Stepping into the Adventure

Have you read Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success? If not, it is a must read. This little book is packed full of practical wisdom. It provides an understanding of spiritual principles or universal laws and ways to put these laws into practice. They are based on the essential understanding that our thinking and our reactions to what arise in our lives can change the quality of our lives in the most positive and joyous way. In this little treasure of a book, one can learn about non-judgement and detachment, about the essence of our true nature, and how to learn to trust the intuitive self. We can learn to step out of our head and into our deepest place of knowing - that, which is connected to the Infinite Intelligence.

I picked up this book in 1994, just as I stepped fully into my spiritual quest to understand the deeper implications of my life and to search for what was beyond my five senses. I was about to wake up to Self, and Chopra's words inspired me, returned me to a place of joy, and taught me a new way of being in the world. It took practice, but I learned to detach from outcomes, to divest of preconceived notions, and expectations. I learned that there is truly only NOW. I learned with lots of practice over the years to live in the moment, fully present - at least most of the time! And with a lot of conscious effort, I was able to attain the results that Chopra so eloquently speaks of: to live fearlessly, unafraid to step in to situations, and without preconceived notions or expectations of the outcomes. Of course you must do your part; visualize what you want and then take responsibility and take actions as required to set the stage. Then let go and see what results. Ultimately the outcomes will be more than could have anticipated or expected. This is what makes everything an adventure.

I know that this may all seem very esoteric. I suggest you read the book to gain clarity. I can only tell you that this little book changed my life. And now, I am about to step into a new adventure "without judgment, preconceived notions, or expectations." ( This is my life's mantra, my guide for all that occurs in my day, week, month, year.)

I am so exited and deeply grateful for the opportunity that the Universe is providing to fulfill my heart's passion. I have been accepted to the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick for a MA Ritual Chant and Song program. I have resigned my position at Ithaca College, sold my house, and will leave in August for Ireland.

I will be residing in a little stone cottage outside of the beautiful and quaint village of Adare, 25 minutes from the University of Limerick. It is where I will study world chant, and where I will live the "Irish life" for at least a year. My goal is to develop a curriculum and performance repertoire in world chant, and to finally earn a degree in music, something I have always wanted. That is as much as I know. I am about to step into this adventure without preconceived notions or expectations and with an open heart.

I will use this blog to share my journey. I feel incredibly blessed to have the support and love of my family and close friends who understand why I do what I do. I am reminded of two roles I played in my Lyric Theater days in Watertown, New York. There is a song from Fiddler. Hodel sings to Tevye, "how can I hope to make you understand, why I do, what I do? Why I must travel to a distant land, far from the home I love." Those who know me understand. I will miss my children, family, and friends, but I am following my deepest compelling. I am following my heart. " I hear a bird, a River Shannon bird", sings Sharon to Finian. " It well may be it's calling me beyond the sea." The new building for Irish World Academy sits right on the River Shannon.

Life is filled with synchronicity...Glocca Morra here I come!