A Journey Into Joy
Step 6 — Week 1: Uncharted Territory
Step 6 is about facing new-to-us experiences as we move forward (step 5) on our journey (step 2). This is the time where we face the trials and tribulations of our quest…it’s truly a time for experimentation and growth…discovery what works, what doesn’t…and making changes as needed.
For me, I plan to continue with the areas covered in the weeks of Step 1 (health, home, The Mandala Lady, and my purpose).
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 6–week 1: Health
Since my last “health” post, I’ve met with Dr. B. and learned from the GI Map test that there’s some auto-immune stuff happening with my body. He recommended taking a food/environmental sensitivity test to narrow down the source. I did that two weeks ago. Now we’re awaiting results which should come later this month.
I’ve confirmed, yet again, that when I track what I eat (thank you MyFitnessPal), my weight goes down. As of today, and since May 1st, I’m down six pounds. Yeah! And I’m not starving myself. Mostly what I’m learning is moderation…intellectually, I’ve known about moderation…now, though, I feel like I’m getting it internally.
I started the first of 6 sessions of the “Think and Thin” EFT course three weeks ago…I have yet to go back. Not clear on what the resistance is for me on moving forward with it is. BUT…in the sedona method, there’s a whole section on resistance, where it matters little as to the why of resistance; it matters more to allow myself to FEEL the resistance, to be present with it, and when I’m ready, feel free to let it go. I’ll be doing this next.
As for walking at least 1.5 miles 4-5 days week…in the last two weeks, I’ve completely stopped walking. I keep “running out of time” to do it. Some more resistance happening here as well. Actually this week I can understand it, it’s the height of grass pollen season here and my body is completely adverse to it. Still…I could do some walking-styled exercise inside.
And while my intentions were good about doing the Pahla B/Eccentrics videos 3-5 times a week, I resisted here as well. My challenge is to not beat myself up over it. But rather to be go easy with myself and then give it a go on Monday.
The big takeaway from all this is my need to process through my uncharted territory of resistance.
That’s it for now,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
encouraging and inspiring curiosity, creativity, 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 