When I read this question yesterday, I realized with a deep sense of awe and gratitude that my life has been moving in the direction of Heaven on Earth for the past few years. I hadn’t really considered it in this way – but the question resonated with something deep inside of me.
So I started thinking, how can I consciously and actively continue creating a little piece of Heaven here on Earth? My own little paradise.
And equally as important, how can you?
Here are some examples of what this looks like, for me.
Showing up with integrity and honesty in all of my interactions, even when it’s hard.
Only saying YES to people, places, things and activities that feel good for my mind, body and soul (yes, all three).
Taking risks in Love.
Eating the best food I can find/buy/grow/cook. Yes, trying to find local and ethical sources, eating fresh clean nourishing foods that have the least impact on the Earth in terms of their growth and/or production. For me, this means a largely plant-based diet.
Treating my body like an exquisite temple.
Only exercising in ways that feel good.
Practicing moderation and seeking balance, because excess was a path that took its toll on my mind, body and spirit.
These are just a few examples.
And in case you are wondering, I’m not perfect. I am not a saint or angel that walks the earth. Creating Heaven on Earth is HARD WORK sometimes. And sometimes I have really shitty days. And experiences or interactions with people where I look back and say… damn, why?? Why did I do/say that?
In the past couple of years, I have had conversations that I’m not proud of. I’ve made choices regarding my health or how I spend my time that aren’t aligned with my longer term vision the paradise I seek to create for myself and my family.
Upholding this higher vision for myself allows me to learn for these slip ups and get back on track.
Now before you start thinking – well, this is great for you Caitlin but I’m stuck in a relationship that I’m not sure is good for me, my job sucks and I have no energy to get around to making even small changes in my day (or insert whatever your struggle is at the moment) – I want to tell you – I get it! I do. I have had my share of shitty relationships and heartbreak (including in the past year) and I have not always had a job situation that I was in love with.
My life has been a series of ups and downs and I’m pretty sure that will continue even in my paradise-seeking.
What I do know is the power of taking small steps… doing one thing a day that gives you that blissed-out, over the moon, carefree, peaceful, Heaven on Earth feeling (or whatever that combination of feeling would be for you).
See what sights, aromas, tastes, textures, flavours and sounds you can add to your day to make it a little more special, a little more sumptuous.
Summer is the perfect time to start creating Heaven, as we are surrounded by so much natural beauty and an abundance of fresh, tasty food.
I’ll give you an example from a client of mine.
Her work situation was stressing her out. She rated it a 0-3 out of 10, because some days were only slightly better than others. She felt undervalued and stress out most days. Her colleagues were mostly men, she had a hard time interacting with them, can’t stand their jokes or music and is pretty low on the hierarchy.
She realized that she couldn’t change her entire environment or the people around her.
She can, however, control how she feels and what kind of an environment she can create for herself.
She brought her own music and plugged in her headphones. She allowed their ignorant comments roll off her like rain. She got there early and worked quickly so that she could rearrange her schedule and be a bit more flexible.
The sister of a friend, who is a renowned painter in NYC, was visiting. My client went out on a limb, and asked if she would teach a workshop. The painter agreed, as long as my client would find and purchase all the materials needed.
My client spend 3 days in what she described as excitement and happiness as she drove around town on her moto in her free time, seeking out the supplies. It took her mind off work and was a welcome break from the routine.
During the workshop itself, which I had the pleasure of witnessing, I watched my client go from a tightly-wound perfectionist to relaxed, at ease, playful and HAPPY!!
The next day, during our 1-1 session, she described the feeling of being able to “let go of her serious side,” turn off her mind for a bit, and dive into the experience.
She had found her Heaven on Earth for the afternoon.
The more we can intentionally create our own Heaven on Earth, the less we need to escape ourselves and our reality, by quick fixes such as sugar high, alcohol binges or nightly bottles of wines, toxic television, vapid sexual encounters (insert your distraction of choice).
The more we can love and appreciate where we are, right now in this moment, the less we dream of escaping into something else.
So tell me, how are you creating your Heaven on Earth? What does that look like for you?
I’d love to read in the comments!
xoxo
ps. Want to know more about how you can start creating shifts and receive more support in your life? Click here and book a free discovery session with me! Let’s chat!