Where in the hall is Chelley Sandiego?
Sometimes I wonder if Rockapella followed me around, singing a catchy theme song as I traveled through the world seeking my purpose, like a gumshoe seeking Carmen Sandiego, I would have found it by now. That’s a lie. I literally had that thought just before I wrote it.
Really, though...what in the hall have I been doing lately?! Honestly, I’ve been filling in what seems to be an extraordinarily complicated puzzle, wondering if some of the pieces are missing.
As it turns out, leaving my job, embarking on a healing tour and experiencing a life-changing retreat was the easy part of this process. Not surprising, I know.
Since coming back, I’ve spent the bulk of my time listening to the whispers of my intuition and going down countless rabbit holes in hot pursuit of the a-ha moment, the instant when someone literally walks up to my door and says, “Great job on all of the seeking! You have officially discovered your place on the map to your life’s work, girl! We have a whole team ready to support you at any time.”
You may be surprised to learn that life does not actually work that way. Of course you’re not surprised, who am I kidding? Even if it did work that way and I received, for example, a letter from Hogwarts inviting me to attend and learn to wield my magic, I would still know that the invitation is just the beginning. Harry had seven books and countless adventures to go on after receiving that delivery. The path can only be discovered by taking one step at a time.
In a way, I did receive an invitation last year. It took me a long time to peel away the layers and see it for what it was because, frankly, it scared me. This is why I knew I had to accept this invitation. As Joseph Campbell says, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
Two incredible teachers appeared to help me take my first steps into that cave. My inspiring teacher (and Hay House author) Rebecca Campbell’s books Light is the New Black and Rise Sister Rise re-awakened the spiritual sleeping giant in me that had been neglected for so long, and helped me realize that I wasn’t alone. Attending her retreat at the Omega Institute this past August only solidified that I was meant to answer my inner call.
Around the same time I began reading those books, the immensely talented Dana Parker, international spiritual channel, natural intuitive, and now dear friend, appeared to help me remember and ignite my spiritual gifts. Sometimes it takes the vision and guidance of another to help you step into the most authentic version of yourself. I do not think it was an accident that the timing worked out the way it did. If I didn’t reconnect to the essence of myself at this time in my life, I would continue down a path that I knew in my heart just wasn’t for me and that I might never be able to come back from.
For the past several years, I had been trying to fit a Chelley-shaped peg into a traditionally round hole, and this had been the source of so much of the discontent of my life. I’ve learned that being true to myself, meaning that my actions are in alignment with my mind, body and spirit, must take priority over any fear I may have over being judged. Just because my life path may not follow a traditional one, it doesn’t mean that it’s wrong. I just want to be able to serve in the best way possible while honoring the things in life that light me up.
So, here it is. Who I am is spiritual, intuitive and a holder of space for healing and growth. I’m devoted to the work of stepping into and the balancing of the divine feminine and masculine energies within ourselves and providing the tools to thrive and shine in this space. I want to remind people of the intrinsic value within them that can never be taken away. That they deserve to be loved and valued just by being here on Earth, not because of what they accomplish or what they look like, and to offer this acceptance towards every other soul on this planet because we are truly all the same, all made of the same stardust. I do not believe in us versus them. Love has always been and will always be the answer.
I intend to walk this path by holding circles, workshops, speaking engagements, retreats and individual intuitive work sessions that may include movement, song and energy work. Did you know I was a certified Reiki practitioner and yoga instructor? I used to teach in NYC but had to stop because I couldn’t hold space for others when I could barely take care of myself. This time around, I’m committed to radical self care. I will take the time to fill my well up so that I can be there for others in a meaningful way.
I want to bring ritual back into our lives. There are so many things we can celebrate as adults that we never take the time to acknowledge! I believe that by truly seeing each other, by being loving witnesses to each other’s experiences, we can heal, bit by bit.
It’s my honor and privilege to take my first step into my journey by hosting regular Sister Circles, a supportive community lovingly created by Dana Parker, as she travels the world.
I have a little vision of myself singing and dancing around in my head right now. I can feel the joy because I have never felt more me than I do when I am sitting in this energy (or when I’m singing and dancing for that matter!). I will post details shortly on the events. Please reach out to me if I can answer any questions for you! I have a hunch that you will know instinctively if this type of work is right for you, so if this calls to you, let me know.
We may never know where in the world Carmen Sandiego is, and that is OK (she is slippery!). As for me, I’m still in the hallway - but on the move. I’ve identified a door, my hand is on the knob, and I’m beginning to twist. Into the cave I go!