Dec 6
The Mindful Journey
Posted by Antonia at 7:31 pm in Daily Practices

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

“Oh my gosh, Kassie!” I proclaimed to my friend’s back as I watched her lithe form climb over the creek bed’s wall before us with ease and grace. I followed suit with less finesse, pushing any fears stirring in my mind aside. As an avid hiker with a curious and adventurous spirit, I am usually game for venturing a new path. Yesterday I found myself on a hike with a friend who likes to journey where there are no paths. Aptly nicknamed the “Rugged Faerie in Boots”, Kassie’s daring nature and agility is an Amazing thing to witness, and I appreciated the conscientious way she pushed me out of my comfort zone. Breaking through fears is such an important yoga in life. In order to grow and expand, we must mindfully push ourselves through our limitations, boundaries and comfort of everyday life.

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

~Albert Einstein~

While knowing our limits can be healthy, we must be careful not to allow self-limiting belief systems and fear of the unknown to confine our lives and keep us stuck and doubting of our own abilities. When I hike, it is usually along paths like the one pictured above; there are some steep hillsides, but it is all part of a journey within my comfort zone. During my hike with Kassie, I stepped outside the safe and predictable into the unknown, pushing my own perceived limitations. “You may want to know that you can do this,” she reminded me as she descended down an insanely steep hillside from which one might actually get vertigo. “Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed again, as I stretched my arms out for balance and cautiously edged my way down the unbeaten path, moving through my fears to the grassy knoll below.

The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path.

~Jim Rohn~

You know what? She was right! I can do it! And, as we traversed creek side and rounded the rocky, fern-lined path, I had to stop to admire the incredible Beauty of the expedition. Look what I could have missed! ;-) I highly recommend looking at self limiting beliefs. It is incredibly empowering to daringly break through. We are here to learn and grow, and can only do so through courageously exploring. So, let us go forward, towards those secretly longings of the heart, towards the light together, mindfully pushing through. What is standing in your way, Dear Reader?

Love and Adventurous Blessings,
Antonia

The Mindful Journey has 10 Comments

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  1. Bill wrote:
    December 6th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    Awesomely backcountry.

  2. Antonia wrote:
    December 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Ummmm.. thanks, Bill! :-)

    Peace,
    ~Antonia~

  3. song! wrote:
    December 6th, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    I have read this post through 3 times. Thinking about the question you asked.

    My book is at approximately 33,000 words, and the only reason i haven’t finished it, is because I believe I have limited myself, by believing I can’t.

    So, I guess that means, basically, I need to change my course, like you did.

    Believing I can. I will try this thanks to you. I promise.

    Deep Thanks, for your writing and being the person you are.

    Sincerely,

    song!

  4. Antonia wrote:
    December 7th, 2009 at 8:10 am

    Awwwwwe! That is Beautiful! Thank you, song!

    Yes, it’s amazing how we mentally limit ourselves.

    I send you many Blessings upon your writing, and any break throughs you are needing to assist you in completing them. You can do it, Dear One!

    Love,
    Antonia

  5. Kathryn/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com wrote:
    December 7th, 2009 at 11:58 am

    That terrain looks like some serious climbing, Antonia! IMPRESSIVE, I must say! I love what your friend said, “You might want to know you can do this.” LOL! Great insight! And good for you for going for it! What will you do next?? :) Love, Mom xoxoo

  6. Pamela Polland wrote:
    December 7th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    Beautifully written story of a special day for you, darling Fairy GodDaughter. May you have many more days of pushing through self-imposed boundaries into open territory where the wild things are. Loved the photos, the quotes, and most of all, your willingness. Bravo!
    FGM

  7. Antonia wrote:
    December 7th, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    hehe Thanks, mom! It was great fun!

    Love you,
    Antonia
    xoxox

  8. Antonia wrote:
    December 7th, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Awwwwwe! Thank you so much, FGM!

    That means a lot to me and is much appreciated!

    Love & *hugs*
    ~A~
    (FGD)

  9. Tammy wrote:
    December 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 am

    I can relate to this post .. its like you are going ahead strong, happily ..pushing to your goal.. but then you come to a place where you seem to sabotage yourself and think you can’t do whats needed.. like your terror barrier… Well I recently hit one .. and then I remembered Marianne Williamson’s quote “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ” It put it all back into perspective for me .. thx for awesome post!

  10. Antonia wrote:
    December 22nd, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Fantastic, Tammy! Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment!

    Yes, putting into perspective is so important! Excellent!

    Love and Blessings,
    Antonia

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