By Steve HartOn January 27th, the 4 year anniversary of my mother's passing, she sent me a message that was too profound not to share. It came at a time that I really needed it, at a rather stressful moment in my life. I found myself in a situation of financial disagreements and egoic confrontation stemming from a decision I made to walk away from a partnership that was no longer aligned with my highest Self. I had feelings of anger, resentment, and a need to be validated for the hard work that I put in, which I felt had gone unrecognized. The ordeal was causing me a considerable amount of anguish, made worse by my ego chiming in to say that I was a bad yogi for feeling such anger and distress. I was finding it really challenging to let go, and it seemed it had to get worse before it got better. Then came the 27th, and my mom offered me some clarity from above. It came to me as a pure message, something with more weight than the random thoughts that constantly move in and out of our heads. I was in a meditative state as I was facilitating a sound bath, surrounded by healing vibrations, momentarily at peace and relaxed. The message was quite simple- Be happy. Do what you love, and love what you do. Life is too short for anything else. Instantly, everything changed. Gone was the desire to be "right". Gone was the need for the money I thought I was due. Gone was the fire of resentment and anger. I saw what I loved in my life and there was no other choice but to put my energy into them instead. Over the coming weeks I was led to align my daily activities with what mattered most, a path I continue to follow and trust. I love myself. I went surfing because it brings me joy. I got on the yoga mat because it brings me peace. I started eating better to feel better in my body. I expanded my meditation practice to reconnect with my highest Self. I started writing again to express what was inside. I love my family. I decided to call my dad or a brother every day to stay connected. I spend more time with my girlfriend and at least a couple hours a day to snuggle and play with my puppy because I really love them, and they bring me joy. I love my work at Riffs. I realized that the energy I burned in anger and frustration was wasted energy that could have been put towards my business and the people that are vital to its function. I took the time to do tasks that I've long put off and work on some higher level creative ideas that will bring more value to the community that has been so good to support us. I love where I live. I re-joined the board of the community council to give back to the community that means so much to me. I started working with others in the neighborhood to make Bird Rock an even better place to live. I received this message to remind me to spend my valuable time with the people I love, doing what I love, and sharing my love with the world. A reminder that happiness is not something you can buy, earn, or win, but it is our inherent state of being. We strangle our own happiness by stressing over circumstance, but can release it in remembrance of what is really important and putting our energy into those things. My mom left with no warning, no preparation, and no time to say goodbye. Her departure showed me how fragile life really is, and it is my choice in how to live each day. She continues to teach me today, sending her message when I need it most.Be happy. Do the things you love, and love the things you do. Life is too short for anything else.
