Supporting a soul stamina retreat in Bali this past autumn taught me a lot about myself: who I am, what I do, what I feel, how I think. These are all aspects of who I am and it is important to honor all of me and not to look outside of myself for answers. “Soul stamina is what it takes to live an unapologetic life full of inspiration, acceptance and truth no matter what you are being asked to experience. Soul stamina is the natural courage and confidence that never leaves you and remains with you every day in your life. Its purpose is to show you that you are perfectly designed, and each life experience brings forth the most powerful self. Soul stamina is the ability to connect with the phenomenal amount of energy inside of you so that it can gush up spontaneously to restore, replenish and recharge you.” (dtharp@ayami.ca)
My biggest realization that came to me as I explored this area of soul stamina is that “I matter.”
During the retreat I learned about living a life from a frameless place. I discovered that I framed myself based on what I was told or taught: how to act, how to think, who to love, who not to love, what was acceptable, proper among many other frames. First of all it is important to ask yourself where your frames comes from: your past, religion, parents, teachers, authority figures, society, the media, peers. Are these frames a true representation of who you really are? Do you feel stifled in any way? Have you bought into what people told you about you? Do you have beliefs that no longer serve you?
What does living a frameless life mean? For me, I went on self-exploration journey to excavate my inner-framed world to discover what I call spiritual principles. I contemplated the following questions: What drives me and what do I desire? These two questions allowed me to tap into my inner desires. What I found out is that I desire connection, choice, compassion and truth. Being authentic – walking my talk, living with honor, compassion and soul evolution are all my desires, truth being my main principle. Asking these two questions led me to look at my relationships and where I was not speaking my truth. I found a place of “hold back” whereby I rescued others therefore not allowing them to have their feelings because of my own discomfort. I also found that I held back my wisdom because in my past I made the assumption that I would be judged for my spiritual beliefs. In living from truth my other principles support me in sharing my gifts with the world.
I then developed spiritual practices to support my principles. These rituals or actions, that I incorporate into my daily living, honour my principles which are unique to my own desires and to what drives me. I decided to meditate every morning using deep connective breathing in order to center and ground myself. I journal every evening in celebration of me, recognizing my brilliance, looking at what worked, where I spoke my truth and made choices that support me in the truth of who I am. What practices can you put into place that support your principles obtained from your own personal self- exploration?
Living a frameless life comes from our source connection, which lies within each of us. In living a frame filled life we put our power into the hands of others. In doing so, we can often be disappointed or limit ourselves in some way by giving our own personal power away. Looking at my life experiences in the past I realized I was looking outside of myself for answers and for approval. Connecting to divine source, that lies within me, allows me to tap into my truth therefore living a frameless life, being authentic in all of who I am.
(If you are interested in the Bali Spiritual Retreat please go to (www.ayami.ca)
You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. You were born with wings. You were not meant for crawling, so don’t. You have wings. Learn to use them and fly!
-Rumi
I am an Integrative Coach, Registered Massage Therapist, and Reiki practitioner. I've done my work to step out of my darkness into the light. I am committed to my spiritual practice and continuing education, as helping others to heal and grow is my passion… my gift.