Aspirational Dreaming.
It’s a thing. Consider how many times you are presented with someone who does something truly amazing or simply appealing. And you notice a response in your own being. A quickening. A feeling of thrill or aliveness in your body. Or a sense of “Wow!” that floats itself forward with words to express your admiration or interest. Perhaps it’s a private, tiny voice within that says …
“I’d like to do that.”
However you get “sparked,” times like these are noticeable if you’re paying attention. It’s important to differentiate between noticing admiration or being impressed by someone’s achievements, commitment to excellence, or a personal quality like intelligence, curious enthusiasm, or a potential for joyful love.
There’s a bit of aspirational noticing in these moments as well.
Yet, you don’t feel inspired to leap out of your chair and yell “Yes! I too will swim from Cuba to Florida without stopping at the age of 64!” For those of you who are missing that reference, check out the movie Nyad on Netflix. I first heard Diane Nyad interviewed on the Chasing Life podcast with Sanjay Gupta. “Wow!” I thought. “That’s amazing.”
After watching the movie of her epic swims (yes, plural), I’m still amazed.
And have absolutely no desire to get off my comfy couch and dip my toe in a pool, let alone swim across an ocean. (If you haven’t read about my courageous weeny swim with dolphins in Hawaii, you can do so here). So, that’s a hard no. No fizzle of excitement and longing to aspire to that feat.
Inspiration, even when faced with someone’s aspirational character, does not a dream make.
You’ve got to tune into your own oracle. That spidey sense that lives within you and knows how to track the clues on your Soulful Map. While sometimes it is clear, your inner knowing often whispers in goosebumps, single thought sentences, or an unsettled feeling in your solar plexus.
That’s a typical signal for me.
When my solar plexus starts getting squirmy and I’m thinking “uh oh,” I’m aware that something is coming down that garden Soul Path and aiming right toward me.
Requiring me to pay attention, take some Tiny Actions toward whatever nudge is appearing, and say “yes” even if my eyes squeeze shut and I cross my fingers behind my back.
Whether you are attuned enough to notice the notice is another story.
However, I believe you’re fully wired to perceive and translate all the clues laid upon your path. After all, you’ve got 5 senses in working order, an oracle body, and a 6th sense that is already scanning for your next expansion.
That’s one way to catch the dream. Notice what seems really appealing to you – aspirational even – and give it a wee bit of attention.
All it takes is that little nod of noticing for your Soul to say “Yes! Game on!” It’s a tricky thing, this clue following. If your mind gets in on the game too early, it does what it always does. Tries to figure out what the clues mean or how it’s gonna work out or if you’ve got what it takes, etc, etc, etc.
The mind is a party pooper and a dream crasher.
Yet, there is a bit of loveliness about that mind of yours. It has stored so much knowledge, many strategies, and knows how to plan stuff and take action. It’s such a help in so many ways. The mind can’t help crashing about like a bull in a china shop when the Aspirational Dreaming process turns on (or is noticed midway through its process).
So let’s not be so hard on the mind, but put it to good use.
I’m in the midst of my Aspirational Dreaming process these days. I’ve explored my Hidden Gems from last year. I’m spending time in reflection with my blank journal of creative wonder. (Just so we’re clear, my mind and solar plexus are very creatively wondering what the hell we’re up to in 2024. Both are busy commenting and squirming about. And I’m doing my utmost best to ignore them.)
I’m tracking clues now. What person, story, action, imaginative idea, or place in this lovely world is catching my attention?
When I notice my inner fizzle of excitement, anxiety, or a sense of a “yes” to a really cool idea, I make note. Wherever I am, I write it in my phone or on a scrap of paper. I tell whomever I’m with, if trustworthy with my dreaming, what is emerging. I track the clues like Inspector Clouseau on a good day.
Then I draw, write, and describe those clues on the blank pages of my new journal.
Aspirational Dreaming. So many ways to play the Soul’s Game. This is my way this year. In 2010, I played this game for a dozen Fridays at the Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey. Almost a year to the day later, Soul Sanctuary was birthed. That dream worked out well. If you don’t know that story, you can read it here.
The Soul is your partner in this process. The mind is the servant. You’re the one noticing stuff with your beautiful body oracle.
You don’t have to swim across the ocean with jelly fish, sharks, and storms. You just have to explore the possibility that there’s more to life this year than you’re currently expecting.
Dive in and explore what’s possible. I’ll be swimming in the currents of curious exploration with you. It’s gonna be a good year!
Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.
So many scientific discoveries, courageous exploration, and inventions that benefit humanity have landed unexpectedly. Often in the shower, while napping, or when playing with friends. It’s important for your intuitive dreaming as well as your logical, linear planning to take breaks. To let your body, mind, emotions, and energy take a rest. Go out and play a bit more. Find your way of R&R that is enjoyable, not just a vegging on the couch as a recovery method. Enthusiastic play, relaxation, and enjoyable activity. It’s all vitally important for the creative genius that you’re capable of being. The world benefits from small to gigantic ideas. Time to play and dream.
Learn the one essential skill that allows you to face any challenge with confidence, sturdiness, and inner calm.
More than a technique. It’s a game changer.
In September, I’m returning to the Temples of Humankind in Damanhur, Italy. It feels like an understatement to claim that this is a place of power, mystery, and majesty. Yet, I’ve found this to be true for myself and those I’ve met who’ve traveled within the extraordinary to the Temples and the community of Damanhur.
One cool Spring morning, I stepped on the treadmill at the gym looking forward to walking a few miles. Recovering from an injury, I had to walk at a moderate pace so I had brought my copy of What Is Enlightenment? magazine to explore. I always found something to inspire me within this publication focused upon consciousness, culture, and cosmos.
Stress is a natural experience in life. It’s often viewed as a doorway to disruption of wellbeing, peace of mind, and a clear navigational path in a challenging situation.
I’m a bit of a news hound these days. As one who hasn’t watched a newscast in years, I’m surprising myself. Ordinarily, I wait for the news to come to me. And it does. When something is important for me to know or respond to, I hear about it. Kind friends, clients, my husband, or a random stranger share a soundbite which cues me to look into a situation further. I’ve been very comfortable with this level of engagement for years now.
In the midst of our country’s woes, I’ve got Lucinda Williams singing in my head.
“You can’t rule me
you wanna go and tell me what’s good for me
you wanna tell me what I’m payin’ for
Well, the game is fixed, it’s plain to see
I ain’t playin’ no more”
I drove through a hail storm today. It began gently, offering a musical accompaniment to my journey. Intensifying, the hail noisily demanded my attention.
