“I say always listen to your beeps.”—Necie in The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
I have spent my life seeking higher guidance. My favorite joke used to be, “Why doesn’t God work in neon?”
I finally learned that God or the universe or whatever name you want to call the Divine Buzz does indeed work in neon. It’s called joy. Or as Joseph Campbell instructed, “Follow your bliss.”
If you want higher guidance, start moving towards what makes you happy. Kids know this. They automatically seek out things that bring joy.
Until….
…their parents and their culture and the dominant paradigm insist “You can’t do that. You have to protect yourself. You have to be safe.”
I’m reading Pat Conroy’s memoir, The Death of Santini. He remembers very clearly that his dad, who was a notorious disciplinarian (read: bully), would react the most violently anytime his children were having fun. It’s as if he was saying, “Cut that out. Fun is not allowed.”
Even though most of our parents weren’t bullies, they certainly didn’t tell us that the things we’re drawn towards, the things that bring us joy are God’s guidance in bright, crystal clear neon.
Pam Grout is the author of 17 books including E-Squared: 9 Do-it-Yourself Energy Experiments that Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality and the soon-to-be-released sequel, E-Cubed, 9 More Experiments that Prove Mirth, Magic and Merriment is your Full-time Gig.
4 Responses
So true, Pam. I have done so much out of fear instead of love. Thanks to you and many other “guides” I am learning to change that.
Pam,
I think the magic of childhood is about the ease with which children can live in the moment. Not worried about the past or the future, but being present right here right now. We tend to think that as we age we can become more sophisticated and savvy as how to live our life. The truth is we are most awake to our divinity in childhood. I am thinking Peter Pan was really onto something. It’s not that we don’t need to physically grow up. It is more about not growing into the universal paradigm of “life is hard”. Life is fun…life is Joy…life is happy. Pam you’re such an inspiration! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your thoughts with the world!
I’ve always said that astrologically, I was born under the sign of Neon!
Hi Pam….I’m a huge fan. I read Power of Myth nearly 30 years ago. When I read the section on “Follow Your Bliss” I changed my life right then and there. I decided to pursue what others laughed at, given my lack of formal education and connections. I wanted to be a film maker and an actress. I have made three films, won four Emmy’s, starred in a movie that won 2 major film festivals as Best Independant Feature. I then wanted to learn to paint, did, and now live in Carmel by the Sea painting, reading great books like E Squared, living my bliss. I have been meaning to write you and thank you for your WONDERFUL book. You are just simply fantastic and I’m so glad to know you are out there spreadin the joy and the tools to manifest. I could go on and on. Hope to meet you someday.