A Trip Back in Time ~ The Joy of Being Authentic

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with people I haven't seen in almost a decade.  I was extraordinarily apprehensive about this trip.  I left and had no idea how I would be received when I returned.  I wasn't concerned about people being mean or anything.  I was more concerned that people would think I ceased to be relevant.

Let me explain.  I spent 12 of the almost 17 years I lived in NYC working in fashion PR and special events.  It was a very exciting and rewarding time for me.  It taught me a lot.  I met a lot of amazing people and traveled to exotic locals.  It was really awesome.

However, the other thing that happened was completely internal.  Working in an industry that is based on what you look like, who you are wearing and if you're on the "right" invite list can be difficult to demoralizing.  A strong belief in who you are and what you're about it vital.  I thought I had this until I left.

It was then that I realized that I was not at all happy with who I was.  I had no idea what I was about.  And I spent so much time comparing myself to others that I never gave myself credit for being  awesome.  So part of the reason it took me so long to go back is because I didn't want to feel bad about myself again.

I want to interject here that how I felt about myself is NOT the fault of the fashion industry.  My parents gave me great amounts of love and never made me feel as though there was anything wrong with me.  I had great friends.  I wasn't anything more than an awkward perfectionist.  It was vital for ME to look at MYSELF with love to know that everything was perfect just as I was.

In fact, there is no blame to place.  It was my journey to come to the understanding that I am the perfect embodiment of Robyn Vie-Carpenter.  Each triumph and tragedy, each hurt, each joy, everything that has happened to me, is just what was "supposed" to happen.  My body, my hair, my face, my weight, everything about me is perfect.

When I was faced with seeing these people, being in this environment that I had spent so much time living in before, I had fear.  It didn't last long.  I am no longer in the same place I once was.  I have learned how to release my fears by understanding why I have them.  Once I was able to remember the joy, I was able to let go and really enjoy my time.

I loved the parts that I always loved and let go of the parts that didn't serve me.  I was able to connect to the place within me that is my authentic self.  My real inner light and joy.

The pleasant surprise was how my "new" authentic me was received...everyone loved me!  I was complimented on how I looked, regardless of how "fashionable" my appearance was.  I talked about joy and energy.  I gave away stones and talked about our perfect selves.  If I had put up a tent next to the ones that fashion week is held in, I could have signed several new clients.

It was an incredible lesson on living life as our authentic selves.  People will accept you, just as you are, as long as you do.  Remember this the next time you are down on yourself about what's not "right" about you.  The only person that sees you like that is you.  When you change your view of yourself, that's the one that people will reflect back to you.

Be authentic, love yourself, live your joy!

Joyfully yours,

Robyn

Trust ~ The Joy of Releasing Your Fear & Trusting Yourself

I had one the most life changing and life affirming experiences the other night.  I went to a Deeksha.  What is Deeksha you ask?  Here's the definition I thought was the most clear and concise ~

Deeksha is a transfer of divine, intelligent energy. The process works by creating a neurobiological shift in the brain and awakening the energy centers in the body.

(www.deekshacolorado.com)

Attending one of these has been on my radar for over a year.  I knew that when it was time for it to happen, it would happen, and boy did it.  The two biggest things that happened for me were the realization that I have to learn how to do this.  The second was much more personal.

I have been on an incredible spiritual journey in my lifetime.  I have had so many incredible learning experiences and it just keeps coming.  I am looking all around in awe and gratitude at the many wonderful things that have been manifesting in my life.  At each turn, I have learned a new way to let go and trust.

When we talk about trust, it is usually in relation to our trust in someone else.  I wrote about this last year when I hired a new assistant (http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3382345926883979204&pli=1#editor/target=post;postID=2801450497037980104) .  This is not the trust that came forward this weekend.

For years I have been making statements about what I wanted my life to look like, who I want to be for people, ways that I can really make a difference.  As these things are coming to fruition, old wants/needs/desires and new ones, the trust I have been challenged by in the past is believing it.  At every turn, I find myself getting exactly what I asked for.  As is always the case, it hardly ever looks like how you think it will look.  The key now is to trust that it's really happening.

The 2nd Principle of Joy ~ Releasing Our Fears

This is about releasing the fear of getting everything you've ever wanted and more.  If we spend all of our time trusting ourselves, we will know there is no reason to be afraid of living our dreams.

Put it another way ~ how can you expect people to trust you when you don't trust yourself?

Go with your gut, follow your instincts, it really is happening, you really are worthy of all of the good things that you asked for.  You really can feel joy.

Find a way to integrate yellow into your life this week, the color of your third chakra, your gut.

If you find yourself having self-doubt this week, say "It's okay, I trust you."

