The only way to learn is to make mistakes:

Connected by compassion and curiosity

By Polly Campbell on November 26, 2012

Notes from the Book Tour:

It’s been a fast-paced few weeks since the launch ofImperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People  Nov. 1  in Portland. I’ve been to San Francisco and throughout Marin County, Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Los Angeles with more stops on the schedule.

I’ve met scores of people during workshops and readings. And, after all these months sitting in a quiet room to work on the book, it was a good feeling to be able to visit with people face-to-face about this idea and practice of Imperfect Spirituality, which is really a practical way of accessing your spirit in any moment.

The tour has also served as  a master class for me. I’ve learned so much from the questions the people asked. Their comments and insights. I learned a lot about myself too. I was reminded about how resourceful and creative we become when we operate from spirit – I navigated the highways throughout Marin and San Francisco Counties without even freakin’, I did however draw on the practices I talk about to stay calm and present.

Here are a few of the things I was reminded of this last week:

• I could never be a rockstar. This kind of travelling is tough and I’m not sure I’d want to go on the road for months at a time; though it is kind of funny to sling that phrase “go on the road” around.

• People are wise and kind. We are connected, not only by our imperfections, but also our compassion, and our desire to do good in the world, to uplift others and feel happier. To learn and grow and connect.

• Many folks are now realizing that the solution to any problem is within. They are learning about themselves and pulling their mind-bodies-spirits into alignment to fully experience their lives instead of looking outside of themselves and waiting for someone else to do it.

• There is a shift in how we think about spirituality. It is no longer considered whoo-whoo or “out there” it is accessible and practical and folks are looking for ways to use these practices in daily life to reduce stress and just feel better.

• We feel better when we are growing, expansive, engaged.

And another thing I was reminded of was how energizing it is to be connected to you passion and working from purpose. I drove hundreds of miles, was up early, often by 4 or 5 a.m. in order to make the commute, and usually worked into the night, and yet, when I had a chance to walk into a bookstore and  talk to others about this stuff, I felt excited and energized and ready to go.

When we are doing what matters to us, what we feel contributes positively to the planet, we become aligned with our spirit and that is an expansive and energizing place to be. Today then, play in your passion, at least a little bit, or commit to exploring just what you might be passionate about. It will not only shift the energy for you and help you feel better in the day, but the momentum will catch up the rest of us.

During a terrific service at the Unity Church of San Francisco with Rev. Maggie Shannon Oman, we talked about how easily we get caught up in the routine of our lives. We brush our teeth and make the breakfast and pack the lunch and commute to work and finish the deadline and rush to the kids’ swim meet, head home to come up with dinner, do the chores and head to bed. Every day. When we spend all of our time doing the things we think we should do or ought to do, we push out the things we are passionate about. Make it your mission this week to save a little time each day to do something that makes your heart sing.

I think you’ll find, like I did, that not only will you feel excited and happier in your life, you will also be more productive and energized when you take on the other tasks in your day