Photo by Navyblur
Believe and ask the Universe
As its my birthday (YAY!), I thought today would be a perfect time to post my own Story from the Universe.
In the last few years, I have come to believe more and more that the universe is sending us messages all of the time. For some reason, with all of the distraction and constant busyness that life throws us, we rarely listen. I mean really sit down, contemplate and listen. In return, we are sending out messages ourselves, letting it know what we desire, hope for and dream of. To help us understand and give us a little poke to let us know it’s there listening, the universe sends us surprises, challenges and on many fantastic ocasions, delivery in some form or another of exactly what we asked for.
In the summer of 2010, I spent alot of time in my front yard. My flatmate decided it was time to “sort out the garden”, so lots of digging, cultivating, seed planting and watching blooms sprout and grow was a daily activity through those summer months. When I think back there were many little messages of its own, that the garden was helping us understand about life: Planting seeds, nurturing and seeing them grow, not giving up when the grass didn’t quite make it, so more was planted, and most importantly how the “garden project” was bringing the community closer together. People walking their dogs would stop and ask what we were doing. Neighbors who also had green fingers would stop by to discuss the plants and “growing strategies”. We would sit on the “Steps of Contemplation” (aka the front stoop!) admire the evolution of the garden, drink wine, chat to new friends, passers by and talk about dreams. Little did I know that the “Steps of Contemplation” were where the universe also sat with us and listened.
When I think back, those few months, I was so aligned, balanced and in tune with myself and the world. I have certainly noticed how the flow of life and energy works when I am so.
So it was coming to the end of the summer, many physical seeds had been planted into the garden and we had cultivated them and seen them grow and bloom. Little did I know that other seeds were also being nurtured, that were yet to come to fruition.
So it was Labor day weekend (which is the first weekend in September). I had been thinking about renting some separate studio space to paint in as my apartment was feeling too cluttered and it was time to move on from the current living arrangements with my flatmate who was away that weekend. A friend came over to stay to keep me company and the weather was perfect- the humidity had gone and there was a balmy cool and calm breeze in the air. The neighborhood was lovely and peaceful and many people were away for the weekend. Saturday morning we woke up and made ourselves our morning ritual coffee. “Lets sit on that step of contemplation of yours Louise” my friend said to me, so off we went in our pajamas to sit, relax and watch the world go by.
We sat on the step, coffee in hand, morning sun on our faces and the balmy breeze was blowing through the trees around us. I talked about my current personal dilemma, thoughts of needing to move out into a new place, wondering what to do. Then the conversation went something like this:
Friend: The garden looks great. How’s everything else going?
Me: “I feel like I need to move out, move on somewhere new. This apartment is starting to feel too small, and things just aren’t working out. I really feel like I need a proper studio space to work in”
Friend: Me too, i’m fed up with the city, the concrete, Hoboken is so lovely, the trees, the neighborhood……[long pause] maybe I could move to Hoboken?” I looked at my friend, who had not spoken of this before. “Maybe we could move into somewhere together?” she said.
Me: “Yes! My lease runs out the end of November.”
Friend: “Well i don’t think I’ll want to move until then anyway, I’ve got too much going on the next few months”
Me: “oooh sounds great! What sort of place would we need?”
Friend: “Well we would need a 2 bedroom”
Me: “and I’d love an extra room for an art studio”
Friend: “i’d also like an extra room for my studies also”
Me: “Maybe even a shared lounge space we can throw parties in and have dinner parties too”
Friend: “and a nice kitchen to cook and bake in”
Me: “Sounds great” [sigh] “but I love this block and street so much, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else really. The trees are so lovely and its got such a great feel.”
We both paused, dreaming a little, taking a sip of coffee and believing that one day, we really could have this.
Along the road, I could see Christine walking her dog. I had met Christine a handful of times over the summer when she has stopped to chat about our progress with the garden and our seed planting. The conversation went like this:
Me: “Hi Christine, how are you?”
Christine: “Good thanks” her dog started to jump up to say hello to us as we sat on the steps.
Me: “Not away this weekend?”
Christine: “No, I have a few things going on”
Me: Yes its nice staying in town when everyone else is away isnt it? So quiet!”
