I normally run miles from those places where the teacher wears a white turban but last night I ventured to the juice bar @ ALCHEMY a middle class Yoga hangout in Camden’s Stables Market for a swift half. A full pint of Carrot, Apple and Ginger is surely going too far. The decor is very NEXT HOME, all loft brickwork, white linen, flickering flames in windows and yoga women with straight backs supping on a chai. They look too controlled to me but it works for many and the juice bar is a haven in drug fucked Camden.
I have been a Rebirthing Breathworker for 20 years and you could count on 2 hands the Rebirthers in London. While I was chatting to a fellow Rebirthing Breathworker I was aware of a woman staring at me. I turned, squinted her into vision and I said " Do I know you? " then we both shouted ESTONIA! . . .
. . . for Estonian Eva – also a breathworker - had participated in one of my Breathwork Seminars on Codependency & Money last year in Estonia.
What are YOU doing in London?
Suddenly all 3 breathworkers were as busy as chatty Kathy on speed, gulping for breath
in the delight of it all. What a spooky coincidence!
This made me think about the 1st Insight of THE CELESTINE PROPHECY,
a novel marketing phenomenon of 1997 : personal growth material set within a novel -
a clever way of getting inspirational material to people who would never pick up a
self help or spiritual book. Here’s a snippet –
Insight 1
" The first insight occurs when we become conscious of the coincidence in our lives and that some other process is operating.
Once we reach a certain critical mass, the entire culture will begin to take these coincidences more seriously. Chance coincidences are meant to happen. Recognizing and following them will start you on your path to your spiritual truth.
The coincidences take the form of a series of events which point to a higher path. Each is a message leading us to a grander awareness. There is a spiritual programme in operation. These coincidences are leading us to our spiritual destiny. Once you become aware of these coincidences, you will note they happen more often. We have been pooh-poohing miraculous or chance happenings as nothing to seriously consider or as anything that could remotely have an intended purpose or provide a sense of direction. "
In truth " The Celestine Prophecy " was regarded by critics as poorly written
but the novel concept was brilliant and it was the forerunner of what I call
the " Airport Spirituality " genre.
These are the " rescue me books " that people take on holiday to while away
the time not knowing what to do while waiting for texts from the office.
Call me old fashioned but I remember when you just sat on a beach and perved. Now we need a pod, a phone, and a tome of books to educate oneself.
This is where Airport Spirituality comes in. Think Maldives, think orchids on pillows, it’s not very Stephen King is it? but perfect for those spa like spiritual books stacked up by the Milk Tray slabs no one wants. The success of James Redfields novel spawned publishers to push spirit as a route to profit, what
with millennuim fear of planes falling out of the sky on NYE 1999.
Neale Donald Walsch’s " Conversations with God " trilogy followed and all
THE SECRET industry hoo hah.
Reading a personal development book on the beach or swaying in an infinite pool after a back rub is only the beginning.
The directors of Colman’s Mustard always said that they made more money out of what was left on the side of the plate and so it is with unread or unfinished books.
Once you have bought it the publisher is quids in. So it’s all about THE DEAL.
The thing you need to consider is whether you can deal with the actions and exercises mentioned in the beach book that was going to save your life.
Like the mustard it often gets left on the side to fester while you manage life. Best if you prioritise the book and the exercise suggestions and then life begins to manage itself.
Funny that.
So todays focus is on the power of coincidence, reignited energy and getting back to reading that book you never finished. Don’t wait until your next flight.
Here’s another coincidence. While I was writing this blog an email came through. PING.
It’s from a journalist in Estonia who want’s to write an article about me ready for
my next training weekend in Tallinn in June.
Now THAT’s spooky!
Airport Spirituality, instant life changing books in nicely designed cover hinting at ‘secrets’, ‘another dimension’, ‘the truth, the way and the light’… all yours for a tenner Guv. Which path should I take? So many choices, so much re-hashed ancient wisdom put into a form the modern day punter can digest along with his curry/tapas/fish n chips whilst gaining an unhealty dose of skin cancer on some far off beach that is a long way from the day to day drudgery of home.
