“… if you believe yourself worthy of the thing you fought so hard to get, then you become an instrument of God, you help the Soul of the World, and you understrand why you are here”. The Alchemist
When I was young, I received a small glass dolphin as a gift on our trip to Florida. I must have been nine years old or so and this glass dolphin, the size of a quarter, enthralled me. I kept it with me at all times and whenever I was alone I would pull it out and just look at it. There was a smaller piece of glass inside, ribbon in shape, that changed different shades of blue as it twirled the belly of the dolphin. It was beautiful.
One afternoon as I walked along the beach holding my little dolphin, I decided to name it the Universe. I could sense, as I stared out into the ocean, the immensity of the world. And yet, this little dolphin in my palm had a bit of that all encompassing magic of the world. Everything was made of the same essense. Whether it be the ocean, the dolphin, or myself. It was all one.
I somehow lost that little dolphin a few years later but I will never forget that initial interest in spirituality. I held the Universe. I was a part of it all.
It’s amazing how as children we discover the most amazing things. Our minds are not preoccupied with responsiblities and we are free to dream and wonder and play. Life is simple.
And then we develop defenses against the world to protect our hearts. Vulnerability becomes an enemy and we no longer hold that saintly beauty that life is ok. We start the fight for our lives.
The other day I finished reading the last book in my personal library. I sat on my bed, my mouth open in shock at the realization that I have no more yoga/spiritual books to read. What was I going to do with myself! So I decided to write a book wish list, and in the meantime reread The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
If you have never heard of this book, it’s a MUST read. And I do not just say this because he is a fellow Brasilian (hah!). This book is a simple read; a story about a shepherd boy by the name of Santiago in search of his dreams. But the small goodies of beautiful, inspiring words that Mr. Coelho drops throughout the book is really life changing.
Whilst reading a few pages into the book I was once more reminded of my childhood and my Universe that I carried in my pocket religiously for good luck. When I was struggling through those difficult pre-teen years, I would just reach into my pocket and remember that life is indeed ok. That I was connected to something bigger. I cannot explain how a little girl could be so in tune with the calling of the world. It sometimes saddens me that children’s dreams are squandered at such an early age by the harsh reality of our consumeristic society.
In any case, as I continued to read the words of Paulo Coelho, I reconnected with that wondrous little girl who knew what she wanted and nothing was going to get in her way. As adults, we become so fearful of going after our dreams. Because we do not deserve it. Because it is impossible.
Mr. Coelho says it much more succinctly than I. He states “So, why is it so important to live our personal calling if we are only going to suffer more than other people? Because, once we have overcome the defeats-and we always do-we are filled by a greater sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight. We start to live with enthusiasm and pleasure. Intense, unexpected suffering passes more quickly than is apparently bearable; the latter goes on for years and, without our noticing, eats away at our soul, until, one day, we are no longer able to free ourselves from the bitterness and it stays with us for the rest of our lives”.
We have one shot in this life. What’s stopping you from going after your dreams?
Namaste.
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About Teeg
Yoga teacher and budding health coach living life happily & organically. Forever student of my meditation cushion, amateur photographer, and lover of words. Sharing my light and love to all, I have faith the universe will provide all I need at the right time. Except for chocolate... I can never get enough chocolate =)
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November 26th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I just shared on my yoga blog how this book helped me. What an amazing story, book, and message! Honestly, I just read it, and it helped me with a decision I was stumped on. I realized the path I was to take:-) Sending love and hugs, Terra
November 26th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
I've been wanting to read this book forever. I am at a strange crossroads and really need to believe in my dreams and abilities.
November 26th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Love your post! The Alchemist is one of my favourite books, actually, it could be my favourite. There are so many powerful messages between the lines of the little story. Right now I'm reading his newest book, Aleph. If you love The Alchemist, you'll like Aleph, I think. It's the story of another powerful journey. Thanks for the reminder of why I love Coelho's books so much.
November 26th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Paulo Coellho is indeed a great source of inspiration. His book came to me on my 20s, when I was wondering what life was about. He launched my spiritual search.
November 26th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
I just picture this mini version of you – an old soul in a young girl, already filled with the wisdom of the universe as she walks around with a dolphin in her pocket.Thank you again for your words that inspire and bring reflection! As clearly many in your community are doing, I too am moving towards living in that place of my dreams, appreciating your boosts of encouragement along the way.
November 27th, 2011 at 3:08 am
I have never heard of Coelho. I'm adding it to my wishlist. Thank you for sharing his wisdom and, as always, yours.
November 27th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
OMG! I LOVE THIS POST!! As a child of 9, it's unlikely that you had read the Douglass Adams Hitchhiker trilogy so you probably didn't know about "So long! And thanks for all the fish!" (And if you still haven't read the trilogy as an adult, I HIGLY recommend it. Some of the best brain candy I've ever had . . . with some nutty goodness thrown in so it's not totally devoid of nutritional food for thought!) But you definitely tuned in to what seems to be an archtypal significance to our mammalian sea-dwelling cousins. So as long as we're on the topic of yummy food for thought, I always find tasty tidbits here at Living in the (k)Now.