You are a gift – there is no one else in this world like you. Your life, therefore, will be just as unique. Embracing a life that is true to your heart and soul’s callings can be challenging in a world of expectations, labels, and ingrained social norms. This series is about creating a life that is true to who you are, based on the only story I am qualified to write about: mine.

Free Meditation: Take Stock of Your Life

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Here’s another gift that I channeled with a live group to help them take stock of their lives and decide which areas to focus on for intuitive guidance in the exercises that would follow.

Consider this your Halloween treat!

In this 34-minute free meditation, you’ll:

  • look at your life as it is,
  • imagine how you’d like it to be,
  • and tap into your Guidance to raise your vibration.

It’s best with headphones.

Once you’ve listened, choose an area of your life to keep working on. Get your Team of Divine Helpers involved – they love to be invited.

Go through the 5 Steps to Activate your Intuition and co-create the life you want.

  1. Ask (specific, simple, open questions)
  2. Access (on your own or through my intuitive hearing aids)
  3. Analyze (left analytical and right intuitive brain / heart working together)
  4. Act (Take inspired action)
  5. Allow (Trust that every piece of the puzzle will help shape the big picture)

If you’d like support developing your intuitive muscles for this area of your life, consider

It would be my pleasure to continue helping you connect to your True Self to live an inspired life.

And come back anytime to do this free meditation again. I’ve done it twice in the last week and received different guidance each time. That’s the beauty of creative visualization.

Was it helpful? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Coincidence? No. Intuitive timing.

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The Power of Gratitude – Disconnect to Reconnect

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burnt-cove-dominique-hurley-_dlh7327

What a great topic for Canadian Thanksgiving, eh? Well, here’s a little point form story about the power of gratitude. As a bonus, it comes with lots of photos of Newfoundland for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

  • I hadn’t had a holiday all summer. It was time.
  • My soul begged to get away from work and the Internet.
  • My original plans fell through.
  • I put it out on Facebook that I needed to get out of town.
  • Judith Royle told me her seaside guest apartment in Witless Bay was available.
  • My housemate Orinda offered to drive me there (40 minutes).
  • It was pouring rain. Awesome! It felt so real walking around for hours in my not-so-rain-proof rain gear. I felt like a true adventurer.
  • I walked her labyrinth, along the beach and down the road to the Irish Loop Coffee House for cod au gratin and salad.
  • That night, Judith happened to be leading a meditation group upstairs. Perfect!
  • The wind blew the flower pots and furniture around all night, but the sun came with it the next day.
  • I walked the East Coast Trail, sat and watched the ocean for hours, and had a lovely visit with a local artist. I was in a state of blissful contemplation and appreciation.
  • Judith drove me back to St. John’s, just in time for a dinner Orinda and her friends were preparing.
  • I gushed with gratitude at having spent time disconnecting from the computer to reconnect to my Self and Mother Earth. I so needed to get out of town and was so glad I did.
  • So Elaine invited us all the following Sunday to her oceanside home in Burnt Cove.
  • It was another great day up the shore (which means down south in Newfoundland).
  • Elaine loved my photos and asked to use some on her website in exchange for a few nights in her seaside rental apartment, ride included.
  • Then she invited us back for Thanksgiving too.
  • Then I get a call to see if I’d consider teaching my Intuition into Action workshop in French on the other side of the island and in Labrador.

I hadn’t spent a night out of St. John’s all summer, and now more opportunities are being handed to me. Wow!

It’s amazing what life brings you when 

  1. you follow your bliss
  2. feel grateful for it.

I’m not saying be grateful just to get more out of life. But you will. 

And hey! if this inspires you to spend a few days in nature without your phone or Internet, great!

What is it you need to schedule time to reconnect to? Trust me, you’ll be grateful you did.

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Take the test: what’s your soul saying?

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When I co-create intuitive paintings with Spirit, energy is infused into the art that raises both my and the viewer’s vibration. Whatever I’m working on at the time for me can then support you on your transformational journey.

So when you’re browsing my collection, know that the painting that attracts you the most holds within it a key to your Highest Good. Its energetic vibration can move you upward and forward.

So take the test.  Which of the three paintings above is calling you the strongest, then read below to find out what your soul is asking you to do.

Of course, feel free to add your own interpretation. Why else do you think you were called to that painting?

Choice 1: Life By Design

life-by-design-dominique-hurley

Dear One, You’re amazing! Your life has been rich in experiences and opportunities to grow, and you’ve said ‘Yes!’ to them. Bravo!

