Hi Creatives,
Keep working on your Dharma mandalas, as you bring a little more Dharma into your day!
I remember listening to a great interview of one of my favorite authors Pablo Coelho, in which he speaks about how he took a risk and made the conscious decision to live dharmically… at age 40. It exemplifies ritual, creativity and listening to your most intimate and authentic desires and then, running towards them.
Coelho says, “My dream was to be a writer. I was 40 years old, probably too old to change my path. But I said, ‘No. I’m going to change. I’m going to leave everything behind. I’m going to burn my bridges. I’m going to follow my heart from now on, even if I have a price to pay.”’
When I think about the rippling effect of one man’s decision, I must recognize a few things. First, his book The Alchemist played a great part in my life—it connects me to two important people, both who have passed away: a very good friend who introduced me to the book, and my grandfather. After reading the book I found it in Spanish and gave it to my Abuelo. He finished it in just a few hours, then reread it a few more times. My grandfather loved his books so much that they became the only gift I would give him. As soon as a new Coelho book came out, I would buy it and he would devour it within a few hours or days.
One time I gave him the book Eleven minutes, without having read it beforehand. I remember passing by his room asking him how the book was. He said, “fabulous, just fabulous.” When I finally read it for myself I was totally embarrassed: the book was essentially about a prostitute and was heavy on the sex scenes—which didn’t phase my Abuelo at all. He just loved the way Coelho wrote.
My point is that I have precious intimate memories of my own because one man was brave enough to play out his purpose.
Today I invite you to listen to The Alchemy of Pilgrimage, a podcast from On Being with Pablo Coelho and Krista Tippet, on the essence of dharma. Even in an interview you can be touched by someone else living with purpose—it’s awe-inspiring.
Dharma in Action
After listening to the interview, are you inspired to live a little closer to that place of purpose?
Even if you are unsure of what your purpose may be or feel like, can you get a little more curious about it? Is there a way you can express that in your day with the actions you take, the decisions you make?How do you respond and react to life itself?
I know this is not an easy exercise, but just meditating, imagining, and role-playing can be an interesting experience. I am asking you to begin to move towards that light today.
You may then reflect on your day, on the back of your mandala, or in your journal.
Aim Your Creative Force (with purpose)
Chanti