Thanks Peri – I’m glad the foundations of a life of Peace, Presence and Purpose resonate with you! And I know EXACTLY what you mean about the disconnect between a life of inner wisdom and reality with the 21st century anywhere 🙂 I myself haven’t found a culture and geography where I could fit into well, despite my early leanings – as you saw, I ended up creating my own version of the life I want to live at the Nest In The Forest.

But of course, how you fit into such a culture is completely personal – and probably worth trying, even if it means learning lessons along the way. However, do not go against your gut instinct when it comes to any culture, guru or institution. This has always been my touchstone – to only follow what feels right within myself. That is the absolute criteria for anything I do.

Hello Peri, Congratulations on coming this far away from your toxic relationships to a life closer to peace and positivity! It is possible that once you overcame your negativity, and created your place of positivity, that you lost your sense of purpose. That may be why you don’t have the energy to do the asanas or meditation. And it’s very natural. No one goes through life at the same speed all the time.

My suggestion would be to try and figure out what your purpose for life and living is. Each person’s overall life purpose could in fact be a series of several smaller purposes. When you’re in alignment with your true purpose, everything in your being is excited and alive, you don’t burn out, you have an inner fire, but you’re not in a hurry. Every choice, step and direction will be in service of your soul purpose.

Do you feel like this could be you?

Hello Smollc,
I’d love to be able to help. Do email me at saiisha[at]rocketmail.com

Dear b192, I love the advice Annie provided – it seems right-on! In addition, you have a question about how to go about re-discovering yourself. I think you’re going on this trip to Europe with the right frame of mind (to re-discover yourself), and not simply to escape. And also doing some homework now so you’re prepared. These are all pointers to show that you’re ready and on the right track!

Here’s a few prompts to think about finding your purpose:
– What makes me joyful? What makes my soul come alive? What makes me intensely happy?
– What in the world makes me cry out of sorrow?
– What is the change I wish to see in the world? How do I embody the change I wish to see?

Also, I was trying to paste a link to one of my articles that might help, but TB forums doesn’t allow most links. If you’re interested, do email me at saiisha[at]rocketmail.com. You can also find me through my website – you can find the link under my profile if you click on my picture.

I’d love to help you along on finding your path to Peace, Presence and Purpose!
Namaste, Saiisha

Happizer, good to hear you’ve figured out a way to proceed! May you walk your path with Peace, Presence and Purpose!

I’m so glad you’re starting to feel better about yourself Lisa. I’d love to hear how you’re doing in 29 days!

Hi again Lisa, I’ll let you and Anita continue your conversation, but I just wanted to add a different angle, in line with my response to your other thread (regarding depression).

I think becoming who you are, and finding strength in your own true voice will go a long way toward attracting the right partner, rather than someone who you’re unsure of. I’m not saying you’re clingy or needy, but in case you are, that might make him pull back. The more you’re trying to get love from him the more he’ll pull back. Yes, of course, needing love is a valid need – not silly at all! But if you can find your own center, love yourself first, you won’t have a need to cling to someone else. The right person (whether it’s your current partner, or someone else) will come for the right reasons – respect and love.

In my mind, both your depression and uncertainty about love could be pointing to an inner need to know your true self. If I were in your shoes, that’s where I’d start putting more focus – not on what’s wrong, but find out what’s right, and true, and genuine and authentically you! Once you peel back all these outer layers that are distracting you, you’ll find the deepest, purest, golden self that’s You.

Or as Dr Seuss says, “There is no one alive who is Youer than You” 🙂

I hope this helps!
Namaste, Saiisha

Anita and Inky – Love the conversation here – real or comic 🙂 and I agree with both their advice!

As always, this is never what it appears on the surface. And I think, in this forum, with the help of Anita and Inky, you’re starting to explore what’s really going on between you and your friend, get deeper toward the core of what the true issue is. I’m not sure if having it out with your friend at this time is a good idea yet. If I were in your shoes, I’d dig deeper into your feelings, reactions and beliefs first. Once you’re clear on where you’re coming from, then it would be easier to address it with your friend – especially if you have specific topics to bring up.

So, do continue asking these questions that Anita suggested – ask yourself “where are these differences actually arising from?”, “why am I annoyed when someone steals my ideas?”, “what is that feeling / emotion that comes up from within?”, “could it be possible that the qualities I’m seeing in her are qualities that I may not be recognizing within myself?”, “what is the lack I’m feeling in this situation?”

Self Inquiry is a great way to dig deeper and deeper until you feel like you’re getting the true answers from within, from your inner voice. Don’t settle for surface level responses that your mind provides – try to get to the bottom of what’s the real lack you may be experiencing.