Conforming robs us of innovation and progress, but most of all it robs us of love and happiness. As an artist, I live under the breath of the fable that teaches us about starving artists. But, conforming has a place in us all. It teases us in a state of wonder to snap us back to “reality.” The underlying truth that so many of us struggle with is that reality isn’t what society tells us, but rather reality is what we make it to be.
Do you conform to the current societal trend, what your family wants or who your friends think you are? Or do you live your life on your terms?
The very idea of reality (i.e., the accepted norm) has changed countless times over history and is even different depending on where you live or what your culture is. With so many variations of reality, why do we hold ourselves to one? Why does it cause such great fear? Peer pressure is a bitch. It’s human nature to want to be accepted and have a place where you belong. No one really wants to stand alone outside of the circle. But, is it better to stand alone as you are? Or to live a life of unhappiness in an endless chase to please others and in essence, change your very DNA and fight your soul?
All too many times we live our lives wandering each day waiting to see what will happen next. In the meantime, we’re just going along with the motions that seem to work, but in our hearts, we know there’s something missing. This is conformity.
To not conform means to live with love
If we open our minds and embrace courage, we can be exactly who we are and still live in this world. Each soul walking this earth has a place and a purpose. The universe challenges us to live free of negativity and full of love for our neighbors and ourselves. It does not want to crush you; it does not want you to conform. You are exactly you for a very specific reason. We can’t all live in fame and fortune, but when you live a life true to yourself, you live in the wealth of freedom and love in your heart.
An infinite source of love exists in the Universe and with God. Therefore, you have infinite love surrounding you at all times. Furthermore, there will always be people who are likeminded. Your soul will naturally seek out and connect with familiar souls of lifetimes past. You can either choose to live alongside them—whether for a short period of time or for a lifetime—or abandon the experience that the universe has laid before you because you’re too scared to defy your tribe.
Moving past a life of conformity and into living a life on your terms
God has placed you where you are right now for a very specific reason. There are no accidents and no coincidences. If you feel out of place, your lesson may be inner strength, which you will continue to struggle with until you learn and take action.
Do not beat yourself up over the past because that only drastically slows your progress. Instead, if you feel lost or that you aren’t living true to your soul, stand still and look around you. I can guarantee there are signs pointing you in the right direction that you’re ignoring. Sometimes the signs aren’t physical, but maybe just a reoccurring thought that you push away as ridiculousness. Other times you may hear about something that sparks your interest and it will continue to pop up “randomly” until you take action to explore it. You may also find yourself connecting to people with similar issues, which I caution because you can both drag each other down. Open your eyes! Dream awake! Sit in stillness and quiet and just listen. The answers are there! Your soul is all knowing.
I firmly believe in the balance of mind, body and soul. I also believe that soul holds infinite wisdom, but I know from personal experience that it’s hard for ego-driven humans to rely on just that so it’s critical to challenge your mind and body to live in peace. If you’re feeling stuck, I encourage you to seek help from mental health professionals and also explore energy healing. As a Reiki Master, I study the seven chakras and how each is related to different emotions and physical symptoms. If there is a blockage in any one of your chakras, your progress may be hindered. In between sessions with healers, coaches, therapists, etc., make sure you that you take time for you. For example, I go on walks several times throughout the day, even if it’s just for five minutes, to clear my head.
Last but not least, look fear in the face. The myth about breaking away from conformity is that you must turn your world upside down and everyone will hate you. This is a paralyzing fear. Yes, change is uncomfortable, but just remember that God and the Universe only want what’s best for you. You will never be abandoned. If you love yourself and love others, you will be blessed with love and happiness in your life. There will always be challenges because we’re here on this earth to learn, but you will always be rewarded for learning and moving forward from a place of love.