A Journey Into Joy
Step 6 — Week 3: 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 to color and learn more about this step.
Here’s my journal entry for step 6–week 3: The Mandala Lady
For steps 4 & 5 I wrote that I could do “The Sedona Method” as a way to work through my lack of feeling (good) enough. I had the book, it’s now back at the library. I understand the basic premise of it: allow yourself to feel the feeling, then determine if you can release it, and if you can, when. I have since gone to ChatGPT to see how it would interpret this method and I actually found it quite helpful…although I have yet to honestly apply what it shared. The key point:
”By consistently applying these steps, you can gradually reduce feelings of inadequacy and cultivate a stronger sense of self-worth.”
Consistently being the operative word here.
Since last month, I’ve done the Salem Mystic Fair. On the plus side, I helped about 20 people that day…either through them doing a single (free) card pull, a full-on reading, or they adopted a stone. At the weekly farm stand, I’ve now introduced my stones. People who see them, like them and/or are fascinated by them…none have yet to be adopted.
I’m going to be participating in two upcoming events: July 7 — Spa Day at the Farm (I’ll be doing readings for those who attend); Aug 4 – Pathways to Transformation Fair (it’s a 2-day event of which I’m doing Sunday while a friend does Saturday)
I also submitted a proposal to Microcosm Publishers about my mandala oracle decks. They thanked me but no thanks. Back to the drawing board on getting these published. In doing the card pulls this week, my sense is that I’m to reach out to some other publishing houses…more uncharted territory for me.
So all of this is great, some progress is being made, and yet I’m feeling a stronger pull to do the internal work to process through the limiting belief(s). Today’s MotD #174 gave me a clearer insight on how to approach it.
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 