3rd Chakra stones/crystals ~ Citrine, Amber, Topaz

Trust yourself, I know you know what's best for you!

R

Zagging Instead of Zigging ~ The Joy of the Shift

There has been a lot of movement in my life in the last 6 months.  It's a new year with all of the new challenges and adventures.  Next thing you know I'm engaged and I am moving to a new town, new home.  At the same time, I have met some incredible people and have spent a great deal of time talking about joy.  Just as it seems that I am making a way, things are falling into place to really make a way to bring this message to a larger audience, the path shifts directions and my whole understanding of my life is different.  And then I get a phone call, a text, a message on facebook, a pull to the side at the party/club, "things are really changing, I don't know what to do", can you help?

Energetically and astrologically there has been a great deal of shift and movement.  I feel that for people that are so attuned to our Universe on that level, this energy shift could play a major role in the ebb and flow of your life.  For other people, I think it's something a lot more tangible.  There has been a major shift happening for a couple of years now.  More people are reading books on spirituality, yoga is more popular than ever, people are willing to have open discussions about their spiritual beliefs.  It's even a category for your facebook profile, if you choose to include it.  I teach a weekly guided meditation class on the dance floor of a local bar.  It's gotten to be a bit everywhere.

This kind of openness creates the atmosphere ripe for honest discussion and sharing of experiences.  When you find yourself in this kind of atmosphere, it is a natural progression to question your own views.  It is contagious.  This kind of focus around finding your light creates an uptick in powerful, positive energy universally.  It is "in the air" as they say.  I got a feeling...as the song goes

When you change your focus, when you shift your energy to a different frequency, this changes your outlook.  When you change your outlook, your perception of an event changes.  When your perception changes, your reaction to that event also changes.  And now when you would have zigged, you find yourself zagging.  When you find yourself zagging, that's when you actually find yourself on a new path, thinking new thoughts, dreaming new dreams.  One of my favorite movies about the "what would have happened if" and where your path would go if it did, is "Sliding Doors".

My advice has been to people to keep their focus on their path.  If you are really ready to connect to that joyful light that radiates within each of us, you'll find yourself zagging.  And when you do, then call me, because now it's time for a chat.

Joyfully zagging along...

Robyn

The Joy of Your Karma

I find it funny when I hear people talking about "divine intervention" or " The Universe" or my favorite, "karma".

Now there are some people that I know have a clear understanding of what they are talking about.  Others they really just say it because it's something people say when this or that happens.  You know like, "look out, karma's a bitch".

Let's get something clear karma is definitely not a bitch, but say it again and I might be, just kidding.  It is important to me that people understand that karma is not about reciprocity.  Karma is about getting what you give.  Saying again, it is not about reciprocity.  You cannot give to get, but you do not get what you do not give.

If you put out an abundance of love and generosity of spirit, you will receive the same in return.  If you only put out meager, conditional love and are greedy with your light, you will receive the same in return.

This was brought home to me by several friends.  I kept marveling at all of the blessings in my life and they kept saying that I deserve every one because that is who I am to others.  And what's funny is I  know I am that way to others because people are that way to me.

If we give joy, we get joy.  If we are love, we have love.  It seems simple enough.  In fact, it is simple.  The only thing that gets in our way is...ego!  Yeah, that pesky ego wants to throw a wrench into the whole thing.  When you start thinking you deserve something instead of marveling at the gifts you have received, that's when you know your ego got in the way, again.

The idea of reward, reciprocity, entitlement or any other such nonsense will get you in a mess in a hurry.  We are here to be in service to one another.  If everyone were on the same page, no one would ever want for anything.  There would be always someone there to provide what is needed.

So, in an effort to expand good energy going out into the Universe, say it with me ~

The joy of your karma is that your karma is your joy!

Give and you shall receive my friends!

The Joy of a Dream Deferred

In just 48 hours a dream was about to come to fruition.  However, the Universe has reminded me that we are not in control and I must not try to rush things that need more time.  So, I am postponing my Love In: a weekend workshop on loving ourselves.

It was all arranged.  I had musicians and a dj, a world love ambassador, participants, but there were some big holes that needed to be filled before it could be the amazing event I envisioned.  So, I had to pull the plug for the time being.  There are some things that need to be reworked.

Although I'm disappointed, I actually feel better.  Each step had been a struggle.  Each piece of the puzzle took a long time to find.  I have been under an enormous amount of increasing pressure and instead of looking forward to the weekend, I just couldn't wait for it to be over.  This was clearly not working.  So, when the big glaring sign showed up, I was able to take the exit ramp off of this path.  As I told my people today, I don't want to be the first lemming off of the cliff.

