitudes that are hidden and want to be made conscious). So can you imagine falling silently into deep, dark water … it was a lot like instantly falling into a dream (except that of course, it was real) … So go with me here for just a minute –

Close your eyes and relax into the darkness, into the depths, into the unknown. Then ask yourself: Have you ever been taken by surprise and found yourself “in, over your head” in a “situation”? What happened? How did it feel? Were you surprised by the experience? Did you learn anything about yourself?

I felt compelled to write about this story for two reasons:

• While I was under water, everything was absolutely beautiful, gentle, calm and totally peaceful… not exactly what I would have expected to experience. I never felt cold, even though I know that water had to have been really cold and I never felt any fear.  Why? I have no idea, but the memory of it continues to haunt me.
• When I finally began to return to the surface it was like I was being pulled upward by some invisible force. Then I was pulled from the water by the strong arms of Eric Wilke, as numerous other friends stood reaching to help. Drenched and laughing, I stood there surrounded by this group of new friends and I was overwhelmed by the energy of their open, loving hearts and by the total gratitude I felt in my own!

Friendship, Laughter, Gratitude. You just never know what gifts will come or in what wrappings!

I instantly felt connected in a wonderfully deeper way to everyone present, as the boundaries of my comfort zone instantly expanded. (Read Fear vs Trust, to discover how even showing up for this summit was a big step for me.) It just seems incredible to me that such a crazy, possibly life-threatening experience could shift not only my gears, but everyone’s gears… because in that moment, it was like we all bonded on a much deeper level and became a sort of family.

YOU are unique, YOU are beautiful and the world is waiting for what only YOU can give. Seize the moment!

One of the most powerful things that Jonathan Budd, Mark Hoverman and Katie Freiling shared with us during the summit was the reminder that each person has special gifts that only THEY can share. That includes YOU!

So here’s a suggestion: while the dark nights of winter are still with us, carve out a little time for yourself and let yourself slip off the ‘edge’ …into the abyss of your deep, true Self. Take the time to remember (or discover) what your own gifts are. The winter months naturally encourage a “going within”, so take this opportunity to do that for yourself.  Make it a priority to connect with your inner self and you will most likely be pleasantly surprised by the wonderful gifts you uncover.

Here in Colorado, the roots are growing in the dark earth while above ground life slows and withdraws to withstand the cold. Allow yourself the space and time to tend your own roots and build your personal support system. Allow yourself time to slow down a little each day and take time to pause in gratitude. No matter what your life looks like today, you can find something to be grateful for: the air you breathe, the water you drink, the touch of a loved one, the memory of something sweet.

And if you haven’t already done so, remember that now is the time to set your intentions and goals for the coming Year.

I would love to hear from you about what your own experiences are in connecting to your “underground”/ “underwater” self. Please leave me your comments, share this post with others who might find it interesting, and if you haven’t already, please also leave me your name and email address in the form at the top of this page so you can be the first to receive the special, free gift that I am preparing for you: The 7 Secrets of Creative Transformation. It will be released in early February, so sign up now and I will send it to you as soon as it is ready. This is the perfect time to dive into a process of creative transformation in your own life. I look forward to sharing the journey with you.

Celebrate the light and the darkness – in yourself and in your life!

Buff Elting