What’s next? It’s up to you. All that you are and all that you’ve lived has prepared you for the choices you have now. Keep co-creating your own True Life by following your Guidance.

Sure, it’ll take you off the beaten path, but isn’t that exciting?

Stretch those comfort zones. You’re ready. Take one inspired step in front of the other and have fun with it.

And remember, be loving and compassionate to yourself and others as you live and learn. Happy travels.

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Choice 2: Exaltation

painting ExaltationDear One, Stand tall and open yourself to the divine within you.

Your Light is so bright, reflecting the Light of All that Is. Take the time to nurture and connect to it. You’re worth it.

We know your life is not without challenges. How you experience them depends on you. Don’t wallow. Seek the Light. Where attention goes, energy flows.

Focus on what you love and let all else to fall into its rightful place. Attract what you want. Align with the Universe, raise your vibration and shine!

Allow your wellspring of unconditional love, gratitude, purpose, and passion to overflow.  You are radiant. You are a lightworker.

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Choice 3: I-ve Got Your Back

painting "I've Got Your Back"Dear One,  You’re not alone. Your whole team of Divine Helpers is here to support you. You’re wrapped in a blanket of unconditional love. Feel it.

You’ve been so hard on yourself. Isn’t it time to breathe, to connect, to open up to receiving? All you need to do is ask. We’re here.

Create space to reconnect to your Self and Guides. Give your monkey-mind a break. Get off the hamster wheel and dream a little.

Get back in the co-creative groove. Breathe Life Force back into your body, mind, and spirit. We’re here to help.

It’s time to choose peace. You deserve it. Please allow it.

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Tell Us About It

As usual, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Did your choice speak to you today? What inspired action might you take from it?

 

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Need answers? Try an intuitive walkabout

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Vibration from the Treedom Collection

“Vibration” From the Treedom Collection

There are so many ways to get Guidance. The intuitive walkabout is one of my favourites and anyone can do it. 

It’s quick and easy.

I taught this at last weekend’s Intuition Into Action Intensive and the participants were blown away with the results.

You can do it anywhere – your house, your office building, a downtown street, etc.

My favourite place for an intuitive walkabout is in nature. You get the added bonus of fresh air. Breath is your Life Force, which is your connection to Spirit. Use it well.

By breathing deeply as you walk on Mother Earth, you open your communication channels.

So try your own intuitive walkabout using my 5 Steps to Activate Your Intuition.

Step 1. Ask

Because of free will, we need to ask our angels and guides for help. Invite them to play with you.

Do one question at a time.  Make it simple, specific, and open (5Ws).

Examples:
“How can I best resolve my conflict with my teenage son in the next 2 weeks?”
“What can I do this Fall to meet the right man for me?”
“What’s my next best move to increase the number of customers I serve this month?”

Then state that you need the answer before you get to some landmark or curve in the path (about 5-10 minutes).

Step 2. Access

Now it’s time to collect data. Access your intuition.

Pay attention. Whatever catches your attention has meaning. Trust that.

Don’t try to figure out the meaning at this point. Just write down or record everything you notice.

Remember that intuition speaks through your senses and symbolism, so pay attention to

  • how you feel
  • what you smell or taste
  • what you hear
  • what you see
  • thoughts or memories
  • everything
"Compassion" from the Treedom Collection

“Compassion” from the Treedom Collection

This might look like

  • tangled roots with moss – beautiful
  • trunk stump looks like owl
  • snail slow and graceful through grass
  • ambulance siren fading in the distance
  • juvenile eagle flies over river downstream
  • 2 squirrels chasing each other up trees
  • memory of childhood picnic & playing frisbee
  • sudden chill when I turned left so went right instead
  • butterfly lands in front of me
  • young man bends down to pick up after his dog and gives a treat

Step 3. Analyze

It’s easier to keep Steps 2 and 3 separate at first.

This is where the left analytical brain joins your right intuitive brain (and heart) for teamwork.

Interpret the data by matching your clues to your question.

You’re the best person to play detective with the symbolism you receive. 

The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

So, if your question was: “How can I best resolve my conflict with my teenage son in the next 2 weeks?”, you might interpret the clues like this.

