Photo by Tara Luz Stevens.
Ever since I was a little girl, I felt that I was connected to something greater. I sensed intuitively that there was a force that connected all things. What this sense of connectedness meant didn’t become clear until I was 33 years old.
In 2007 I experienced a deep betrayal and in turn the loss of my best friend, someone I am certain was a soul-mate. This experience plunged me into a “dark night of the soul.” I was devastated, beside myself. I had experienced deep pain and loss in my past, but there was nothing ever that could have prepared me for this loss. It was type of pain I knew I would take to my grave. I knew that this soul was someone who was connected to me on another level.
I tried everything possible to heal myself. I went to a counselor, but that never seemed to help me. I cried, I wrote in a journal, and I prayed and prayed (which was something I never did, not having ever been a “religious” person). But nothing I did helped. Having always believed that we as humans are made from the same energy that makes up all creatures and matter on this Earth, I felt that there was an alternative, less tangible way in which we could heal ourselves. So I began exploring all different types of alternative healing: I had Reiki treatments, Shamanic healing, Acupuncture. I had Tarot readings desperately seeking answers. And I began to practice yoga and meditation.
As I did that, something inside me began to shift on a subtle level. As I continued with the different healing modalities, the shift became more and more profound, until I experienced what I can only describe as a “spiritual awakening.” I began to receive psychic and intuitive messages, and I had my first Out of Body experience, which in an instant, confirmed for myself the immortality of the human soul. My consciousness began to blow wide open, and my heart began to expand beyond a capacity I had never known possible. I began to receive epiphanies, and I began to have a sense on “knowing” that comes with a very heightened awareness.
As I moved from this experience of “awakening,” further into my practice of yoga and meditation, the awareness continued to grow and grow, and I found myself able to access a level of peace and joy that I’d never known before. Things that would have bothered, angered or upset, or even enraged me in the past, didn’t seem to bother me anymore. I seemed to be able to just let them roll right off. I had a new sense of peace, calm and acceptance.
Of course that peace is not a constant. As with any human being, I still have those days where I feel rocked to the core and I get knocked off the wagon. And I definitely have my days when I feel immense frustration with people and when I feel or act on emotions that are less than “enlightened.” But what is different now, is that I have the knowledge and the capacity to be able to access that place of peace, that higher level of my consciousness that allows me to transcend the pain, suffering and the unhealthy emotions and behavior of everyday life.
The purpose of this blog is to stay connected and to promote the path of “The Awakened Life.” My goal is that when I am faced with or observe the trials and tribulations of daily life, or when I am presented with a challenge where I have a choice to act out of ego, or out of awareness, that I can take the enlightened path and approach these experiences from an awakened perspective. This is my journey.
Namaste,
Jeannie Page
I’m so happy you commented on my blog because it led me to yours. After going through a couple of hard experiences within the past few months, I am working on my personal awakening and connection and finding my inner peace. Your writings are very inspiring. I’m actually sharing your blog with a friend of mine, who is also “searching”. Thank you so much, and good luck with your continued journey.
~Kristen
Hi Kristen, thanks for your kind comment. I’m so glad that my writing resonated with you. At the end of the day, we are all the same, and we all experience the same things, and can therefore help each other.
From the darkest places in life come the greatest lessons, glad you took the path out and have found writing to be healing as I have.
Hello Jeannie!
An ad on Facebook ultimately led me to your blog, and I had to leave you a comment!
Your words have helped me to realize some of the reasons for my own pain.
I too have had a roller coaster ride of fantastic highs and lows…of betrayal and love, of happiness and sadness.
I have also felt glimpses of that pure love and peace you mention from yoga.
I too, felt I would be married with kids and two dogs and cats, but instead I have traveled and lived in several countries! I now live in Canada, but I have lived in Wales, England & South Africa.
Like you, I have traveled to many other countries and, years ago, I even sat in the marina in San Francisco that you mention. I am a people watcher, so I also watched the superficial people pass by!
So..rest assured, you are not alone. There are many of us out there who feel the way you feel.
