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Tama's Musings
Forget your "life's purpose" and live your life purposefully.
Sam called me recently for a coaching session to help him find his "life's purpose." According to him, he'd taken classes, attended retreats, listened to tapes, talked to counselors, read books, treatises, and tea leaves, channeled and chanted, did his numerology and astrology, researched, and still, like a sly red fox, his "life's purpose" had swished its tail and escaped him. "I'm almost 50 and I still don't know what I want to do with my life," he spat across the phone lines. I felt this sense of meaninglessness crushing down upon him.
And I found myself saying something pretty unusual, given that I'm the queen of helping people find their callings. "Forget your "life's purpose" and live your life purposefully," I said. I'll say it to you, too. Really, if you've looked that hard, then stop looking and let something find you.
Finding a calling isn't like finding a needle in a haystack. It's more like being a fish and naming the water you swim in. Relax. You already have it. Just start loving what you love. If nothing compels you to leap forward, then leap where you are. Leap into your present life.
Sam was so consumed with the thought that there was some big IT out there that he made himself feel empty and useless. He had good friends, a garden, a cat and an aging mother who loved to send him clippings from her local church bulletin. He was learning to do tai chi and he was helping his neighbor find a job. But none of that counted, he said.
Sam was holding out for the lightning bolt, and nothing we talked about seemed big and grand enough to be a "life's purpose." He wanted passion, frenzy, a drum roll, and a comet searing the sky with his full name in stars, complete with middle initial. But life is often fuzzier than that. Your purpose can be simple and pure, and so natural to you, that it sometimes feels ordinary or like water to a fish.
Your purpose can also start out with a small action or gesture. Passion can begin like a trickle of rain before it turns into a raging river.
Searching can also be a way of avoiding making a choice. Yet making choices will help you gain the experience you need with which to make further distinctions and decisions.
Years ago, I was in a relationship and I didn't want to leave, but I didn't want to commit to it either. I just wasn't sure he was "the one." I kept thinking that maybe there was some one more arresting or spellbinding out there. After all, I went to the movies and I knew that everyone else was making love on their kitchen counters and dancing cheek to cheek in mists and moonlight. So I kept doubting my choice--and doubting kept me from making a choice.
Fortunately I found a couples therapist who really loved his wife and wanted others to love their partners just as much. I told him that I was afraid that if I committed to the relationship, I'd miss out on something. He looked me in the eyes, grinned, and said the words that changed my life. "You're missing out right now," he said. "You're with this guy over here, only you're not experiencing everything this relationship has to give you. You haven't sat down at the table to have a meal. You've just looked at the menu. No wonder you're still hungry." Wow, talk about fireworks.
I realized that I had been a ghost in my life, not fully present in anything. I was expecting to be grabbed by something. But that's not how it works. First we grab, then we're grabbed.
So here's my quick take on finding your life's purpose. If you have something that whispers to or nudges you, by all means run to it as fast as you can. If you're just beginning your search, keep your mind and heart open. Be aware of the tendency to discount what you love—or tell yourself it's no big deal and that you could never make a living that way. Take lots of personal space to listen to your soul.
But if you feel as though you've been searching for a while and just spinning your wheels, then here's another spin. Stop looking and start loving. Quit living on the outskirts of your life, and go to town.
Appreciate the roses in your garden, the mail person, the fact that your car runs, and the comfort of your favorite chair. Take good care of the people in your life. Practice treating everyone, especially yourself, with reverence and kindness.
Enter your life as though it's the only one you'll ever have. The moment you approach anything with care, compassion, connection, and attention, you're on the road to purpose and passion.
Yours in the dance,
Tama
©Copyright 2006 Tama J. Kieves
Want to discuss this or any other aspect of living your dreams? Please visit our free discussion forum at:
http://www.awakeningartistry.com/resources.discussion.html
Destination Vacation Updates
Just to let you know, the registration deadline for joining Tama's Canyon Ranch 6-Star Spa retreat in Tucson, AZ this July has recently passed. However, it may still be possible to secure a space if you act now. Please see more details under the Destination Vacations section of this email or by visiting the Calendar page on our web site. You can still sign up for the "Jumpstart Your Creative Life" retreat at the healing oasis of Omega Institute in gorgeous upstate New York this June and the "Create the Work You Love" intensive retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in the Berkshire Mountains in Lenox, MA this coming November.
