When we sleep, are we dreaming or is that when we really are awake? When we are awake, are we really dreaming? How does one perceive their reality?…the illusion??? If it is illusion…if it is real…why not live the dream?
“You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you’re going to live.” Joan Baez
So many philosophical writers, spiritual leaders, and sacred texts speak of reality and illusion. There are references to this life being a dream or an illusion, while reality is the place that we watch from. There have even been movies made about it like THE MATRIX. Many books, articles, movies, and even songs speak of the perceptions of something that exists only within our minds and even that is a portal … a view screen…a vehicle to simply experience.
“Our whole life is an attempt to discover when our spontaneity is whimsical, sentimental irresponsibility and when it is a valid expression of our deepest desires and values.” Helen Merrel Lynd
For that reason, many motivational speakers and spiritual activists are trying to show people that it is possible to create the reality you wish to live. Even Oprah has backed it by her show discussing THE SECRET. THE SECRET is a movie that gives the key to having and being whatever we want. It is an incredible movie and I do believe everyone should watch it. It is one of those life changing pieces that reveals one of the greatest mysteries of life.
As I walk through the illusion, whether it is in a metropolitan city, around Columbia, or sitting in a restaurant…I truly enjoy watching people. I like looking at their expressions, their smiles, mannerisms, and reactions to everyday, ordinary events. The one thing I have noticed is that we are all very practical…too practical.
Although I do see smiles, beautiful ones, and I see people sharing time together, helping one another, there is a glimmer of something missing in many eyes and stances. The element of passion seems to have been dropped along the way. In larger cities, I am amazed at how tired people look on the subways and in buses, how much effort it takes to hold oneself up, or speak to a stranger. I believe people have forgotten how to dream.
“To be what we are and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.” Robert Louis Stevenson
I know we all talk about winning the lottery or becoming a celebrity or taking an amazing trip…but what about your dreams? What does your soul dream of? Is there something you could be passionate about only if…you had the time, it were practical, it made sense, people would not laugh, your family would not think you had lost your mind…
Those kinds of dreams! The ones that make your heart flutter and if you could truly imagine them…they would put a smile on your face. The kinds of dreams that seem impossible, impractical, and nonsensical. What is wrong with living that way? Too many people live the life that society or family tells them they have to live. We tell our kids they have to be certain things if they want to live a certain way. Those are limiting, defining thoughts that keep us small and protected, diminished and depressed, searching and questioning who we are.
“Our concern must be to live while we are alive…to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are” Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
If you have ever asked the questions:
1. Why am I here?
2. What is my purpose in life?
3. What is it all for?
4. There has got to be more to life than this…right?
5. Could you imagine if…?
…you are not living your dreams. You are allowing yourself to settle into your existence without trusting who you are and the ability to live through your fears. You are not realizing that your soul is asking you to be more of yourself …for yourself.
What if you threw caution to the wind and let yourself be passionate about something? What would that feel like? What would that look like? How would you appear? How different would your life…and your ‘attitude’ toward life be? Your dream may be to have a different career, travel, take a particular class…who knows? It does not matter how big…because it is your dream! It is the gift your soul is asking for, so that you may create and have passion and joy within your world.
“The moment that any life, however good, stifles you, you may be sure it isn’t your real life.” Arthur Christopher Benson
How often do you hold yourself back?…Tell yourself you cannot have?…Or say you will get around to it later? The time is now! The call has come. Say YES! Say YES to you…
As you watch the television, splattering of gossip regarding Anna Nicole Smith, honor her by realizing that whatever her life was…she lived her dreams. She took chances. She lived with reckless abandon. Does that mean that all of her choices may have been the best or worst…who is to know? But at least she moved beyond her circumstances to experience so many different things and all by the age of 39.
As we are in the midst of Black History Month, the legendary and inspiring words of Martin Luther King ring true now more than ever. “I have a dream.” Where would we have been without that great man and the willingness to claim his dream? Where would we be without the many individuals that take chances to become who they need to be from the core of their soul?
“I was raised to sense what someone wanted me to be and be that kind of person. It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.” Sally Field
Think about how you live your life. Think about how you tell your children, friends and siblings to live theirs. Dare to dream and encourage others to do so. If everyone lived their greatest dreams…imagine how the world would be? Imagine the sparkle in each eye, the passion in each step, the radiance in each person. Answer your own call…how long are you going to let it ring?
“Live as you will have wished to have lived when you are dying.” Christian Furchtegott Gellart
LIVE THE DREAM…
Until the next…Fashion Emergency!!!
Warmest Regards,
Simran Singh