selena sage

March 13, 2018

COMPLETION

The journey to complete my third book, Seven Lives, has been both thrilling and exhausting! I set a personal goal for myself, sometime in January, that I wanted to finish the manuscript within a year of starting. Here’s a bit about how that went ;)

Outwardly, this goal seemed achievable. I started the book on March 6, 2017 and I finished it in July of 2017 (4 months of writing in Cape Verde, Lisbon, NYC, and LA!). However, since I wrote the book by hand, it took me another two months (in LA and Austin!) to type it. Still, by the end of September, I had the basis of the book.

Then, I spent October – December creating paragraphs and chapters…and completing the first edit. It was a lot more work than I expected! After traveling for half of 2017 and working on the book nonstop, by the time the holidays hit I was exhausted! Still, I was determined. After a few days rest here and there, I forged ahead.

My first edit showed me that I’d need another. And then another. I would go on to spend January – March completing three more edits of the 1,200 page (3 book!) manuscript. As I creeped closer to March 6th, I didn’t sleep much. I began to feel crazy for making such a firm goal, but I didn’t stop. I wanted to enter the #PitMad event with a manuscript that I felt was polished. Eventually, I met both goals. And I’ve tried to remember to celebrate that a bit when I’m not resting ;)

One thing I’ve learned about writing a novel is that it always feels like there’s more that can be tweaked or improved. On March 5th, the day I ‘finished’, I still felt like I could benefit from another review. Indeed, every time I read part of my book, I seem to find a word or phrase that I could change. It feels a bit like an endless loop. But I knew that I had to stop. I had to admit to myself that I’d taken my book as far as I could take it…and that I could benefit from professional expertise to get it the rest of the way.

For this reason, and others, I’ve decided to seek out a literary agent to partner with to bring Seven Lives into the world through a large publishing house! Though I have enjoyed the autonomy of publishing my first two books exactly as I’ve wanted them, I’ve been spreading myself too thin. My joy is in the creative process and in the discussions I have with audiences once the book is in the world. I’ve come to realize that I’m simply not left with enough energy to properly manage the marketing and sales of the titles, too.

Still, I am fortunate to have learned from the process of doing it all with a beautiful hardcover coffee table book (Meditative Questions) and a print on demand paperback (unbreakable). I’m more familiar with the industry now and I’ve had the beautiful experience of seeing my book in the hands of others!

As I embark on the journey of finding an agent, I again have the feeling that maybe this is a never-ending process! I’ve now traded in manuscript edits for query letters, pitches, and synopses…but I keep reminding myself that this is all forward motion. And I tell you truly that I wouldn’t be able to focus on these elements if I had not decided within myself that my last edit was great enough to move forward with. I don’t say perfect…I say great…because I do believe that perfection can be the enemy of greatness.

And so I say to you that no matter what you’re working on, I hope that you give yourself permission to believe — at some point — that what you are working on is great, even if you don’t feel it is perfect. The world needs your art! And for the world to experience it, you must — at some point — believe that it is complete. Sometimes just acknowledging to yourself that it is complete will help you move forward to the next steps of getting support, where you might need it, to get you the rest of the way there. I send you love and light as you work your magic! ;)

Namaste.

Photo source: My mobile phone ;) From a beautiful day here in Ponta do Sol, Cape Verde

March 7, 2018

THE INVITATION

Why are people reluctant to devote an hour to a spiritual video of exploration? Perhaps it is because not everyone is ready to wake up to themselves…or they have not met a teacher that speaks in a language that they understand.

One of the things that I love about Mooji is that his messages are so accessible! And I find that this video is particularly special because he takes care to discuss his teaching in the most simplistic language possible.

His call is simply an invitation. As always, it is your choice to accept it. But secretly, I hope you do ;)

love,

As you freely receive,

you must freely give.

selena sage

February 4, 2018

NOW IS THE BEST TIME

Yesterday, my place was being repainted so I decided to go on a road trip around part of my island. It had been a while since I’d done this and I was overdue for this time deep in nature. The views were stunning and I was happy to be away from the paint smell (and chaos haha).

After I returned home, I cleaned up a bit and walked outside to throw away garbage (in the dumpster). As I did this, I saw the sweeping ocean and mountain views that make up my neighborhood and I was reminded again of my great fortune. I also had this thought that one day I was going to look back on my time on this island and think those were the best times.

