This week’s webinar was about finding our authentic self. We were reminded that everything is connected and that we must continue to be the non-judgmental observer.

Some of the things a non-judgmental observer sees includes the wonders surrounding us, breathtaking harmony, and choreographed dance.

Last weekend I was in Victoria, British Columbia with my friend. As an early celebration of my completion of the Master Key Experience course, we spent a lot of time looking at nearly 100 photographs at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit at the Royal BC Museum. I eagerly looked at the photos taken of fish, mammals, birds, and micro organisms. I read the stories behind most of the photos so I could better understand how the photos were taken, what was the subject matter, etc. I was in awe seeing all the talent, persistence, and luck that went into taking stunning photographs.

Throughout the day I created many polo videos for my tribe and a friend so I could share my experiences with others. I made polos of the carillon playing music, the cherry trees in full bloom, the Empress Hotel, a statue of Emily Carr, her monkey Woo, and one of her sheepdogs (I’m not sure if it was her sheepdog Billie or not.), views of Mt. Baker and the ocean, and a beach in Sidney where my friend and I were beach combing for sea glass.

It’s hard to believe that four months ago I wouldn’t have even created a single polo of anything. Now, several times a week I’m sharing something, usually nature related, because what I’m sharing made me exuberant and I wanted to share that experience with others.

One of the quotes to reinforce finding and knowing our authentic self was by William Shakespeare:

“This above all: to thine own self be true
And it must follow, as the night the day
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

(Hamlet, Act I, Scene III).

What is my true nature, my authentic self? Great question. A few months ago I would have struggled with this question. I probably would have shrugged my shoulders and replied, “I don’t know.”

Now I know my true nature is helping and encouraging others through service, sharing food, flowers, encouraging cards, letters, text messages, emails, and polo videos. I take time to notice nature and how the people around me are feeling. I claim kindness, gratitude, love, and persistence as my super powers. I generally look for silver linings everywhere and I often find them in unexpected places.

I can laugh at myself when I’m forgetful and leave my groceries at the till or my debit card in the ATM…again. I’m happier and laughing more. I’ve been having fun doing my celebratory “Groot dance” and singing silly songs (Don’t believe me? Ask my hubby!) when I’m in a good mood and celebrating accomplishments. Even cleaning the fridge, which I promised I would do and I always keep my promises, warrants a celebratory treat like hot chocolate!

I’m creative and enjoy working on art projects and writing. The requirement to write a weekly blog has woken up the writer within that has been dormant, except when I’m writing letters, for many years. It’s fun to be writing again.

I have several MKE related art projects that I created independently from the assignments that I use as visual reminders. I have a paper genie lamp with the sentence “What am I pretending not to know?” on it. The smoke coming from the lamp has the question “What would the woman I intend to become do next?” I learned how to use anger, fear, unworthiness, hurt feelings, and guilt as tools for positive action. As a visual reminder I created a cardboard toolbox with construction tools: anger (hammer), wrench (unworthiness), pliers (fear), screwdriver (guilt), hand saw (hurt feelings), paintbrush (love), and level (persistence).

I’ve learned to be a self-directed thinker. Last week I realized I could use the first paragraph of Og Mandino’s Scroll VI and pair it with seated cat/cow poses, sun salutations, prayer pose, lotus mudra, and breathing exercises. Now I do these series of exercises every single time I read Scroll VI.

I’ve learned a lot taking the Master Key Experience course. I’ve learned to make a Definite Major Purpose (DMP), chose my Personal Pivotal Needs (PPNs), created a movie poster of my DMP (vision board), and used shapes (red circle, yellow square, blue rectangle, and green triangle) to remember goals and accomplishments. I learned to talk to my friend, Subby, about my women’s Bayanihan Fiber Collective. I even have a drawing of the layout I imagine for my Fiber Collective that I use in conjunction with reading my Press Release. I learned to battleship (break things down to how something was created) and flower (envision things from start to finish) concerning things and situations.

I’ve embraced the Blueprint Builder, Gal in the Glass, 7 Laws of the Mind, the Law of Giving, Og Mandino’s Scrolls I-VI, and Charles Haanel’s Master Key System.

I’ve learned the value of a Mastermind Alliance, not just in the members Alliance area, the Kindness page, or reading and commenting on MKE blogs but also communicating with my guides via emails, text messages, and polos, and my tribe, Tribe Resolute, via polos. I know if I hadn’t gotten over my fear of making polos, I wouldn’t have gotten as much out of masterminding with my tribe as I currently have been enjoying. I’m no longer a passive observer. I’m now a participating tribe member and I love it!

I am nature’s greatest miracle and I have a happy dance, smile, and laugh to prove it!