  • tangled roots with moss – beautiful
    – We’re family. It gets messy, but it’s nourishing and beautiful anyway. This is an opportunity to grow. Relax with it.
  • trunk stump looks like owl
    – I need to change my perception of his being cut off to recognizing his wisdom. He’ll make mistakes, but he’ll learn from them.
  • snail slow and graceful through grass
    – There’s no fast & easy fix. Be OK with it taking time. Don’t rush it. This is about moving “home” forward. It doesn’t have to feel like a burden.
  • ambulance siren fading in the distance
    – You’re alarmed by the situation, but there’s no reason. The danger is behind you.
  • juvenile eagle flies over river downstream
    – My son is growing and needs to spread his wings on his own. It’s up to him to choose his direction.
  • 2 squirrels chasing each other up trees
    – If I keep harping on what he did, he has no choice but to run. I’m pushing him away.
  • memory of childhood picnic & playing frisbee
    – We used to play and have fun a lot more together. Now we mostly argue. I’ll organize a family picnic to bring the family together. We haven’t done that in so long. We need time to just play and bond again. Maybe I’ll ask if there’s something else like that he’d rather do instead.
  • sudden chill when I turned left so went right instead
    – I need to pay attention to when my mood or interactions with him are going the wrong way and bring more warmth and love into them
  • butterfly lands in front of me
    – This isn’t about him. This is an opportunity for me to transform the way I’m being in this situation. This can be beautiful!
  • young man bends down to pick up after his dog and gives a treat
    – I have to let him clean up this mess and take responsibility for what he did. But I also need to encourage him for the small steps he’s taking to improve his situation.

You get the picture. Here, it was about relaxing, backing off, allowing, changing perceptions, adding fun, and supporting growth.

You may have gotten different meanings from the same clues. That’s the beauty of the process.

Your angels, guides, the Universe, Source – whatever you call Guidance – speaks to you in a language that relates to you. Sure, you need to decode it, but that’s part of the fun.

Step 4. Act

Now take inspired action.

Guidance is useless if you don’t act on it.

Organize that family picnic. Get off your son’s back and let him figure things out. Recognize his wisdom and trust in the process. If you get angry, stop and ask how you can bring more warmth/love to the situation.  Find ways to encourage and reward his efforts to clean things up. Be there for him – don’t make it about you.

Step 5. Allow

As Above So Below photo on canvas

“As Above So Below” from the Treedom Photography Collection 

Then let things evolve. Trust in Divine Timing.

If you were guided to do something, know that it somehow fits in the big picture.

And whenever you have more questions, go through the steps again and enjoy another walkabout.

Last weekend at my workshop, participants had a list of 10 questions they wanted clarity on during their walkabout. They did one at a time as we walked through the building and the grounds.  They collected data for Question 1, stopped, analyzed their results, then went on to Question 2, and so on.

They were amazed by the results and now have a list of inspired actions to take to move their lives in their right direction. You can too.

Intuition Into Action Treasure Map

These 5 Steps are the same whether you seek your answers on your own during an intuitive walkabout or use intuitive hearing aids, like my Divine Storytelling Time Packages. In this case, I do “Step 2 – Access” for you.

However you choose to get your answers, know that Guidance is available. If you’re feeling lost or depleted, ask and you shall receive.

Your Turn

So go ahead, give the intuitive walkabout a try.

Then feel free to share your results in the comments below.

I’d love to know your original question and 2 inspired actions you’ll take based on your findings.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Do you practice what you preach?

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Possibility from the blossoming photography collection

“Possibility” from the Blossoming Photography Collection – click for prints.

No one’s perfect. I’m not. I believe the best way to learn something is to teach it. And even the best teachers need reminders and refresher courses.

So don’t beat yourself up if you don’t practice what you preach.

You’ve seen it – doctors who smoke, writers who don’t write, parents who lie, yoga teachers who don’t practice, chefs who don’t eat well, etc. What about you?

Awareness is the first step.

Take this as an opportunity to reflect on whether it’s your teaching or your practicing that needs re-alignment. It could be that you’ve outgrown a previous belief or way.

As for me, I’ve been so busy teaching others how to ignite their intuition and light up their life that I’ve let go of my sacred morning connection routine of yoga, dancing, and chanting. Instead, I jump right onto the computer and start going through my endless to-do list. Then, I get exhausted and turn on Netflix.

Oops.

I should know better, right?! Well, I’m human. It happens.

So, this past week, I decided to try something different. I stayed in bed a little longer to do some of the guided meditations I’ve offered you here on my site.

