Lately, I have been reading some interesting books. Since I’ve been traveling so much, I’ve had more time than usual to read, and I’m practically glued to my Kindle (when I’m not sketching my latest art obsession.) I’ve noticed that the books I’m enjoying all “coincidentally” (not) speak to similar themes.
I’ll share the list at the end, but what’s struck me recently is how many stories—whether myths, legends, fiction, or non-fiction—follow a kind of quest. No matter what the specific theme, the protagonist always seeks something sacred or is called to something different and often scary.
This quest often leads to a revelation of a deeper sense of authenticity and wholeness. There’s always that eureka moment that results from accumulating time and experience, discovering something new and immensely useful, and bringing what they’ve learned back in service to others. Of course, this often involves facing their own darkness and finding strength beyond what they thought possible, entering the unknown, and being open to discovery by stepping willingly into uncertainty and curiosity.
We are all on a collective quest right now, whether we are conscious and willing and up for the adventure, or struggling to hold on to what we know. It’s true that this is what is going on in the whole world.
There are moments when we’re like hobbits (yes, I know I have used the hobbit story before, but I love hobbits—plus, they actually turned out to be tough little warriors and heroes!) Hobbits want their tea and crumpets and don’t want to stray far from comfort and familiarity. But we know we have to move, to find something new, to discover how we can make a better world for ourselves and our families. Essentially, we all want the same things, safety, love, respect, good food, friendship, fulfillment, meaning, the power and freedom to choose our own way and legacy.
I believe we all want better lives, good, meaningful lives.
That takes some work. Ok so not everyone wants to do the work, make the compromises, meet in the middle, learn about the “other” to discover the “other” is just like us. Some just can’t, some won’t, some don’t know how, some don’t know it’s even an option! Some are just trying to survive.
Life is magical and amazing, and we have so much untapped power to make a real difference. But for some, it’s also really hard, cruel, and unfair.
We humans have so much magic in us!
If we could only see those threads of connection weaving through the world, maybe we’d be able to see how much we need the “we” to thrive. It’s not an independent thing; the web connects us all. It’s always been about “we”.
I genuinely believe we can’t help but discover it if we keep trudging our way forward, even if we’re gawky and awkward as we do the dance of three steps forward, 6 steps back, 10 steps forward, scrape your knee, take a detour wow—whoops! And then we get up and do it all again until one day, after all is said and done, all the laughter and tears, we know we have lived the adventure of our lives the best way we were able.
In every quest, there is an awakening.
It’s a strange mix of revelation, revulsion, shock, and awe, and coming to see as if you’ve never been able to see the colors of the world before.
We change because it’s impossible to remain what we were.
I have faith in what is possible for us humans once we remember and awaken to our truest natures. Waking up has a lot of rewards. Sleepwalking, not so much.
And so, in this next phase of Mercury retrograde, as you revisit, redo, renounce, recall, renew, and reconsider aspects of your being here on earth, may you remain as awake as possible. And when you sleep, may you dream the good and better world into being.
Give yourself permission to shift your perspective, open your perception to seeing beyond your assumptions, and change your mind! Keep asking, “Who do I want to become? How can I serve? What kind of world do I want to help build?”
Just remember to be good to yourself and others, share your toys, lunches, and snacks, and try to play nice in the sandbox.
Love to all!
P.S. Speaking of quests! The DreamQuest Platinum Mastermind is in her 9th season and the new intimate cohort is gathering.
I curate and lead this mastermind for spiritually-aligned professionals who, despite their conventional success, find themselves between worlds—a place between what was and what will be, recognizing that there’s no time to waste to claim the next level of their service to the world.
DreamQuest is for those looking to expand their understanding of who they are and how to take action to make impactful changes for themselves and the world around them. Once a year, I open up only 24 spots in the DreamQuest Platinum Mastermind, offering you the opportunity to work one-on-one with me and a small cohort committed to the same personal growth and transformation.
We are now open for applications! Here is a link to learn more and see if this might be a fit!
P.P.S. I didn’t forget! Here’s what I’ve been reading!
For fans of Paulo Cuelo, Iranian born spiritual teacher and author, Mitra Rahbar, has recently released a gorgeous rich and beautifully written wise new book I highly recommend called The Eleven Pillars of Self Realization. It follows the journey of a young boy named Abu who discovers the true nature of himself as he moves through 11 pillars of spiritual discovery and integration, as well as includes real life stories of the author etc. I’m still savoring its pages!
For those of you who like fantasy – I have two books going strong right now (for 10 pm and 5 am reading) and that I am loving, that present the idea of questing so brilliantly (I love a good fantasy novel with a strong message) Lev Grossman’s latest book The Bright Sword is a must read. Themes of “faith, duty, and selfhood” weave their way through this new book on Camelot and what happens after Arthur dies.
The Blackbird Oracle by Deborah Harkness continues the “All Souls” series with a tale about facing your shadows and becoming stronger for it and what it means to be whole, authentic and truly yourself, its excellent story telling!
For more book recommendations, check out my favorite things on Amazon.
If you like historical fiction, I recently listened to The Anvil of God. I highly recommend it. It’s kinda knights of the round table with a strong woman at the center of the story. I loved it and am looking forward to the next book on the series. I have a feeling that you’d really like it, too.