Thank you for writing about your experiences! It has helped me feel a little better and I am sure there are many others who would feel the same way.
I look forward to your next blog entry!
Thank you for your kind words, Dave. I appreciate you reading, and sharing.
We share similar experiences. Nice to get to know you a bit more. I am looking forward to knowing even more about your journey. Hugs,pat
Thank you so much, Pat. : )
So glad to meet you Jeannie!
You as well Leah!
After our facebook chat, I hopped over to your blog thinking I would scan through for a quick impression – nope – I read through every word of the entries you posted because your storytelling took hold of my attention and wouldn’t let go. You are truly gifted and were meant to be doing exactly what you ARE doing… so write, write and keep writing. You are my inspiration and I feel humbled to be able to say that I know you personally!!
Your newest and biggest fan,
Rosanna
XXOOO
Rosanna, you humble me. Thank you so much for your very meaningful words. I truly appreciate the support. Namaste!
i love what your sharing and how deep your digging. i too am on a journey outward/inward and listening to a crying laughing yelling squeeling bleeding blessing soul ahhhh! nice to read your blog. thanks and keep going your lifted by the support of the universe
!
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your kind words. It helps so much to know there are other people sharing in this journey. : )
Hi Jeannie! Your blog is amazing, and I share a lot of your thoughts. Thank you! I have a question for you about vibrations: is there a way that you can measure at what “frequency” we’re on at the present moment? Thanks! Anna
Thanks so much Anna! That is a great question!! It is certainly not my area of expertise, but I’ll bet you there are metaphysicists who have ways to study the energy fields and brain waves. I know they have tried to measure auras this way. It’s fascinating stuff!
wow what an inspiration you are! have only just started reading some of your blogs – can’t wait to read more! I feel I am on a similar path to you after a “dark night of the soul” event that rocked my world nearly a year and half ago. BUT after everything that happened – I am enjoying this amazing journey and learning so much about myself – and have really grown from it.. Thanks again Jeannie xx
Kym, thank you so much for your kind words. The more people I talk to, the more incredible it is that we all live through such similar experiences. I have come to believe that a “dark night of the soul” is truly a gift, and something that people should only be so lucky to experience. As horrific as it is when you’re living through it, if you have the strength to overcome it, your spirit becomes so much stronger and more enriched. Best to you as you continue along your journey of healing and learning. : )
Jeannie,
It’s so fun to visit your blog and to continue to hear your voice. I remember the very first time we met. I knew instantly that I liked you, but what I think it was, was that I recognized a kindred and I feel that completely when I read what you’ve written. You words are very much the words and feelings my own heart. Like I posted in response to “Journey into grace with Anusara yoga” which was just featured on fitnessgoup.com, you are an inspiration to me in my yoga, my writing aspirations (currently working on blog article #2), and my life. And…I completely relate to what you wrote about in “Stand Your Truth.” I am rooting for you and am excited for this new and exciting path you are on.
Much love,
Bobbi
Bobbi, you are such a sweetheart. Thank you so much, I feel the exact same way about you! Your support along this journey bolsters me so much and for that I am truly grateful. I can’t wait to read your next blog post!!! HUGS!
Very sweet, Jeannie! I love hearing of other people’s personal yoga stories. They’re each very touching and unique. I’m glad we connected and I’m looking forward to finding out more about you and the path you’re on.
Love and Light,
J
Love and light right back at you, Justin! Hugs!
Hey Jeannie, I didn’t know where to put this but I thought this would be a good spot. I just nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award! Learn more here: http://thejolynproject.com/2012/04/28/give-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-versatile-blogger-award/ And you can learn more about the award here: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/ Good luck fellow nominee!
Hey I nominated your blog again. This time for the Commentator Award. For more info, you can go here: http://thejolynproject.com/2012/06/04/give-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-the-commentator-awardreader-appreciation-award/ Thanks for all of your comments!
Hey Jeannie!
Someone already beat me to the punch it seems, but I’ve nominated you for your SECOND Versatile Blogger Award! Please see: http://dailyteacher.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/versatile-blogger-award/
Congratulations!