Your inner purpose is to awaken. It’s as simple as that. You share that purpose with every other person on the planet—because it is the purpose of humanity. Eckhart Tolle quote

Not missing the boat with your own life means awakening to the dream in your heart, following its wise guidance and breaking free of the confines of your little self!

When you do this and get that your life is important— that you matter in the big picture—then you are set to make a difference in the world that no one but you can make. You are set to really get your life! Nothing is more satisfying; through tears and laughter, you can still look up and smile. 🙂

Awareness of my own dream developed over a period of several years. I had a sense of it but didn’t “have” it. One day, the result of a traumatic event in China, I awakened to it fully. I was so moved I cried. Dancing in the Heart of the Dragon, a Memoir of China is one outcome; another is this website, in which I write personal blogs to encourage bridges of friendship and understanding between “us” and China; that is, initially. Now it’s to build bridges of light between “us” and all other places in the world.

Your Heart as Compass

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When you discover your dream and keep yourself aligned, your heart will serve as a compass; your way will be illuminated.

Your heart does not work through your head, so it’s important to notice and identify your feelings. Not good at it? Practice. As best as you can, develop a mindful, sensitive awareness of self and surroundings.

A Swedish Movie Shows Us

A movie I saw recently shows a man who does not miss the boat with his life. He awakens to his dream and opens his heart to love. A new life is his. The movie’s a Swedish gem, nominated for Best Foreign picture in the 2004 Academy Awards. “As it is in Heaven” thoroughly entertained, deeply touched and potently stirred me. Maybe it will you too.

Opening people's hearts with music, from the Swedish movie "As it is in Heaven. "

Photo from http://www.torange.us

I don’t believe in spoilers, so no worries in that regard. The movie is about Daniel (played by Michael Nyqvist), a world renowned musical conductor who, after suffering a heart attack, retires to his childhood home in northern Sweden. Broken emotionally and physically, he needs time and space to heal. At the same time he’s pretty lonely.

He reluctantly accepts a request to “just listen” to the church choir, comprised of “ordinary” people from the village. As can be expected from a person whose life passion is music, Daniel agrees to “help out.” He then ends up accepting the job of “cantor” (choir leader).

How Daniel manages to “not miss the boat” is revealed. Vulnerability, passion and courage are key. Through these he finds himself fulfilling his dream –to open people’s hearts with music. In the process, Daniel’s life is transformed and so is everyone else’s. The difference he makes is potent.

Gabriella’s Song

In the movie, one woman whose life is profoundly altered is Gabriella, played by actress and singer Helen Sjöholm. Here she sings the song Daniel was inspired to write for her. When you realize what this character has had to endure on a regular basis, you can’t help feeling moved.

Though the lyrics show German, the singing is in the original Swedish. Understanding the words doesn’t really matter though. The passion of the singing carries the message. Click on the below picture for video.

Gabriella's Song from "As it is in Heaven"

 

I can’t resist sharing the link to a beautiful cover version in English. The young lady from England who sings this version blew me away with her voice. Please tell me what you think: Gabriella’s Song in English.

In Closing… 

It’s not easy to break free from the confines of your little self. Why should you? Because your very life is at stake. In your heart of hearts, do you want to live a shadow of a life? Fear, which masquerades as big, wants to keep you small.

Fear can serve a useful purpose. Its screaming and yelling can indicate a growing desire to bust out of the comfort zone! With a dream to fulfill, the comfort zone is the dead zone. Missing the boat with your life is no longer a tolerable option.

Be bold, be free, be beautiful. Lyrics from David Newman's "Thinking of You"

Lyrics from David Newman’s “Thinking of You”

Dreams worth-living-for, especially when they are cherished, are bigger than fear. With intention, earnest desire and loving guidance, it’s uncanny how courage you never knew you had will show up.

Believe in yourself and believe in your dream. Do whatever it takes to move forward. It is a task worthy of great effort.

I’d Like to Leave You with a Few Suggestions

Some things that continue to work for me, you might find helpful. Here goes:

    • Disconnect from negativity. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
    • Create a mantra (especially for the hard times). Mine: “Whatever it takes is what it takes and I’ve got what it takes.”
    • Talk to God/Higher Self/Holy Spirit/Essence/Source Energy/Universe (choose what works), and hear what you need to hear! Doing this was sometimes the only thing I had to hold on to after the car accident in China.
    • Leave yourself encouraging little notes from God. Be creative. One I wrote: “I’m proud of you, Ramona. Know that it’s not just your dream; it’s mine too. I’m with you all the way. Loving you, God.”
    • Collect inspiring quotes. One from Brendan Burchard I like: Personal Freedom
[is] the full expression of our true selves, the unabashed and courageous pursuit of our dreams.
  • Read The Dream Giver, Following your God-Given Destiny by Bruce Wilkinson–an awesome parable about “a Nobody named Ordinary who lived in the Land of Familiar,” who dared to “embrace his big dream”!
  • Imagine you are making the difference you want to make. You are an active player in the preservation of our planet. Savour the experience of satisfaction and joy!
  • Heed and then tell others: “It’s time to wake up, get over yourself and get your life! The world needs you — NOW!“

    • Wake up! We've got a world to save.

    PS

    Here’s a kicker consideration. Imagine yourself on your death bed experiencing the pain of: “Why didn’t I do what I needed to do, what my heart wanted me to do?”

    NOW: Imagine yourself on your death bed, experiencing the joy of: “It was all worth it. I did what I needed to do, what my heart always wanted me to do.”

    May you choose the latter. Bless you on your journey!