Welcome-Meditation-cover-V2Wow! What a difference it’s making to my days. Not only do I get to connect to my team of Divine Helpers and raise my vibration, I’m getting all sorts of celestial gifts, messages, and inspiration.

If you’d like to try a free one, click here. You’ll find more on my blog and can also order a custom one channeled for your needs.

One of the messages I got loud and clear during one of these meditations is that “It doesn’t pay to work TOO hard”.  Yet there’s so much to do to run a business. Being a single entrepreneur can be daunting.

If I don’t practice what I preach though, I won’t be giving my attention and investing my energy in the right tasks. I’ll also burn out, which doesn’t serve anyone.

It’s so easy to keep busy and work too hard on things that don’t lead to where you want to go. Can you relate?

So – enough of that! I need to connect to my Higher Self and Source first thing on a daily basis, even when I’m not doing it for clients!

What’s it going to be for you? Do you still believe in what you’re teaching? If yes, are you practicing it?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below – what has this post inspired you to invest more time and energy in?

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Where Do You Belong?

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IMG_1264Where do you belong?

Here’s my answer.

You belong where your heart and soul are free to express themselves. You belong where you can feel the happiness that lives at your core. 

Does that feel like a good answer to you?

Indulge me as I use these reflections to share more of my summer photos with you.

 

Feel Your Way Home

I’ve come to the conclusion that you belong where it feels good to be you. I’m not talking about instant gratification but where you have access to that inner well of joy and happiness.

To have that access, you need to find what resonates with your Highest Good. That will look completely different for different people. It may be helping orphans in Africa for one, leading a mega corporation for another, writing a book alone in a cabin for a year, or raising 2 children to the best of your love and ability.

Where can your True Self shine so you can live in alignment with your soul?

Let your feelings guide you there. Make your decisions on what feels better, more expansive.

So let me ask you. Do you feel at home in your life right now?

Are you at home in your job? in your relationships? in your house? in your city? with your friends? alone with yourself? 

What can you do to feel more at home where you are right now? What changes do you need to make to feel like you belong in your life?

This may mean a change of perception, acceptance, skills, practice, or circumstances. It also means getting help when it comes moving time so that the transition happens with ease and grace.

Yes, some changes will be physical (location, environment, diet, lifestyle) but others may be emotional, mental, or spiritual.

Try a bit of automatic writing to tap into your guidance. Ask the question in writing to your Higher Self and Guides and just keep writing for 3 pages without pauses, trusting they’ll find a way to speak to you through your own hand.

Resettlement

The theme of “home” has been wafting through my inner space a lot this summer.

One of the thematic units I taught to my ESL students this summer was on resettlement: a post-confederation program whose goal was to move small remote communities to growth centres throughout Newfoundland to have better access to government services. It had a huge impact on life in in this province and is still affecting some communities today.

My photo buddies and I recently went hiking in LaManche, one of the many communities that voted to move.

Some families actually moved their houses- towing them across the water to their new location. But the question that remains in my heart is whether they all succeeded in moving their homes. What kind of help did they receive to feel fully at home in their new circumstances?

I’m always reflecting on the meaning, energy, and symbolism of my experiences. This unit and field trip to a resettled community was part of what inspired today’s blog.

Happy to Share

Something else that inspired this post was that my housemate and I hosted an Irish student for a week while he was attending a conference. I happily volunteered to play tourist guide for 1.5 days – something I love to do!

If you’re happy with who, what, and where you are, you’ll naturally want to share it.

Here are a few snapshots from our visit along the southern shore of the Avalon peninsula and to the neighbouring fishing village of Petty Harbour, where the fishermen obviously loved to share.

May you feel at home no matter where you are.

Love & light as you make your inner and outer journey to where you truly belong.

P.S. If you need help letting go of what no longer serves you to connect to what does, click here for a free 26-minute guided visualization.

 

 

 

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Where’s your go-to spot?

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view from Fort AmherstMy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies were all depleted.  I was growing increasingly frustrated and irritable. I’d been sitting at the computer without progress for way too long. Can you relate?

 

I had to get out.

So I hopped on my bike and went to my new go-to-spot:  Fort Amherst.

After 30 minutes of healthy peddling along safe and scenic roads, I can be sitting on a cliff staring out at the open ocean. Instant soothing – just add water.

I’ve only been there a few times so far, but it’s become my new go-to-spot. Both the getting there and being there fulfill my needs.