So often I think we get caught up in the destination. We think: When I get there, everything will be okay. But the reality is that there is never any there…there is only here, and there is only now. And “the now” manifests in different and unexpected ways as we move forward.

Even in the midst of difficulty, I think we have to find a way to recognize that now is the best time. We must find gratitude for something until we experience gratitude for everything. Even the difficulties are meant to assist in your transformation and return to Source.

As you pause throughout the day, develop the habit of simply saying thank you…to yourself and to the Universe for everything. Recently, I’ve found myself saying thank you three times before bed and three times in the morning and it’s a beautiful feeling.

There is so much to be thankful for. As gratitude fills you, I think you’ll find that your worries will diminish. As always, I wish you peace and love…and I’m sending you love and light! <3

Namaste.

Photo source: My unofficial pick for “About the Author” photo for book 3 ;) Taken here in Cabo Verde, on my beautiful island…Santo Antao :)

February 1, 2018

ALL THE WORLD IS A GAME

I am so privileged to live on a remote island in a situation where I have no real problems. And if there are “problems”…they are self created. Like maybe I didn’t eat enough…or I should have done laundry…or I have a headache from spending too much time editing my book. I have a poverty of desires, which Seneca once called the greatest wealth. I think he’s right and I feel tremendously fortunate.

Since I spend most of my time alone, I have a great deal of time to think, reflect, and meditate on life in an uncomplicated way. I have a lot of time and freedom here, so it naturally happens. While I was just making cabbage (one of my main staples, besides chocolate — which I’m convinced is because of the calcium benefits and vitamins haha), I reflected on a concept that I think really reflects my third book (Seven Lives):

All the world is a game and the object is to break free.

In an true game, there must be obstacles to success. The game is usually fun because there is a potential for a tragic loss or an epic win. We’re taught from a young age that winning is the goal. Loss is seen as devastating, and hearts are broken when the envisioned goal is not achieved. Die hard sports fans rise and fall emotionally with their teams. But someone without an attachment to a game or team can look upon that same match with disinterest. That person may merely view it as a contest with ups and downs that eventually comes to an end. Out of the die-hard sports fan and the disinterested party, who is more free?

It is an interesting concept to consider…and in many ways, I think it parallels life. If we become attached to our personhood, our emotions will naturally rise and fall with every up or down. Everything feels real.

To an observer, the world is constantly rising and falling and they have a feeling that it will continue to be that way. If they see it all as nothing, perhaps that might cause them to seek the source of everything. Or maybe they just don’t care…haha But I have the feeling that the person who is uninterested in sports is interested in something else. And that is usually the window.

The window could take the form of a win…but I think it usually presents as (what we consider) a loss. The lose drives us to understand. It could be death that drives us to understand what really happens after death. Or it could be the loss of a job that causes you to reflect on what you love and what’s really important. Or it could be the loss of a relationship that prompts you to heal yourself.

If we can see loss as opportunity, we can progress in our evolution. Sometimes losing is the very thing we need to kick start ourselves to make a strong comeback. We become motivated to beat the team that blew us out before. Or we become motivated to find what’s really real so that we don’t feel that pain or those setbacks again.

In this game of life, I think the object is to break free of our own “personhood” and discover true freedom. It is to find that which is constant and unchanging. It is to see that all the world is a game. If we can do that, we can see loss as a way to push us forward. We become motivated not to allow ourselves to get stuck. We know that the world is constantly in turmoil, but what’s real makes it all okay because it is all.

After that feeling of freedom comes, I think it inspires one to help others break free through. I don’t know that I have the exact prescription (haha!), but I’ve been inspired to share my progress. There are levels to the game, but I’ve come to believe that each stage of progression requires letting go. And that letting go could include people, things, or ideas.

I believe that if we can challenge ourselves to see the bigger picture, it gets revealed because we are simultaneously the player and the creator of this game. We are it, and, deep down, we want to beat our own game. We want to be found. And that is the game. Thankfully, great sages and masters have come before us to show us that the game is winnable ;) Let’s not give up!

Namaste.

Photo source: Joy of Life (Zanzibar) by Gabriela Iacobuta

January 16, 2018

YOU ARE THE SAGE

When I was in Lisbon with Mooji, I remember wandering into the bookstore during one of the Satsang breaks. There was a display with a collection of Mooji’s books and I casually opened a few to get a feel for the content. I opened one of the books and read one of the most powerful statements I have ever seen:

You are the Sage that you have been waiting for.

