CHANCE
It's time to learn from chrysalis how to collaborate with the unforeseen – and touch the magic.
Collaborating with chance is a lost art. In our frenetic and distracted modern world, we have lost our relationship with the mystery. This is a culture imposed handicap. One might even say a culture imposed trauma.
As you journey forward from here, I'll lead you to explore your desires, passions, and curiosities – and even discover where your heart intersects with the dream of the world. But first, we must make way for the magic of the world to channel through your body by reclaiming the gift of chance.
AUDIO TEACHING
EXPERIENTIAL
Let's play!
In this experiential, I'm going to guide you into a state of play where you not only collaborate with chance, but you also seek out and find the message seeded within. There is much happening beyond our five senses, so let's tune into our 6th sense that tunes into energy – and play along!
Below are two challenges. Indulge and make note in your journal of what happens. Be prepared to share in community if you choose!
Chance Written Passage. We're going to play with the creative universe and call in a written passage for inspiration. Start by reaching for a book you're reading or any book that is nearest to you right now. Next, pick a chance number by adding your birth month and birth day together. For example, my birth day and month is June 30th. So my total is 6+30 = 36. Once you have your number, open your book and turn to the page indicated by the sum of your birthday numbers. Next, look to the first full paragraph, read, and contemplate the chance message. What stands out? What surprises you? What might be of use as guidance? This is your chance gift. Make note of it in your journal for contemplation, and for sharing in community.
Chance Song. Now, open up your phone's source of music. If you have downloaded music, tap shuffle and listen to what song is offered up to you. If you have a streaming service, shuffle your playlist or drop into a curated radio station and listen for the first song that is played. Enjoy this chance gift of inspiration and art. Notice the message behind the music and what inspiration lies for you in the song. Again, share in your journal for contemplation and community as your inspiration by chance may also serve as inspiration for others!
My written passage. So, my number is 36 and the closest book to me is "Reclaiming the Wild Soul" by Mary Reynolds Thompson. Here is what has been offered up to me by chance:
"In the rainforest of the Amazon, the mighty Brazil tree owes his life to the small agouti rat, whose teeth are the only things sharp enough to crack the hard nutshells, enabling the tree to reproduce. Without this tiny creature, the tallest tree in this tall forest, the one that towers over all the others, couldn't survive."
This passage touches me as it reminds me about the lessons of integration, diversity, and unique gifts of every living creature on this beautiful planet. Today, as a matter of fact, I helped two people match to positions where they feel truly seen and celebrated by their future employers for the central gifts they bring to the world. Both shared with me that this feels like a first for them. They are so deserving and I am so grateful for their uniqueness. How reaffirming this chance reading is for me today.
My chance song. I opened my phone to my downloaded songs and hit shuffle. Much to my surprise an 80's hit started playing called, "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. Here are some of the lyrics:
"Sometimes I feel I've got to run away
I've got to get away
From the pain you drive into the heart of me
The love we share seems to go nowhere
And I've lost my life
For I toss and turn, I can't sleep at night
Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I run from you
This tainted love you've given
I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that's not nearly all
Tainted love
Tainted love"
Well, this is interesting because all week I have been deeply contemplating the isolated and lonely state of so many men in a modern world that denies them access to their feeling hearts. We've had seven mass shootings in a month in California alone. Our men are in crisis.
This song is an anthem for how love is tainted for so many men and it reminds me of how much I want to reach out and help open back up their lost pathways to love.
Now, what will chance bring you?
Collaborating with Chance is also Deeply Romantic
Look here at what happens when Rose drops her ego defenses and plays with chance. Falling in love only happens in such ways. Take a moment to view this iconic scene again and think back to a time when you threw caution to the wind and let the passion of your heart lead the way.
What message did you receive from your chance song and book passage?