I recognize a pattern. When I was living in a German village at the age of 5, I used to bike to a nearby duck pond to sit and connect. Later in Ottawa, I’d bike to Hogg’s Back Falls to nourish my soul. Now I can bike to the ocean.

Where’s your go-to spot? Please comment below. I’d love to know what easily accessible surroundings call you when your body, mind, and spirit need a quick boost.

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Playing tourist on Bell Island – natural inspiration

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59-Bell Island-Dominique Hurley-_DLH6337

A client asked to postpone her Soul Energy Portrait experience, so I found myself with 2 days wide open last weekend.

I love what I do, so I’ll admit, I tend to overwork.  But after my teaching contract ended, I promised myself to add more summer fun to the mix.

So what did I do?  On Saturday, I checked out the online event listings and treated myself to 2 theatrical performances and lunch out. I love playing tourist in my own city!

If you’re in St. John’s, go see “Fleming” – a great way to tour the Basilica with the Bishop whose vision it was to build it in the late 1800s. Theatre and history make such a great mix. This was so much better than reading panels.

On Sunday, two of my photo buddies and I went to Bell Island.  It’s a 20-30 minute drive from St. John’s and a cheap 20-minute ferry to the island.

Oh how wonderful it was to explore without a plan, hike in such beauty, and learn about the iron-ore mining history that had once turned this 20km island into a booming centre.  The mines closed in 1966 and the population dispersed. But the new hiking trails, museum, and lighthouse café were plenty to keep us happy. Plus we never drove more than 2 minutes without stopping to take pictures. Fun!

Playing tourist is definitely one of the ways  I enjoy  exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.  

Enjoy the results and make a date with your Self or friends to do the same. You don’t have to go far to have a holiday! 

Note: Click on the first image and use the arrows to scroll through bigger images.

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Pearls of Wisdom from a Cycling Philosopher

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Dominique and her bikeMeet Sephira – my bicycle. She’s not only helping me get in better shape, but providing lots of opportunities to reflect on life.
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In this post, I’m sharing some of the pearls of wisdom she’s given me while biking to campus for the last month.
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Sephira is the name she gave me when I first brought her home. According to a name website, “Sephira” means “west wind”. Those with that name are said to:
  • be spiritually intense,
  • bring love and new starts into life,
  • be the creator and promoter of original ideas,
  • be dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded,
  • have a desire to build protected and secure environments
  • be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives.
  • have a practical approach to life and productivity that makes her one of the most beneficent members of community.

I’d say that’s a great personality for a bike and also a teacher…

That’s right. I believe that everything in life is both a mirror and a teacher.

In the short time we’ve ridden together, I’ve learned so much!

I’m not just talking about biking. I’m talking about life!

 

Pearls of Wisdom

 