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Behind the Scenes at Awakening Artistry
Dear Awakening Artistry family members,
Our latest travels took us back to the East Coast in late March, where Tama lead a day retreat in Wilmington, Delaware. Thanks to the gracious and enthusiastic sponsorship of Suzanne Eder of Solid Ground, we spent a powerful day with a room full of lovely and creative women. It's always comforting to hear the wisdom, compassion, and talent that is out there waiting to be birthed into the world. Thank you, Suzanne, for doing such a great job, for making everything easy and for sharing your lovely home with us.
We spent the next day at One Spirit Learning Alliance, a sacred spiritual oasis in the heart of New York City. It was heartening to see so many people willing to dedicate a Sunday to connecting and nurturing themselves and
their dreams. As you might expect from a group of "quick on your feet," spirited New Yorkers, audience interaction and questions were lively. Special thanks to Rev. Diane Berke for having us and to Jody Lotito-Levine for her bright spirit and for doing such a great job with our products!
Recently, Tama joined Jeff Gitterman on his popular radio show, "Beyond Success: Redefining the Meaning of Prosperity." Jeff is known for bringing his own experience of being a CEO and business entrepreneur together with that of his internationally renowned guests to redefine the true meaning of prosperity and explore a higher goal of life "Beyond Success." Can you think of a much better show for Tama than that? Tama and Jeff had a phenomenal conversation, but don't take my word for it. Thanks to magic of the internet, you can tune in and listen for yourself, anytime you want, at the following link...
http://www.voice.voiceamerica.com
A while ago, Tama was on national Canadian TV with Vicki Gabereau, (said to be the Oprah of Canada) Since then, they have re-aired Tama's segment several times, including today! We always know when it airs again, because we get a delightful spike in emails and orders from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and cities we can't spell. Welcome and thanks to all of our northern neighbors that have recently joined our family of creative individuals! Now we just need to get the Oprah of America (Oprah) on board with us! Hold that vision.
Still ahead, Tama will be leading "Jumpstart Your Creative Life!" her first event at the world-famous Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York from June 2nd through 4th. It's not too late to sign up! Omega's healing lakeside facility is set on 195 acres of rolling hills and meditative gardens and is surrounded by woodlands. What a great place to join Tama for an intimate weekend retreat and reawaken the power of inspiration and determination. There is a shuttle available to whisk you up there from Manhattan. Please see our destination vacations section below, for more details.
Even bigger news is on the way so stay tuned. Until then, may you all find the power and inspiration to live your most authentic and meaningful lives.
Wishing you blessings on your journey --
Paul
Destination Vacations:
We are very excited about the world-class destination vacations and life-changing retreats Tama has scheduled for 2006 and want to help you plan ahead and not miss out on the time of your life!!
June 2-4, 2006:
Jumpstart Your Creative Life! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration
At the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York
Join us at the world-famous Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York (there is a shuttle from Manhattan). Omega's healing lakeside facility is set on 195 acres of rolling hills, meditative gardens, surrounded by woodlands. It's a walker's paradise and a healing place to slow down, relax, and breathe.
Do you long to write a book, sing for fun or profit, design furniture, or start a greeting card business? Have you had the sense that you have a creative calling or restlessness, but you don't know what to do about it? Come join Tama J. Kieves, leading creativity coach and best-selling author of THIS TIME I DANCE! Trusting the Journey of Creating the Work You Love and learn how to jettison fears and reclaim your greatest power and love. As a Harvard-trained corporate lawyer, turned writer, and international teaching catalyst, Tama reveals her own healing journey of choosing her creativity over conditioning and staying true to herself, plus pivotal strategies she's used to help thousands world-wide to discover and live their wildest creative dreams.
In an environment of synergy, support, and passionate mentoring, packed with hands-on, inspiring exercises, join other creative minds and learn how to *set free unstoppable strength *name and claim your true creative direction *turn roadblocks into portals of grace *release fears and ignite determination *stay true to your vision over time. And more! Whether you're a weekend dabbler, a blocked beginner, or a professional artist who wants to soar to the next level, this weekend promises to help you dive into your own creative journey and feed the fire that will feed your life.
