A Light on The Alchemist and Following Our Heart

“And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

This book is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has been on the New York Times Best Seller’s List for 113 weeks and counting. It is the most translated book on the planet. It’s Madonna’s favorite book.

It’s short, easy to read, and quite simple, really; but packed full of spiritual wisdom.

This book came into my hands in 2003. I remember reading it, curled up in my bedroom, tears streaming down my face.I believe that certain books propel me forward, awaken me, and ignite the light of my soul, such that my path becomes more clear. This is one of those books.

In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho talks about pursuing our personal legend.

How do you know what your legend is? He says it simply: That which gives you enthusiasm. We all get stuck in creative cul-de-sacs, as Marie Forleo calls them, where we think, I have to take more classes, I’m not ready, it’s not time.

Paulo, who appeared on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday this week,  says, we must do it now. Whatever it is we dream, we must dare to do it, regardless of the thoughts we think that stop us.

Paulo was put in a mental institution three times because his family couldn’t believe he wanted to be an artist and a writer. He was going against the expectations, ideals & norms of his family. He was breaking free, wanting to express creatively & authentically.

We all, in our own ways, must do this too. We all have to let go of the expectations put upon us by others, to find our true calling, our personal legend.

What is it that you desire to do now? If all the excuses fell away, what cravings are in your heart?

Paulo also said, in The Alchemist, “Don’t give into the fear, for if you do, you won’t be able to hear your heart.”

I believe our yearnings, our calling, our mission, and our enthusiasm, reside in our heart. What lights up your heart? What is your deepest desire?

What is one step you could take right now, today, to start on that journey of illuminating the dream of your heart?

Don’t give up. The day of your death will come. Will you have the courage, regardless of fear, to honor your dream?

Paulo says that the number one virtue we must develop is courage. He says we become fluent in the language of the world by daring.  If we don’t dare, we will never know what could be.

I say, if we listen to our heart, and are courageous, and dare, then we shall live our mission, we will be the clear channel for the message of our soul. This opens up the life we desire to live, one beyond whatever we once thought possible.

I’d love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment below. What is your mission, or personal legend, that you desire to live? What is the one thing you would do if you had no fear?

 

“It is the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired for me to find you.” ~Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

All my love,

Xo

Rachel Claire

 

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