A Journey Into Joy
Step 3 — Week 3: The Refusal
Step 3 has us looking at what makes us turn away from “the call” we established in Step 2.
With this step, it’s time to look at the fears, disbeliefs, a sense of inadequacy, or plain unwillingness to make the sacrifices that are require…in other words: basically anything that keeps us from answering “the call” in some area (or areas) of our life (work, health, relationships, personal, leisure, play, and so on). For me I plan to continue with the areas covered in the weeks of Step 1.
To join in on the journey, visit the MandalaoftheMonth.com to download the mandala and learn more about this step.
Here’s my journal entry for step 3–week 3: The Mandala Lady
I’m afraid. That’s it. That’s the “refusal” to the call of putting myself out there more: with my art, my mandalas to color, my newly-created oracle decks, my intuitive readings…all of it.
My fears are many but as I keep discovering along this journey into joy…the biggest fear is rejection because of the limiting belief that I’m not enough: not good enough, talented enough, worthy enough, smart enough, successful enough, and so on. Intellectually I know it’s all bullshit! And yet…
Just now, I’m reminded of the David and Goliath battle, with my “call to action” being David and my fear(s) being Goliath. So what’s the “sling and stone” that will knock down “Goliath”? And what’s the “sword” that will cut off his “head”?
Right now I’m playing it safe…but safe is keeping me stuck, safe is keeping me wanting, safe is keeping from achieving my full potential. And now this image just came to mind…continuing with the David and Goliath storyline…I see that David has successfully knocked down and decapitated Goliath but rather than freely continuing on his way, David struggles with dragging Goliath’s huge body behind him. I have the sense that he wants to prove to others that he took down Goliath…and yet now he has a bigger burden of needing approval, accolades, and appreciation. Or maybe that because he’s dealt with this battle for so long, being free of it doesn’t see right some how. Why would he do that to himself?
With this new addition to the story, I’m realizing that I’ve probably done the work of releasing fears and limiting beliefs relating to “The Mandala Lady” and yet for some reason I’m needing to continue carrying this heavy burden…as if I’m not ready or I won’t allow myself to let go of it and finally be free…to be me…to fully be…The Mandala Lady.
Even though it’s a grim storyline, I’m encouraged by it and look forward to Step 4 of this journey.
That’s it for now,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
inspiring and encouraging creativity, curiosity, and play through the art of mandalas
ABOUT “A JOURNEY INTO JOY”
With all the anxiety and stress in the world right now, focusing on joy may seem a bit counterintuitive. Mais contraire mes amis. We actually need more joy in our lives…now more than ever. And it starts within each of us. It’s been my experience that when in that higher vibrational state of joy, it helps raise the vibration of those around us as well.
Brené Brown defines joy as “an intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation”. Of late, I mostly experience only moments of happiness and on a rare occasion, joy…thus my desire to journey into joy.
My quest throughout this year is to explore, experience, and express this state in a variety of ways, including following a variation of the hero’s journey, as professed by Jospeh Campbell.
Care to join me? Here’s how…
MandalaoftheMonth.com: On the first of the month, I’ll create and post a mandala for coloring. Each month we’ll take another step along the “journey into joy” by following a modified version Joseph Campbell’s a hero’s journey. Included in each step will be a description of the step and prompts for coloring and/or journaling for the month. You’re welcome to color them as well…they’re free to download.
MandalaoftheWeek.com: Each Monday I’ll be posting my coloring of that month’s Mandala of the Month, which will produce 4-5 colorings of that design. With each one, I intend to dig deeper into the message of that month’s mandala. You’re welcome to color along as well.
Mandala of the Week 