Now, how can this disappointment be joyful you ask?  Here's the thing ~  I'm sure I could have pulled some majick out of my handbag.  However, when you have to work and scramble to make something happen.  That's when you know, you would be better off taking a second or even third look at things.  When you do this, you give yourself the opportunity to create something truly amazing.

I know that although I am slightly embarrassed and definitely disappointed I am making the decision that's right for me, my company, my dream and the lives that will be touched by this event.  I have seen a vision of this event.  The faces are a glow with love and light.  People are inspired and moved.  I just got the date wrong.

I figure that guy that keeps predicting the end of the world can still get people to listen to him.  I'm predicting the beginning of the love ~ I think people will listen and then they'll feel it.

My calling is for joy.  I'm in for the long haul.

You First

The Loving Ourselves workshop will begin with our opening reception Friday, April 13th at 6pm, here in Denver. Shayla Logan will be our guide for the path toward loving ourselves. I met Shayla this winter and couldn't believe that I had the good fortune of meeting such an incredible teacher. Here's a few thoughts to think about love... We’ve all heard the statement “if you can’t love yourself, you can’t truly love anyone else” but we tend to take that statement with a grain of salt. Our much larger beliefs are usually things like “I do just fine at loving others” and “putting myself first is selfish”. Are you… • Giving freely but have a hard time receiving? • Consistently putting others first? • Saying yes when you’d rather say no? • Rarely using your time or resources to do things for yourself? • Unclear on what you want in your life? • Clear on what you want in your life but putting those items on the back burner to meet the needs of others? • Yearning for someone you love to love you back? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s time to take action on loving yourself. The truth is we all need love. If you’re not loving yourself, then you’re looking outside of yourself to fill that need and that makes your joy dependent on the actions of others. Isn’t it time you reclaim your joy? Check out other blogs by Shayla: http://www.shaylalogan.com/lovebytes-blog.html

Joy On The Move

As I sit here waiting for my plane to begin boarding I wonder. I wonder about my fellow passengers. I wonder about the lives of the people I see boarding planes all around me. I wonder about the lives of the people that make this trip possible. The thing I wonder the most is, where will they find joy today? It has become common knowledge, I am all about joy. I spend my days finding ways to express and give joy everyday.

As callings go, joy is a pretty great thing to be called to do. Generally when I talk to people they appear to be moved by what I have to say. There seems to be a general consensus that joy is something to be shared and people are glad to share it with me. I am embarking on quite a journey. Joy is the mission and I want to help the world feel it. I've already declared 2012 the Year of Joy. As we are almost through with the first quarter of the year, let's do a check in. How has your joy quest gone so far this year? Are you ready to accept the first principle of joy - Loving Ourselves? If you're in the Denver area, I hope that you can make the Love In, April 13 -15 Here's the link: www.jbyworkshops.blogspot.com Ask yourself these 3 questions now: Where will I find joy today? How can I be a source of joy today for others? What 3 things do I love about myself right now? Remember joy is yours today, claim it! Joyfully yours, Robyn

The Joy of Connecting ~ Introduction to Loving Ourselves

Recently I have been asked to consult on several projects.  When I sit down with people the thing that goes through my head is, “what do they think that I have to offer?” And “are they doing this project from a place of joy?”

I am always interested in working with people on any project that they think I would be able to offer a gift in.  However, the person I am working with needs to be in it for the same reason.  If I am connecting my light with this other person, it has to be for something other than money.

One of the greatest gifts I ever gave myself was the gift of love.  It began the day that I stopped equating having love with being in love.  I realized that the validation that I equated with someone loving me was something I needed to give to myself.

We cannot love while we each live in our own world, at every moment concerned with ourselves.  When we seek inner security through outward relationship, we are using relationship as a means of escape from loneliness.  We depend on another for comfort, companionship, or pleasure.  We use one another.  This state is not love.

                                                                                    John Mc Afee

                                                                                    The Fabric of Self

I am loving myself and that is where the joy begins.

Express your love for yourself to yourself today. 

Joyfully yours,

Robyn

The Joy of My Body – Loving Ourselves in the Mirror

Today’s meditation:      I honor my body & treat myself respectfully

We take our bodies for granted.  We don’t get enough sleep.  We get too much or not enough of the right things to eat.  We fill it with poisons in the name of fun.  We push it, pull it, pierce it, ink it, burn it, bind it and generally follow our whim without regard for how our body would prefer things to be.

I have participated in some of these activities.  One of the things that I know more than anything else, not one of these things made my body happy.  When you are giving your body exactly what it needs, you can feel it on a cellular level.  Your whole being feels good and you have a glow about you.  Even if you don’t lose weight, people will swear that you did. 