A new beginning maybe, a chance to return home re-aligned and enlightened? We’d like to think so. Any form of awakening, enlightenment (read ‘understanding’) or life changing experience is usually only gained by repetitive practice, perseverance and a willingness to grow and really feel, not only see, things differently. My personal experience is that we only look for another way when we are faced with a wall that simply will not budge. The annoying thing can be that it is the same wall I ran into, very hard, several years before. Hmmm, maybe I was not getting the message first time I hit it, or more to the point, I had got it but had forgotten. Or was I begging God to get me outta the mess and made a deal with him ‘I’d never do it again’. And then forgot my side of the bargain. Lesson re-issued due to lack of attention. Bugger. Growth is a painful process and can be very tiring. Now where’s that book I bought at Dubai duty free…
My point is with all these quick fix ‘systems’ is that just by reading 500 pages and putting your tome back on the bookshelf does not actually guarantee you anything. We may be inspired by the word of wisdom within and say things like “Oh, that’s so true!” but unless we incorporate these ideas into our lives on a day by day, moment by moment or situation by situation basis the paper they are printed on is better off in it’s original form as a tree. Bestsellers like Marianne Williamson’s “Return to Love” or Louise L Hay’s “You Can Heal your Life” are not a one read and put down solution. They require study, re-reading and practice of the principles held within. Reading the recipe is one thing, baking and then eating the cake is another.
Choose your read wisely and keep an open mind to follow leads into other schools of thought, never forgetting that most of this stuff was discovered by dude’s in saffron robes, meditating in caves around ten thousand years ago. If your airport wisdom kick starts you into a new life, awesome, if not, a least you can rest happy that you helped someone else move up the bestseller list.
Droid
March 11th, 2009 at 10:31 pmpermalink
. . . more than a comment Droids and a pleasure to read indeed. You know that I back up everything you say – that’s why it’s the ” Road Less Travelled” to quote an oft quoted tome but methinks seldom finished and certainly less acted upon. It takes work to work it but we both embrace it’s worth. No more quick fix. A house needs deep foundation. Keep digging.
theswarmite
March 11th, 2009 at 11:15 pmpermalink
What I’ve noticed with those “coincidences” is: once you get in the habit of noticing them, they happen much more frequently. Has also been my experience that if you experience happiness & gratitude for whatever it is, more of the same comes & with it, what most would term ‘good luck’: being in the right place at the right time for good things.
However, if you get into the habit of expecting those good things & taking them for granted, it seems to be the same as hitting an “Off” switch.
Sorry this is so simplistic… I’m racing off to an appointment…..
LaFang
March 12th, 2009 at 11:59 ampermalink
simplistic means . . SPOT ON . . in this case LaFang. Many Thanx
Expectation is an ego obstacle – that’s why people get dissapointed with affirmations. Live it, feel it, not always write it. The devil is in the footwork. The journey is more important than destination . . .
theswarmite
March 12th, 2009 at 12:25 pmpermalink
Exactly. I’ve tried to explain that to friends who have attempted to adopt the ‘noticing coincidences’ and being ‘happy’ and ‘grateful’ with a mind to GAINING material goods as the outcome or money; power…. and then become angry at ‘the Universe’ because it didn’t give them what they wanted.
Talk about missing the point.
The journey is more important than the destination. Whatever the outcome, I’d rather have spent the time noticing the scenery, laughing and being happy, rather mulling over what I might not have or what someone else does.
Apparently this coffee is kicking in.
I enjoy your writing!
LaFang
March 13th, 2009 at 11:27 ampermalink
LaFang -we need Coffee Kickers Anonymous NOW! LOL. Thanx for joining me on the journey to god knows where.
theswarmite
March 13th, 2009 at 12:45 pmpermalink
My pleasure. Hug Clay for me if you ever see him.
Lafang
March 13th, 2009 at 8:57 pmpermalink
I think of coincidences (events and people we pull towards us) as the result of our thoughts and strong feelings becoming manifest – and I truly believe this is just the way it works! I’m a student of Abraham-Hicks and the Jane Roberts material – you may want to check that out if you’re interested in more about ‘coincidences’.
I like your style – a pleasure to read. You seem to strike a nice balance between being someone who helps (all about others) and also a shining star (all about you) – which I find fabulous.
peace,
Jade
Jade Barbee / EFT
March 13th, 2009 at 11:31 pmpermalink
Thanks Jade for checkin in to view my beginnings plus the Hicks & Roberts info – I will delve further.
I agree, we manifest the energies around us to perfection, I feel it is part of the celestial speed up. When you are detoxed the speed of connection is higher. I love Marrianne Williamson’s point – when people say ” you’re so lucky ” – just remind them it’s because you practiced.
Thankx also for shining my star.
theswarmite
March 14th, 2009 at 12:21 ampermalink