How I made a big decision
written in 2017.
WHAT?
The other day my hair was un-brushed and my feet were bare. I was practicing yoga alongside a complete stranger on a beach. Flashback five months ago and you might have found me at my desk job, working a 9 to 5 role in the middle of the city. A job I had found myself in after a long stint at university, studying law and commerce.
I quit my job to pursue yoga teaching and psychology study. The decision invoked a whole host of reactions from friends, family, and other acquaintances – some curious, some concerned, some excited, and some upset. I had to be really strong in my own decision not to let these outside influences create self-doubt.
WHY?
Throughout school, university and work, I was aware of a spiritual aspect of myself. I was fascinated by the connection between the body, the mind, and the soul. Finding yoga at 16 was a blessing. Through movement and breath, I found I could tap into my inner spirit, and find a sense of peace. Yoga became my “rock” – and since that young age has been something I come back to whether I feel amazing or crap.
Whilst working, I completed 200 hours of teacher training as a personal development course. Yes, yoga offers a great workout and stretch but it also incorporates philosophy, psychology, and spirituality– a combination of things that just set my soul alight! I didn’t ever plan on standing in front of a room and instructing people into poses (in fact that scared me shitless), but the universe had different ideas…
With teaching, my eyes were opened to all kinds of possibilities. I started to recognise an ability to heal. I could see energetic shifts in students that I could relate to. As I got more confident, I began sharing parts of my soul – expressing an emotional and spiritual side that had previously been kept in the confines of my personal diaries, daydreams, and own yoga practice.
Eager as ever I practiced and completed trainings and workshops anywhere and everywhere I could afford and find the time. I continued to work full time whilst teaching but there was a hum-drum in my heart that started to beat louder and louder and I knew change was coming.
And then I quit.
I left my job, I left my flat and I left a city that was home for so many years. Leaving meant big CHANGE. Change that definitely got me incredibly stressed, wound up, and anxious – more than I had predicted. But at the end of the day, I was listening IN to the calling of my soul. And I am so glad I did.
HOW?
PUSH PAUSE
You really have to PAUSE (drop the phone, the laptop, the to-do lists) and think about the situation (this could be related to career, relationship or another event). Notice what you FEEL – physically and energetically. Ironic, but PAUSING, is by far the best way to fast-track your transformation as it brings about clarity.
Whilst thinking about that job, that person, that place or that event – what feelings arise: withdrawal, lack, resentment, repulsion or stagnation? These are often indicators that something isn’t right at a soul level. Feelings of relaxation, elation, or excitement (yes, that includes those nervous butterflies) are often the green light from the soul.Science is out there to back it up. Our brain lives not just in our heads but also in our gut. Gut instincts are what helped our ancestors survive wars, floods, and fires.
So I pushed PAUSE (which can mean saying NO to people). I found space in nature, in walks through the outdoors, in sitting in the sunshine, in practicing yoga, and in lying down on my bed after a day at work (NOT scrolling through Instagram or Facebook) simply carving out a few minutes to breathe.
In these moments of PAUSE, I had to literally ask the universe “WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?” Slowly the answers started to reveal themselves.
PUSH PLAY
Once you know what you have to do. You actually have to DO IT. And there will be challenges and barriers.
You will be up against your own and others’ fears. You may fear failure, hurting people, or leaving what is safe and secure. Discouragement and contrary advice, especially from those you respect, can really bring to life your own inner critic. Sometimes you’ve got to look at where others’ opinions stem from. Despite having your best interests at heart their vision may be clouded by fear for you, or for themselves. It may even illuminate a part of their lives where they are scared to follow their own hearts’ desires.
To ensure you can take action without being swayed – know your “WHY”. You’ve really got to understand WHY you are doing what you are doing – and this can be as simple as it JUST FEELS RIGHT!!!
So continue to PAUSE. Carve out spaces in your day and week to let the decision sink into your bones.
REPEAT
There was a time where I would mumble about my interest in yoga and psychology, almost EXPECTING eye rolls or dismissive reactions. Verbalising my decision with CONFIDENCE over and over has been game-changing.
The more you say it aloud, write it out down, or in any way share your decision– the more it becomes reality. And now there are others to hold you accountable. People don’t have to understand why you do what you do – if they feel that YOU understand why you do what you do, I guarantee they will respect your decision. Because ultimately – YOU respect your decision!
DON’T REWIND AND DON’T FAST-FORWARD
You are exactly where you need to be. There is no time for pity parties or regrets. You have ended up on THIS path for a reason. Everything you have experienced in your life has led you to THIS point. It IS possible to have a more fulfilling career, to build authentic relationships and to have more energy, and create prosperity. If you feel the itch to change – trust the inner voice. You are now well equipped to make the decision that is going to set your soul on FIYAAAAH. Because what the universe needs are more people who are ALIVE.
Namaste xx
