“The stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do – determined to save the only life you could save.”
~Mary Oliver, The Journey
This post was intended to send out the day after 11-11-11, but life has been filled with academic responsibility, energetic shifts, processing, and BEING (!!!) so I have given myself permission to postpone it until now. 
The interesting symbolism and talk around the power the day 11-11-11 held intrigued me enough to read about it, but at the end of the day felt anti-climactic in that respect. The subtlety that I failed to notice until the next morning was that something big did shift in me. Perhaps coincidental, perhaps not, but I experienced the start of a re-evaluation of wondering where my place is in the world… an idea that comes and goes more often as I think of the future. It actually began with trying out a new cafe here in Portland, Bula Kava House, and having my very first experience with drinking Kava. There was something that reignited my fire after this simple experience (perhaps the super-euphoric calmness the drink’s effect had on me.) Even though it was a small venture out of the house, I was super proud of myself for getting out into the rainy day and changing up my regular routine with something that turned out to be a pleasant experience.
The lesson re-learned: The more I try in life, the more I know what I want. Sounds simple, but such a fantastic idea to constantly revisit!
As this idea unfolded, I decided to take it a step further and set a goal for myself; try something new everyday! Not only is it fun, but I am reconnecting with my center, exploring what my potential is, and actually participating in the world rather than allowing it to pass me by. I truly believe the most important relationship all of us have is with ourself. When we are in full connection with our bodies, life takes on a harmony that makes living through the ups and downs much easier.
We can only move forward by being living examples of what we want to surround ourselves with, and how are we going to know what we want to surround ourselves with if we haven’t experienced it first hand? It’s not about being perfect and doing it all, it’s about finding your place in order to express yourself fully. When we are able to be what our true essence is, it starts to expand to our outer circles and community, inspiring those around us to live in their lives according to their highest potential and so on… It starts with one, and that one is you… the most important part of your unique life equation.
The idea of trying something new can be as simple as including a new spice to your cooking, to going to the rock gym to test your abilities in rock climbing, to exploring a new route to work, or a new shop, restaurant, location, hobby, … etc. Sometimes this can include starting a conversation with people in your community that you know nothing about yet see almost daily (think of all people we encounter everyday at places like coffee shops, schools, jobs, libraries… ) It’s amazing the creativity, inspiration, and motivation that can stem out of setting a realistic goal like this.
If this idea is resonating with you, please share the new things that you are trying (or want to try) and what you are discovering about yourself along the way! You can do this by:
- Leaving a comment on this post
- E-mailing thislittlelark@gmail.com OR
- becoming a fan on Facebook and leaving posts there:
https://www.facebook.com/thislittlelark
…Your stories will inspire other readers, that’s the beauty of sharing.
“The world is your oyster!”
Maybe you will try things that you thought you’d love and you learn you really don’t… that’s OK too. It’s adding fuel to the fire of discovering our place and our passions in life. There is much value in the age-old saying “you never know until you try.” Looking forward to hearing about your new experiences! Blessings and much gratitude to all of you!
Always love Mary Oliver quotes
Thanks Colleen. This has inspired me to learn a new old song on the banjo. Focusing on the details of music harmony, exercises the small gears of my brain cassette. Humans have so much potential. Do your own life justice, and explore whenever possible.
I look forward to hearing your song! You are so right… we have so much potential and resources!
Keep me updated on other new things you try! 