Conscious Activism (or how to completely disrupt your life & see what happens).
“Between no longer and not yet, on the threshold of some bright affair…”
~ David Sylvian
I’ve been working that thought now for over 6 years. I’ve been really lucky, I’ve had two great careers in my life thus far—I got to be one of many who helped co-create Whole Foods Market (when I started, there were six!). I had a great run, and was lucky that after over a decade in Store Leadership and 15+ years in the company and having received the highest accolades, I was able to step away, amicably, on my own terms, into some nothingness. Really, I had no idea what I would do; for a while it was nothing, and that was great.
Yeah, admittedly, it’s pretty crazy to walk away from a successful career… yet, at the time, I felt it was the right thing to do. I had joyfully and willingly consumed my life with my work for over a decade and a half, had some great highs and some deep lows, but it was what it was, and I was ready to move into something new.
Luckily, I also turned 40 when I first retired and had made a rash promise to my wife in my early 30s that if she would just let me focus on my career, I would promise to get started on some regular physical routine at the age of 40. So, I was retired and doing nothing loudly and proudly, and filled with space. Spirit came into that space and through guilt and honor, I attended my first yoga class.
I hated it. I mean, really hated it! But, luckily I’m a freak and that really intrigued me. I had a long history of persistence as a response to resistance, so begrudgingly, I came back to the mat, over and over. I can’t remember when, but I started to really like it. And then, I had a daily practice; a while later, I was doing 10 classes a week. Then, Teacher Training, and after that, teaching ten and taking ten classes per week.
I fell hard. Here I am, still in love. But I jump forward…
I moved from Michigan, where Whole Foods had taken me, back home to Austin, and I was so pleased to come to Yoga Town, Austin, TX. My Ommies!
And, the next thing you know, I’m working in the yoga industry, just a little teaching, but a lot in the support and behind the scenes and business. Within a year, I became Operations Officer for a locally “OM’d” group of studios. Three and a half years later, here I am.
Once again, on the threshold – I’ve had another great run, another enviable career. But, it’s time for me to move into that nothingness again, and see what presents this time. I love me my yoga, I love leadership, I love the conscious activism of teaching.
I love the energy and purpose of my new-found Austin Yoga Tribe and our intention to broaden community and create awareness, and to raise funds in order to eradicate sexual trafficking. I’ve got a lot of exciting things in that nothingness.
Yesterday, I resigned my full-time job in order to more fully dedicate myself to conscious activism and leadership and collaboration within the ATX yoga community. A big leap, a step into my greater potential. Am I thrilled? Yup! Am I scared? Yup! Do I believe that Spirit will do with me whatever is best for all? I must, or else I dishonor my teachers.
So, what’s your threshold? Are you willing to get between “no longer” and “not yet”? Even if “not yet” isn’t clear, defined, or safe? What are the risks you’ve taken or are willing to take?
Do you have enough space in your life to invite in what you want? Can you let go of what you are holding onto so tightly so that you can grab onto what comes your way?
Let me know, throw me some positive vibes, and give thanks and praise!
~
Editor: Andrea B.
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Bravo to you Chrispy! You have taken the leap, with such courage. I, like you, am at that precipice, but too nervous to take the final leap. The universe is nudging me toward my greater good, though & sooner than later I will JUMP!
xoxo ~Mamaste
Remember, this is a full plunge, all faith, no clear sight!! When you take the jump, enjoy the ride and make a big splash!!
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Tanya Lee Markul, Yoga Editor
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Handed in my resignation letter today. Cheers to creating the space to invite what we want in
Wow, powerful move, Emmanuelle! Congratulations, enjoy your space and let come into it what will! Best to you on your new adventure, thanks for letting me know your thoughts!
Thanks a lot for that, Chrispy! Your lines really touched me, as I am currently "exactly" somewhere inbetween 'no longer' and 'not yet' – and 'not yet' is by far neither clear nor defined – and is there anything safe in life?
Great to feel your courage and faith through your lines. Enjoy the space!
Thank you, so great to know I'm speaking to folks who can hear and resonate. Honor your own timing, but ask what are you waiting for?? Perhaps it's already here!
Thank you, Chrispy, for your kind answer! Guess, you touched the crucial point… just read your recent post "are you waiting or creating"… and I immediately thought "yes – I am waiting". And a minute later I saw your reply on my comment here. So you really hit home!
But what am I waiting for?? It's pretty difficult to figure that out… Guess it's "simply" time for taking action…
Thanks again for your inspiring posts – you speak right to my heart! A warmhearted thanks for that!
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Valerie Carruthers
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[...] about this and have been thinking on this path for quite some time, I’ve made the decision to leave my full-time job as Operations Officer for the studios I work with; first and foremost, to get more deeply into the [...]
congrats on the change Chris! Looking forward to see where your path takes you next.
Mo!
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I intend to teach, much much more. Maybe at a time that will encourage you to be a student!! Be well!
Amen and Hallelujah, brother! I never mistook you for a faint-hearted pilgrim, C. I have seen the both-feet-landing footprints of your bounding through the Life and rejoiced at your conviction and courage. Please keep me in the loop. Love and Bhugatay, BaHAdah
BHU-GA-TAY!!
Brother, Bahadah – we'll chat about this in my other office, you know, that nice round wooden table by the window by the palm tree by the see. bring your dominoes. Much thanks, praise and love to a true brother in the light!
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