As you read these philosophical tidbits, I invite you to reflect on how they apply to your life.
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1. Better be safe than sorry
When I bought my bike, Harold at Earle Industries told me “now you have a car!”. I’d bought so many extras: headlight, 2 tail lights, reflectors, helmet, mirror, etc. I may have added weight to the bike, but I also have much greater peace of mind.  Drivers here just aren’t used to seeing bikes on the road, and so by helping them see me, I help myself.
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2. Even if the road is rough, don’t give up.
The steepest uphill climb on my journey is the long driveway where I live. I’m pushing so hard at such an angle that I get to the top panting. That’s just the warm-up.
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3. Be ready. Invest in the tools you need for the job.
It may be summer, but during my first weeks of teaching it felt like 2°C (35 °F) in the morning with highs of 11°C (52 °F). I prefer it cool, but like to be comfortable. So that meant equipping myself with the right gear – gloves, ear protector for under my helmet, etc. It was worth the investment. I hate wind in my ears. I also appreciate my new matching padded bike pants and long-sleeved high-collared sport shirt that protects me from cold and sunburns. And those saddle bags are perfect to carry my school books, wardrobe, and groceries – they’re sparing my neck and shoulders after decades of heavy backpacks.  Plus we’ve got a great gravel trail on the old railway bed. My old 10 speed road bike just wouldn’t cut it here. I’m so glad I got a hybrid with hydraulic brakes and a front shock to spare my carpal tunnel from a bumpy ride.
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4. Plan ahead.
There’s no way I can bike to school in my teaching clothes. I have to give myself a sponge bath when I get there. So before classes started, I brought enough clothing for 1.5 weeks to give it time to de-wrinkle hanging on the clothes tree in my office. It’s a good system.
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5. There’s a time for everything.
I’ve got 24 gears on this bike. I use ALL of them! I just couldn’t stay in the same gear for the variety of terrain on my journey. And when the bike works, but I don’t, it’s OK to get off and walk.
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6. From one opportunity comes many hidden benefits:
One reason I bought my bike was to get in shape -legs, cardio, etc. I didn’t expect that the sorest part of my body after my first few rides would be my thumbs from changing gears so much on the hills of St. John’s. I’m improving my hand-strength and manual dexterity too. Bonus!  To add to that, my arms get quite the workout, both pushing the bike up 2 steep hills and keeping myself from flying over the handlebars on the one roller-coaster dip down 18th St.
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7. Some rules are smart to follow.
There’s a reason St. John’s doesn’t have a cyclist-friendly reputation. First, there are so few bikes on the road that drivers aren’t used to them. Second, cyclists don’t always follow the rules of the road and lose the respect of drivers. On my first day, when I used my hand signals to indicate a turn, a driver slowed beside me, rolled his window down, and thanked me for signalling. I’m not sure why, but that brought tears to my eyes – maybe because I’d heard of drinks being thrown at cyclists. I appreciated the kindness. If you want to share the road, show respect.  It’ll be returned. I’m also grateful for the many cars that have stopped to let me to turn left in traffic.
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8, Balance is bliss.
St. John’s is hilly! You got that. I live in the Waterford valley at sea level, and campus is on the other side of a big hill. Although there’s plenty of walking and peddling uphill, there’s also coasting and braking downhill, no matter which direction I’m coming from. It only takes me 30-40 minutes to get to my destination, but it’s a workout both ways. I’m happy with this balance. I’d hate for it to be all uphill one way and all downhill the other. It’s fun to know though, that if I’m working hard on one stretch of my journey to work, I’ll be coasting there on my way home.
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9. What may be easy one day can be hard the next. Go with your flow. 
I may be able to make it 3/4 up a long steep hill before walking the rest one day, but only 1/2 the next. That’s OK. My energy or physical stamina aren’t the same every day. Not surprisingly, I’ve noticed that hill is easier on Mondays, once I’ve given my body a break.
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10. When there’s a strong headwind, you may need to walk even on the flat stretches.
Newfoundland is infamous for its winds.  It wasn’t unusual to have 70km/hr (44 miles/hr) gusts in the forecast my first weeks of school.  External circumstances out of our control can turn what was once easy into a challenge. Don’t quit; just do what you need to do move forward the best way you can.
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11. There’s nothing so refreshing as a paradigm shift.
I had a choice. I knew it’d be raining and cold the next morning. It may have been July, but we were still getting frost warnings at night. I could have dreaded my bike ride or even backed out, but instead, I looked forward to it. I saw it as an adventure. What a feat! I geared up with my rain pants, Gortex, gloves, hiking boots and headed out. It was actually the happiest I’d been biking to work to that point. I may have looked soaked, but I was dry and just so proud of myself.  Sephira handled herself great too in the rain! Fun!
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12. Be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes you need to let go of plans.
I’d made it my goal to bike to campus every day during my 5-week contract. I was committed. But there are times you’ve just got to be flexible.  With a storm watch, heavy rainfall warning, and risks of flash floods, heavy fog, and winds up to 100km/hr, I reluctantly yet gratefully accepted my housemate’s offer to drive me. Cycling that day wouldn’t have been nice to myself or drivers.
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13. There’s a whole world to discover just off the beaten path:
I’m no stranger to Cashin Ave., a long wide hilly road on my trajectory. But on the first Friday of classes, I wandered just one block off my familiar path to discover Ropewalk Lane, a commercial street with several malls, a big grocery store, and most importantly, a delicious and affordable Filipino restaurant. I’d usually avoid such a street, but it’s great to know it’s there when I need it.