Christine: “Definitely! But its not that quiet for me as I have the builders in”
Me: “Oh really, what do you have going on”
Christine: “Oh I’m renovating my duplex apartment upstairs”
[pause, suddenly realizing the universe was at work here]
Me: “Duplex apartment?” I asked
Christine: “yes, my tenants moved and im now renovating the whole 2 floors, going to be wonderful”
Both my friend and I suddenly sat up taller, wanting to find out more.
Me: “You are looking to rent your apartment?”
Christine: “Yes, its a 2 bedroom, 2 den, living room, dining room, 2 bathrooms and lovely kitchen. its going to be wonderful when its all done, lots of work though.
Me: “When do you think it will be finished?”
Christine: “end of November time”
Well you can imagine how we both felt. When Christine walked away after we set up some time to see the place, my friend suddenly realized she didn’t know where the apartment was.
“Nine doors down the street” I said.
“So you wont have to move off this block afterall!”
“no, how amazing is that!”
So thank you universe. I planted the idea seed out there, thought about my studio space (which is also on my visionboard) and still today I am amazed by the serendipity in this story and just how fast the universe delivered. What if we hadn’t sat on that step at 8.30am, what if I didn’t cultivate those sunflower seeds and made this acquaintance in the first place? Would the universe have found another way?
That summer, I was constantly flabbergasted by “coincidences” “messages” and what seems like the universe at work. I do believe that when we are on the right path, these kind of occurrences start to appear to guide us, show us the way and reinforce it is all going to work out. I wish for us all to “Believe” it is possible.
My message to you today is to remember to trust that everything is connected, that the universe does hear you. Spending time to sit and contemplate (even without the steps!) enables us to breathe in the air and think more clearly about dreams. The right path, meeting the right people and the direction to move ourselves in will be shown, I am so sure of it.
Would you like to receive a FREE e-book of all the Stories in your inbox end of May? Sign up to Louise’s “Dream-Inspire-Create” Newsletter to be one of the first to get this lovely gift.
Hi, I'm Louise and thank you so much for visiting me here. I am a mixed media artist, who is passionate about combining the healing energy of nature and color with the meditative process of mandala making
What a magic story! Thank you for sharing ! Before kids i used to be a lot more plugged in with the universe and remember many big and little experiences like that. But with two kids i have to admit i am not as tuned in as i was…
I love that story! Makes me think anything is possible.
Also renews my commitment to meditation.
I enjoy quiet time during yoga, and sometimes let the meditation slide.
i love this story! you’re so inspiring!!!
happy happy birthday to you!
xoxo, juliette
Happy Birthday and congratulations on your new web-home!
I love this story. It makes me think harder of what the universe is trying to tell me all the time. So often little signs go noticed.
Love the new blog and the new series. Enjoy yourself at the DWYL retreat. Say Hi to Beth and HAVE FUN!!!!
I am so enjoying these stories. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Louise
Don’t you just love it when you’re on the right path and through conversations and connections – miracles occur. Thanks for sharing your story with us,
Heather
I have to share this with you all! I was reading this story on the universe and your apartment move this morning then the most amazing thing happened. This morning I was calling to speak to a sales person on a trial of an authoring tool called Compsica. When we got talking it turns out he needs a freelance designer and had been trawling for designers over the weekend. He’s about to send me some work my way today!! Amazing. A serendipitous moment. Thank you universe!
Heather, that is brilliant! Sounds like the universe is starting to align more and more for you. Enjoy, it’s going to get better. Xx
Fantastic!! I am a firm believer in that you get what you ask for. It is so reassuring when something like this happens so quickly. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Louise, we met at An Artful Journey. I took DJ’s class in 2010 and Albie’s class this year. I’ve just gone through and read all these “stories” and love every one of them. What great inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Kelly, yes I remember meeting you at AAJ. Thanks so much for stopping by – these stories have been so great. Hope all is wonderful with you. 🙂
I love your wish, for others to be open to the gifts of the universe; really lovely! I totally am a believer and have had some major moments, that confirm mine and others belief! It is like a connect the dot process. The more we put out there, the more aligned we are to find and connect to our path, our soul~ Thanks for sharing!