I mentioned Monday that I went to go see Gabrielle Bernstein speak in NYC last week. I don’t remember who introduced me to Gabrielle Bernstein’s books. Most likely I read about her book somewhere on a blog or saw it as I was browsing Amazon as I have been trying to read more personal development books this year to help me focus on some goals I have for myself. I knew she taught from A Course in Miracles, which I was introduced to from Heather Waxman.

                I ordered Gabrielle Bernstein’s book Spirit Junkie back in February. As soon as I got the book, I could hardly put it down. I loved her meditations, her words and guidance. I even underlined passages I know I need to work on and bookmarked them. Growing up, I HATED writing in books, but I am finding underlining in personal development books to be a good thing.

                It was shortly after that, I decided to follow her on Facebook and then I saw she was speaking in NYC on my birthday weekend! The fact that NYC is only an hour and a half or so drive from where I currently live right now makes it more convenient. I took it as a sign that I needed to go listen to her speak. This was my chance, it was my birthday weekend and I wanted to make it happen. As the weeks went by and my birthday approached, I wasn’t sure it was going to happen. I didn’t really want to go by myself. I knew Brian wouldn’t tag along to the event with me, but if we were to spend the day in NYC together, I wanted to find something he would enjoy. When I mentioned the Air and Space museum he was totally on board. I took the day off from work and last minute we decided to drive instead of taking the train to the city which made it more convenient since the event ended late.

                In the evening, we split up, Brian headed to the movies and I headed to see Gabby Bernstein. Her speech was titled True Power and naturally she talked about the steps to accessing your own true power.

                We began with a short meditation which felt good as I suddenly got nervous in the room. Gabby also mentioned the method of tapping. I haven’t read much about tapping other than what is in her book, but there are different parts of your body you can tap to calm yourself down. The one that she showed us was tapping between your ring and pinky finger when you are freaking out, to put it simply.

Gabby then began talking about the steps to take to access your true power.

A quick breakdown of Gabby’s steps:

• Stop trying to out run your fear
• Honor your wounds
• Show up for what’s up or it will keep showing up
• Take down your hands and see that you are in the light
• Be real even if it doesn’t look good

Throughout the time, Gabby used examples and there were also a few people who volunteered their own examples. There were times where it was emotional hearing other people’s stories, but also inspiring to learn about what some people have overcome. Just being truthful is so important! The common theme that I felt came up was people feeling like they were not enough. “I am not enough”, I cannot count how many times I heard that. I think it is sad that we really do grow up that way, always feeling like we aren’t enough. I may not struggle with that like some people, but I have been there before, thinking what am I doing with my life?! Time keeps passing and while I may seem so happy, there are things I would like to change, hence the goals I hinted to in the beginning. Showing up at Gabby’s speech event was one step forward to taking action on my goals. It was also motivating to hear others speak. Some people that wouldn’t normally stand up in front of 700 people and talk about how they really felt with tears streaming down their face. They did, because they felt safe. They did, because at some point, I think we have all experienced that “I am not enough” feeling.

 

Now it’s time to move past that feeling, it’s time to go through Gabby’s steps and do our homework and heal. I am not saying that will happen overnight. I am not saying that will happen in a month or even a year. Even when you might feel healed, something could trigger that feeling again. Gabby mentioned triggers as well, especially in a relationship, it is important to know your spouse’s/significant other’s triggers and if you are triggered, learn to recognize it and be honest about it.

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters” – Epictetus

I love that quote and it is so true!! I remember times I was yelling and angry at someone, but the truth was, I was angry with myself and taking it out on the other person. Yes it happens to all of us!! I am not perfect. What I can do though, is recognize that I am not mad at the other person and I am just overwhelmed and stressed with myself and my own tasks. Then I can explain that to them and maybe talk calmly about it and figure out the steps I can take to lower my stress. It may be hard in the moment, but practice and be patient.

I am practicing being more truthful with others and myself. I am also going to think about Gabby’s steps as I work towards my goals and live my life to its fullest.

Always remember, just be you!!