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14. Choose peace
I made the mistake of biking at rush hour once. It frazzled my nerves and I’m sure drivers’ nerves too. So I’ve chosen to bike between 6-6:30am to avoid traffic. I then have lots of time at school to let my hair dry after I get rid of that helmet imprint,set up the classroom, and correct essays. It’s more relaxing that way. Plus, I’m an early bird by nature.  And luckily I finished classes before rush hour.
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15. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Many wouldn’t think that my goal to bike to work every day this summer was a big deal. So what!? … an hour of biking a day. But for me, it is! I used to bike all the time, but that was in Ottawa or the flat prairies. It’s hilly here! I also used to walk 1-2 hours a day to work or school for most of my life. I’d choose my housing location to ensure it. Since moving to my current home 2 years ago, however, I’ve been much more sedentary. It’s too far to walk to campus in the summer, and the rest of the year I work from home. So biking to work this summer was a big deal for me. My goals are mine. It doesn’t matter what others think.
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16. Be grateful for breaks, even forced ones.
I can be very goal oriented, forgetting to enjoy the journey. If I could, I’d bike without stopping until I got to where I’m going. I’m finding myself thankful though when the light turns red at the top of a hill. It forces me to stop and take a breather or a sip of water.  I can feel my heart pounding, and it’s a nice break. Be grateful for your stop signs.
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17. Be fully present.
Even if drivers mean well, they’re often oblivious. I’m so glad for my mirror. But still, there was this one time when I was just standing still beside a car – slightly behind the front seats –  at a red light. The driver decided to make room for cars in the next lane (very polite of her) so she squeezed me against the curb and didn’t hear me shout. Be aware of your environment. Make eye contact. Learn from your lessons. I sure have.
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18. Have vision but pay attention to the road right in front of you too.
It’s thrilling to pick up speed going downhill, but you need to do 2 things.  First look ahead to make sure cars aren’t about to cut you off from upcoming side roads and intersections. But also look right in front of you. It’s amazing what you’ll find: potholes, nails, broken glass, toothbrushes, banana peels, and more large machinery bolts than you can imagine…
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19. Balance work and play.
It was the bliss of my leisurely bike rides on an island resort in San Diego that inspired me to buy a bike. Biking to campus on city streets, however, feels like work – or at least a workout. It’s a whole different feeling when I take Sephira for a ride on the Trailway or up to Cape Amhearst to sit by the lighthouse and contemplate the open seas. I need more of that.  Our relationship isn’t only functional; it’s meant to be uplifting and fun!
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20. Solitude is precious, but sometimes, it’s more fun with friends. 
I love my solo bikerides. But I’ve enjoyed sharing the adventure too. My friend Leslie and I have plans to explore different trails this summer. She’s got a rack for the back of her car, and I foresee a few seaside cycles this August. Yay!
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21. A smile changes everything.
Biking is not only about sharing the road with cars, but sharing the trails with pedestrian. What a difference it makes to smile and say hello, or use my pretty sounding copper bell instead of shouting that I’m coming up behind someone.
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22. Trust in God, but tie your camel.
I may invite Archangel Michael to ride with me and guard my bike when I’m shopping, but I also have 2 locks to keep it safe. One’s a U-lock for the frame and the other’s a cable lock for the wheels. It’s just best not tempt those who, for their own reasons, choose to take others’ belongings as their part-time job. That’s why I was relieved to find out I could lock Sephira in my office while on campus. More peace of mind.
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23. There are no coincidences.
You know me. I’m all about signs and symbolism. Everything has meaning. So I couldn’t help but laugh when the wind blew an empty chip bag from up high to right under my wheels when biking to school one day. I’m both a health food nut and a chipaholic, so the message was clear. Sephira’s helping me make up for my chip cravings.
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24. Don’t believe everything they say.
Just because they say there’s 0% chance of rain, it doesn’t mean you won’t get soaked. Surprise showers, heavy fog or mist – they’re all refreshing reminders that it’s good to be prepared. There’s no use blaming anyone for anything.  It’s healthier to take responsibility or to simply enjoy the surprises.
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25. Don’t get stuck in a rut.
After 4 weeks, my bike rides are much less exciting. I’m not collecting philosophical gems like I used to. Instead, I think of what I’ll eat when I get home. Biking to work has become routine. It’s just something I do – that’s gotta get done. The honeymoon stage is over …  How can I add variety or mindfulness back in my ride for my last few days of work? How can I avoid the rut of routine? I don’t want to take Sephira or this opportunity for granted. That’s my responsibility. My choice. We both deserve it.
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26. Acknowledge your successes.
This is the last week of my teaching contract. I skipped a day because of severe weather, but made it up when I joined my class for a whale watching trip on the weekend (photos below). I’m thrilled with my results. No wasted time waiting for the bus. No nauseous bus rides. Freedom. Better health. More fresh air. It’s all good! Thank you Sephira for a great ride! I’m so glad I invested to bring you into my life. We’re worth it.
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Enjoy being alive – no matter the weather or your fitness level. Happy August!
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