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MG writes from Fort Worth, Texas: "Each day the my life's work becomes clearer. Over the past year, I've been yearning to go back to school for a Master's Degree in Spanish Literature. Through your books and training classes, I've uncovered these major passions in my life: Music - I'm definitely a musician at heart; Yoga - I practice every day and meditate consistently; Language - I have traveled all over Central and South America; and lastly - Saving the Earth I'm a vegan and detest how animals are being tortured for human consumption and vanity. "During the class I did with you, I decided several things. I am going to follow my passion for music by learning to play the piano and write music as often as I can. I am going to look inside myself and realize that my environment is a mirror of my soul. I am going to appreciate everything around me and not take anything for granted. I know in my heart that I'm on the right path. "Deep in my heart, I want to attend the University of California at Berkeley. Some work colleagues have told me horrifying stories of how drastically expensive California is. I'm generally not driven by money, and have saved ones year's salary so that I could go back to school and live in Northern California. I didn't seem worried about it six months ago; now I've become disillusioned by something I haven't even tried. How do I overcome this "fear" of not having enough money in order to do what I believe in the depths of my soul is part of my life's work and mission? "My other alternative is to take the easy road out, and move to Austin Texas and attend school there, where it is more affordable. Austin has somewhat of a California-like atmosphere-but is this just a compromise because it's more affordable? How do I use this new-found wisdom that I have about my life purpose and translate it into action that is not ruled by money?" Dear MG. These are great questions. Let's breakdown your concerns into specific parts. Whenever we have these confusing mind-conversations, we need to stop and clarify our motivation (what we really want-the most important value) and review the fears to see what we need to handle in order to move forward. One simple way is to ask yourself to rate your motivations and options on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high). For each option let a number arise in your mind for how important it is to you. Here are the competing desires and options you mentioned. In parentheses I added corollary desires/outcomes: Deep desire to learn piano and compose music (be able to have the time for this) Practice yoga regularly (be able to have the time for this) Obtain a Master's degree in Spanish Literature (would a degree lead to a teaching position? Have you thought about what you'd like to do after that? It's okay if you haven't!) Attend University of California, Berkeley (because it's the best school for Spanish Literature?) Live and attend school in Northern California (wanting to live in California might be a separate desire from attending school.) Attend school in Austin (more affordable, inspiring community) Not feel I am compromising Let's also clarify the various components underlying what you feel about the idea of "compromising:" EMOTIONAL. What would you be "giving up" by not going to UC Berkeley? (A prestigious Master's degree? The best program in Spanish? The chance to live in the Bay Area?) INTUITIVE. What feels odd about taking the easier path by going to Austin? PRACTICAL. Go online and check newspapers or other apartment listings. COMPARE OPTIONS. Make two spending plans about tuition, books, travel, and living costs for each area. Compare to what you have saved. Yes, it sounds time-consuming, but it's worth it. Don't guess (or be fearful) about the money-be specific. You'll have a better picture of what and why you are making certain choices. COMMITMENT. Are you willing to work to supplement your savings if that's what it takes to attend Berkeley and live in the Bay area? OTHER POSSIBILITIES. Have you considered a third alternative? Often we get stuck in either-or thinking and the real answer lies in another option! REAL GOAL. Is the real goal to get a master's degree and change your career focus, or to spend an interesting year in school in the Bay area? EXPERIENCE AND FEEDBACK. Have you visited UC Berkeley to get a feel intuitively if this is the right place? It sounds to me like you are focusing on the "fear of money" raised by your colleagues as a way to avoid making a decision to move on. You mentioned that you see the outer world as a mirror to your inner world. It's interesting how your inner doubts might be being expressed by your colleagues' warnings about California. Once you get clear, you won't find naysayers in your life anymore. Get some more information, let your intuition "cook" your findings, and if you really think UC Berkeley is what's going to make you happy in the long run, commit to doing whatever it takes to make that work. Remember, you not only have created a good standard of living as a working person, you have also managed to include your creative interests and yoga. Living in California to go to school doesn't mean you have to stay here forever if you find that you prefer a lower cost of living. You are a highly successful and motivated person that can create another great situation. Anything is possible! So here's the summary: | 1. | RATE OPTIONS. By using the intuitive scale of 1 to 10, identify your top priority at this time in your life. Identify your second and third priorities. |
| 2. | STAY CURRENT. Make sure that the desire to go UC is a current deeply held desire. Identify the three reasons you want to go there. |
| 3. | IDENTIFY THE IDEAL. Write down a description of the ideal situation. The ideal is defined as what makes your heart lift with joy. When you focus on the ideal you will get amazing results to match that energy! |
| 4. | BE POSITIVE. Talk enthusiastically about your dream to people (e.g., "I love the idea of getting a master's degree in Spanish literature.") |
| 5. | GET THE FACTS. Fear often comes from lack of information. Be clear about how far your money will go without having to working while in school. |
| 6. | STAY COMMITTED AND FLEXIBLE. If the high cost of living and going to Berkeley would take you away from your yoga and music time commitments, it's okay to change your mind without it feeling like you are giving up the whole dream. |
| 7. | FOLLOW SYNCHRONICITY. Notice what new information comes in (e.g., you might hear about another program in a foreign country.) |
| 8. | GO WITH THE FLOW. Taking the path of least resistance or the "easiest" might allow you to include more of your priorities. It doesn't have to mean a copout. By visiting Berkeley or starting the application process, see how you feel. Is there a flow? An excitement in your belly? Then go for it! |
(Readers ... Please feel free to submit your own questions for consideration in future columns! Apologies if I am unable to answer all requests. Carol Adrienne) Happy March,
Carol Adrienne
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