I belong to a community that celebrates connection to Spirit through movement.  Every Thursday night an ever-changing collection of souls gathers to dance.  There is a beautiful soul that is in a wheelchair.  She glows with glorious light and she is a joy and a delight to know.  (www.rhythmsanctuary.com)

We had a particularly spectacular dance early last summer.  During the time when we share our experiences from the dance, she celebrated legs and wheels.  It was a truly enlightening experience for me.  It brought home what a gift our bodies are to us.  So, regardless of the things that we do to it, we must give thanks for having it. 

What can you do today to celebrate the gift of your body?

Joyfully yours,

Robyn

The Joy of Meditation – Creating a Space for Joy

I am about to begin teaching a guided meditation class called “Creating a Space for Living in Joy”.  When I decided to do this I needed to get a clearer understanding why it was important for me to do this now.  So, I thought about why meditation is so important.

I have always been told by spiritual guides of mine over the last 20 years that I need to meditate.  They said I needed to quiet my mind.  I never could.  Besides, always thinking and doing is what got me this far, slowing down to meditate seems almost counter-productive.  Then I met a friend of mine that gave me the name of my first teacher.

Then I finally understood why meditation is so important.  When we go inside we connect with ourselves through Spirit.  If you are a whirling dervish, constantly moving, doing, going, always in a meeting, on the phone, IMing, interacting with others; then going within is vital to reconnect to your center.

I teach guided meditation classes because I am not a master, I am a student.  I believe the best way to become a teacher is to teach what you know.  The more I learn, the more I can teach.  In the meantime, I can teach what I know to those that seek that knowledge.  I am a journeyman.  I can help others begin their path, as I journey on mine.

Sometimes I wonder if people don’t meditate because they are afraid to slow down and get still.  What will you find when you stop running?  Who are you if you’re not flying by the seat of your pants?  What does your still small voice have to say that you don’t want to hear?

 

It is time to love yourself and give yourself the gift of stillness.  If we are to connect to the joy within, we must first learn what’s in there.  Paraphrasing Glinda the Good Witch:   “The answer was with you all along.”

Click your heels 3 times and repeat after me ~ Free your mind, to do anything your heart desires.

Joyfully yours,

Robyn

The Joy of The Force ~ Yoda was right

Joy thought of the day:  It is through a complete connection to your Life Force that you will manifest Joy.

When I first thought of this, Star Wars immediately came to mind.  Then my beautiful sister and her family, they are a Star Wars family.  The thing that I love about Star Wars is that the message is that you have a force within you that, if it’s strong enough, allows you to do anything.  When the Force is strong with someone, they are able to conquer the Dark Side.  

It is known by many names, qi, prana, life force, it is the name for the light within you.  It is the place where you remain connected to Spirit.  When you are manifesting or living in flow, your life force/qi/prana is strong.  I have experienced this.  I can best describe it as humming.

I do a lot of work with the chakras (wheels of energy).  When I am in flow, I can feel each one turning and carrying my light up from my roots through my body connecting to Spirit.  I can also feel Spirit sending that energy to me down my chakras.  Your body feels like your lips feel when you hum.  That kind of vibrating tickle that happens when you hum. I imagine that it sounds like a light saber.

I feel this way during various activities.  I feel it when I meditate, I feel it when I participate in spiritual dance, I feel it when I’m sexually aroused.  It is a charge of energy that puts a smile on your face and the spring in your step.

Clearing our pathways, creating internal space, looking for OUR connection to Spirit, this is how we feel our Life Force.  This is how we manifest Joy.

What ways can you feel the Force within you?

Joyfully yours,

Robyn

A belated New Year greetings to you all!

I have finally come home to roost after taking a marvelous spiritual journey the second half of 2011.  I knew I would be on a journey.  But, I thought I was actually going to be moving.  However, as we know, the best journeys for your soul take place within.

In the time away, I learned great lessons about myself, about joy, about love, about friendship, about family, about life.  It’s been an incredible path to the end of 2011. 

Looking into 2012 I am here to declare it the Year of Joy!

I know that it is also the Year of the Water Dragon, but I am not very knowledgeable about Chinese Astrology.  So, I figure it’s better to choose something closer to home.

This year I will be taking us each day through the 5 Principles of Joy ~ Loving Ourselves, Connecting to the Earth, Releasing Our Fears, Accepting Our Gifts, Living in Joy.

Periodically I’ll be releasing sneak peeks of my book – The Joy of Being You.  I am so excited to take you on this next part of the journey.  If you learn as much about yourself as I am, we are going to have an incredible time.

Send up a whoop for 2012 The Year of Joy!

Joyfully yours,

Robyn