Taking Time for Myself

As I reflect upon the events in my life over the past year, I discover that part of my learning in Sedona has been about taking time for me—and enjoying it. As an American, it is part of our cultural dynamic to work 40, 80 even 120 hours a week. We are not considered a success if we don’t tow this incredibly challenging line. So, we do it. I certainly used to do it. I would come home exhausted, craving a glass of wine in order to drown my sorrows, while trying to achieve some semblance of relaxation or at least escape—if only for a moment.
When the Universe (which of course, means me and my good old Higher Self) decided that it was time to be put on the super-highway of Awakening, the corporate life that I had once participated in diminished into nothingness. However, for the next several years, I spent my time studying, writing and eventually teaching 40-80 hours a week. Yes, now I was doing what I absolutely love, but I still hadn’t learned to simply chill out and be at ease with myself. Relaxation wasn’t a part of the lessons our society had indoctrinated in me—and that is where Sedona came in to show me my next homework assignment.
I have seen time after time, people who have experienced some sort of chaos in their lives who listen to their Inner Wisdom and show up here in Sedona. They usually don’t have jobs lined up or if they do, they may end up losing them as soon as they step foot within the boundaries of this magical place. Even more surprisingly, travelers often don’t have a home to live in upon arrival. The good news is that if you are meant to be here, the Universe will align everything you need in perfect order.
To be honest, there really isn’t much “being normal” here. Most people have two to three odd jobs to make ends meet—and they still only work part-time. Many of us have a lot of time to hang out at the local cafés and eating hubs, giving us the opportunity to intermingle with the other locals and sojou
ers. Everyone knows everyone else and it’s kind of like being in Spiritual high school. It also means that none of us are killing ourselves with work that we loathe, just because society tells us that is what is normal.

Instead, we find time to hike (a lot of time, in fact). We experience nature with all its glory. Furthermore, we spend an inordinate amount of time gathering for a friendly meal. If you are ever in a dining establishment, café or even the grocery store where my friends and I are, you will likely hear a whole lot of rambunctious laughter going on. We certainly explore our sense of silly here.

Last Thanksgiving, some of my friends and I went to The Chocolate Tree (they actually spell it ChocolaTree, but I wanted to make sure you could read it how it is supposed to sound). We ambled in filled with so much jubilance, that everyone stopped and stared as we entered and continued to do so throughout the evening. We were our own little island. We went from showing off our fun side, to sharing our deepest gratitude for the past year, to even shedding a few tears of joy for the beauty of that special evening. Yep, I had to use a few napkins in lieu of tissues for that crying session. It didn’t matter that we were in public. We were all exploring our Divine Selves and being who we were in that moment—and it was simply beautiful!
Ever the course of 2012, I haven’t spent much time writing and even though I teach wherever I go and have also recently begun opening up groups to the public again, I am no longer working eighty-nine thousand hours a week. When I am tired, I revel in doing nothing—and it feels good. I know I am not alone when I say it is a common theme that Sedona-ites allow ourselves the time to explore where we fit in this fine Universe—and that is a good thing too!

So, as I reflect upon the last twelve months, while putting together my e-Newsletter, I realize that this year has been about a love letter to my Self. I am a worthy piece of the Divine Puzzle and I am finally, after forty-six years, able to say without reservation, that I am embracing my freedom—and I LOVE it! I truly have learned to appreciate my physical, emotional/mental and Spiritual sides all at the same time—and for that, I am ete
ally grateful.
So, if you are like so many and feeling overwhelmed, take time to smell the roses. Take conscious breaths. Taking as little as three full breaths while paying attention can shift your emotional state. Learn to enjoy life. Create your perfect job. Be with friends. Laugh. Cry. And most importantly, be yourself. After all, you are the best you there is.

Sending much Love and Light your way for a fantastically jubilant, relaxing and prosperous New Year and beyond,
-Lisar
To read this and other articles such as this one, please visit http://www.lisatunney.com/ and click on the blog link.