Following My Curiosity – Sharing My New Adventure with You.

Posted by Barbara Techel

soulcollage eQuite a few weeks ago I shared with you that I am looking into a new adventure. But I wasn’t quite ready to share exactly what it is at that time. You may recall that I shared that I’ve put my book I was working on, on hold –my heart being called in a new direction.

I wasn’t ready to share yet in part because I had to work through my own process of trying to understand why this is something I’m being called to explore.

The old feelings crept back in of why is it that I find myself drawn to so many things, but can’t seem to “settle” on just one thing that I like to do. Sometimes society can look at this as a negative and at times I can tend to let that drown out what my heart is trying to tell me to follow.

A big part of me likes that I’m an explorer, a seeker, a thinker and one who wishes to continue to evolve. But the little girl in me can sometimes feel scared to try something new. The questions, “What if this is a mistake?” “What if I spend this chunk of money and it’s not for me?” “Will others think I’m too woo-woo?”

And then I heard author Elizabeth Gilbert’s short video on following ones curiosity and how that in itself can be such a beautiful life. It really resonates with me. Then the Universe sent me another message as I heard about Barbara Sher’s book, “Refuse to Choose.” I’ve not read the book yet, but she talks about those who are scanners – who love to do many things.

As I’ve taken my “think tank” time and worked through each step of my process, I know that this is something I want to do — no matter what the outcome. I’m not sure where it will take me, but that is okay. I’m open to all the possibilities…and honestly, I think there will be many. But I also want to let it unfold as it is meant to be.

So today I made the final payment for this adventure I’m about to embark on.

The above photo is a hint. You will see a a 5 x 8 collage of two images I put together representing a part of who I am — the woman who loves yoga, trees, nature, and animals (look closely to see the duck in the far left of image)–representing the part of me that relishes in this practice that centers me. This process, created by psychologist, Seena M. Frost, after studying with one of the founding founders of the Human Potential Movement, Jean Houston, is called SoulCollage.

The definition from the website is, “a creative and satisfying collage process. You make your own deck of cards – each collage card representing one aspect of your personality or Soul. Use the cards intuitively to answer life’s questions and participate in self-discovery. Joyfully deepen your understanding of the relationships between your personality parts, you and your family/community/world, and you and your dreams, symbols, and Spirit.”

November 7-9, I will be taking the facilitator training for this process. It is my hope to use the gifts I already have and incorporated with the SoulCollage process, to offer workshops online and locally. I hope it will also serve as another springboard for my writing and last but not least, to serve as discovering and embracing all the parts of who I am.

So part of the next step of this journey for me is “putting it out there” and sharing with you, the faithful readers of my blog.  Stay tuned and thank you for being a part of my life as I continue to explore and evolve.

My Mammoth Tree Friend

Posted by Barbara Techel

2014-09-24 15.49.50This mammoth tree called out to me yesterday.

For a change of pace I hopped in the car with Gidget and we headed to Plymouth, WI, a neighboring city about six miles from where we live. We walked past a cemetery that was the backyard of some of the large homes we strolled past.

When I came upon to this tree I wanted to hug it. Not that my arms could have gotten around it – it was huge!  But I stood in awe of it wondering how long it has been firmly rooted to its spot.

How many people must have walked past this tree all the while it stands there through wind, snow, sun and rain. The stories that tree could tell.

I thought about our upcoming jaunt we are taking, heading to Door County for a few days. A time to ground myself, like the tree, during this little get-away and take in the colors and smells of fall which is now upon us.

I also chuckled to myself thinking about how “being grounded” meant something entirely different when I was young. I didn’t like when that happened- grounded for doing something wrong and not being able to hang out with my friends or go away – stuck at home.

Now I love being grounded at home. It’s what, err, grounds me!  But our little trip north will be another type of grounding to wonder endlessly wherever it is we wish to go.

It will be Miss G’s first time on a road trip with us, too! Kylie will be in the great care of my Dad as she is not a world class traveler- feeling more grounded when her paws are firmly planted upon her own space in our home.

And I chuckled yet again to myself this morning, realizing that indeed I’m truly a dog mom, because Gidget’s bag is already packed and ready to go.

My blog will be quiet for a couple of days, but I hope to take lots of pictures and share them with you when I return early next week.

 

Refreshing the Well with Like-Minded Souls

Posted by Barbara Techel

20140923_112743 eAfter a very busy day yesterday promoting, sharing and celebrating National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day, which I’m THRILLED to share raised $1,400 for The Frankie Wheelchair Fund, I got to chill out with friends, Lisa and Katy today for tea and then lunch.

So, I know… you are wondering, which is Lisa and which is Katy? They are both beautiful souls and Katy is the curly haired one.

I’ve known of Lisa for quite some time as she took my author photo for my book, “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” I then also was in the Artist Way Workshop with her two years ago.

But today, I got to know her even better. I think I’ve talked before on my blog about what I call “surface talk.” Where you just kind of talk about ordinary things like the weather, life in general, etc. Talks like that are okay, but never fill me up.

I love deeper, soul enriching talks and that was exactly what Lisa and I had today. Talks where you walk away not feeling alone in how you feel so deeply about life, wanting more, and wanting to leave the world a better place. Lisa is that kind of beautiful soul.

Talking with Lisa today was another confirmation of me of who I am and where I want to continue to travel in my own life. I love when that happens. It’s not like we figured everything out with some challenges we face, because heck, whoever can! But we are two women on a similar path and it was so refreshing and fulfilling to share our thoughts together.

And the bonus? Having her sweet, little Katy join us who I believe, if I remember correctly, is 14-years old. I just love her darling little face and sweet personality. I couldn’t help but think of Katy listening to Lisa and I talk and if she could tell us in words, she would tell us continue to follow our hearts.

Because, well, you know, dogs already have this all figured out.