The weekend starts at 8:00p.m Friday night and goes to 12:00p.m on Sunday. For registration or pricing information, please phone 845-266-4444 or
 Download an event flyer (PDF)
Visit Omega's web site at www.eomega.org
July 16-20, 2006:
Journey to the SELF: Our Canyon Ranch Spa Retreat
Are you so caught up in everyday life that you don't even know who you are anymore? Have you yearned to reconnect with your Creative Self or your Spiritual Self? Or to take a major leap in your life? Join us on a sacred, bliss- filled journey back to the core of your strength, passion, and connection. Take time out of your life to rest and discover your True Self as never before. Your intimate group will meet daily with Tama for inspiring group-visioning and focusing sessions while you pursue your own special pilgrimage at Canyon Ranch, a six star spa. Each day, you will have your pick of the world class activities and services of Canyon Ranch, such as pilates classes, aromatherapy, Canyon stone massage & bodywork, Watsu water treatments, writing and watercolor classes, nutritional cooking classes, meditation, self-esteem, tarot card readings, communication classes and so much more---and finally a safe and nurturing group to share all your insights with and take them even deeper. NOTE: Must register by February 28. If you have missed this deadline, please check with us to see if there is still space.
Download complete information (PDF)
November 12-16, 2006:
THIS TIME I DANCE: Trusting the Journey of Creating the Work You Love at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA -- in the Berkshire Mountains
A Destination Vacation
Join us in one of the most beautiful regions of our country - the Berkshire Mountains - and spend five days relaxing, getting healthy, having spa treatments, and diving into the deepest and most joyful questions of your life.
Don't miss the chance to join Tama at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for this retreat. Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, this will be a life-altering 5 days of tapping into your inspired self, stirring up your creativity, getting support, strategy, clarity, and direction and taking real leaps in your life--to create the work you were born to do. See the Kripalu Web Site for more details, phone 800-741-7353. More information to follow soon.
Upcoming Event Highlights:
As always, please visit our Calendar page for a complete and up-to-date listing of events. We are always adding events: http://www.awakeningartistry.com/calendar.html
Do you have friends and family in any of these areas? Please considering sharing this information with them.
In our ongoing mission to give people permission to live their authentic and creative lives, we are always looking for new groups to talk to. If you have a group or know of a group that would be interested in hosting Tama, please let us know. Much of how we reach and create community is through miracles like you!
MAY 2006
May 7-July 18 – ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love E-Course
NOTE: You can still get into this class. It's okay to register late. This is a class in which you take it at your own pace.
[ MORE INFO ]
May 20 – Arvada, CO
Women and Balance Conference
Arvada United Methodist Church
[ MORE INFO ]
JUNE 2006
June 2-4 – Rhinebeck, NY
Destination Vacation: Jumpstart Your Creative Life! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration
Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
[ MORE INFO ]
June 8 – Seattle, WA
Women's Business Exchange
Washington Athletic Club
[ MORE INFO ]
June 11 – Seattle, WA
Unity of Seattle
Morning services and afternoon workshop
[ MORE INFO ]
June 24 – Boulder, CO
Workshop: Jumpstart Your Creative Dreams! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration
Naropa University
[ MORE INFO ]
JULY 2006
July 4 - September 19 – ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love E-Course
[ MORE INFO ]
July 16-20 – Tucson, AZ
Journey to the SELF: Our Canyon Ranch Spa Retreat
Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa
[ MORE INFO ]
SEPTEMBER 2006
September 5 - November 21 – ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love E-Course
[ MORE INFO ]
September 28 – Denver, DO
Fun Ink! Unleashing the Fire of Your Inner Writer
Colorado Free University
[ MORE INFO ]
September 30 – Denver, DO
From Fear to Freedom: An Introduction to A Course in Miracles
Colorado Free University
[ MORE INFO ]
NOVEMBER 2006
November 7 - January 23 – ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love E-Course
[ MORE INFO ]
November 12-16 – Lenox, MA
THIS TIME I DANCE: Trusting the Journey of Creating the Work You Love
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
[ MORE INFO ]
FEBRUARY 2007
February 24-26 – San Francisco, CA
ACIM Conference 2007
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
[ MORE INFO ]
To receive your own copy of our free bi-monthly E-Zine, Trusting the Journey Times, please visit our e-zine page.
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Our address: Awakening Artistry, P.O. Box 9040, Denver, CO 80209-9040
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