After seeing that, I didn’t feel like I had to read anymore of that book. I felt like that was what I was supposed to see.

—

This morning, I was thinking about some of my past speaking events. I have been so lucky to have an amazing group of people at every event I’ve had! The energy vibration has been high and I’ve found the resulting discussions to be rich.

Perhaps I get this trait from my grandmother — a prolific public speaker — but I never prepare remarks beforehand. I usually have a general idea of a topic to start with, but I let the energy take me where it wants to go.

It has been my experience that I never quite know if I’m connecting with the audience haha But I keep going anyway! And I have the feeling that something I say — even if it’s one thing — will connect with someone in the audience and possibly inspire them.

But really, I believe Mooji. We are the Sage that we have been waiting for and we have the key to unlock any answer that we need. However, when we feel overwhelmed or confused, we feel like we need help. But in reality, we know what the next right move is. We’ve just gotten accustomed to ignoring that small voice that comes to us in silence.

The beauty of meditation…of taking a moment to bring ourselves back into the present…is that it helps us silence the other noise so we can hear the voice telling us what we need to do next — our inner Sage.

I pray that you will have the patience to listen for this voice and the courage to follow it. The answers you are seeking are within.

Namaste.

Bonus content: In this very moment, you can access that voice. Here are 5 simple steps:

1. Close your eyes

2. Breathe deeply in through your nose

3. Hold your breath for as long as you can

4.Exhale rapidly when you can’t hold your breath any longer

5. Repeat 3-5 times

—

This process will stop your spiral of stressful thinking and bring you silence. In those silent moments, listen ;)

Photo source: Sintra, Portugal (my mobile phone)

you are the sage that you have been waiting for

mooji

January 7, 2018

LOLA

This is a post that I’ve been meaning to write for a while.

On Christmas Day, here in Cabo Verde, children made my holiday special. From the smiling faces of children who happily unwrapped small presents I was able to find for them here on the island….to the children who unexpectedly joined me for dinner, it was a happy day.

At the end of my dinner, I let a lovely family from Wales. Over the course of our conversation, somehow an invitation was made to come to my house to see the books I had published haha The daughter, Lola, was an aspiring writer and her bright eyes, brilliant smile, and excitement about writing made me want to share anything I could!

The next day, Lola and her family came by my home and it was a lovely visit. Her spirited brother made me laugh and her parents were so amazingly kind that the time passed quickly. But then, time seemed to stand still when Lola presented me with a book she had made for me the night before! She literally wrote a book and bound it with tape in less than twelve hours! I should mention that Lola is nine years old. I am still amazed by this.

After she showed me the book (The Lost Father), she read it aloud, and it was really good! Even though she says that I inspired the book, it was she who inspired me! In fact, I saw clear parallels between her book and my own, which further amazed me. The magic of Lola’s visit is that her kindness, innocence, and sheer excitement re-energized me. Her beautiful soul shines bright. And the excitement that she and her brother had for my books (Meditative Questions and unbreakable) was also a gift!

I’ve found that sometimes creative projects can drag on…and the spark that provided the original inspiration can be lost. In those moments, it can be tempting to stop and start on something else, but completion is its own form of magic. I’ve learned that any project I’ve started, which contained that initial spark, must be completed.

And so, as I continue to go through my second edit of Seven Lives, I remain thankful for the visit from Lola’s family and the gift of her book…and her joy. She continues to serve as an inspiration as I move forward. And Lola gives me hope about the next generation.

May we all encourage and fan the flames of creativity and joy in all of those around us…especially the beautiful children of the world. They are, indeed, the future. But I find it especially marvelous that Lola is not waiting for the future…she is already a writer and I hope that she continues to write. The world can never have too much beautiful art and I am confident that she will supply a lot. I expect great things from her brother, Charlie, too! ;)

Namaste.

Photo: Cover of The Lost Father by Lola (age 9)

January 6, 2018

DOOR NUMBER 7

It sometimes happens that I get so caught up with writing projects that I forget about my longest standing writing project, this blog ;) So, I’m thankful to friends who share old posts and new pictures that inspire me to come back again ;)

One of my dear friends here in Cabo Verde, Joli, is an amazing photographer and she has a thing for taking pictures of doors. I always enjoy them, but this one stopped me in my tracks. Upon a little reflection, I think it is because it has so many layers. And those layers give it special meaning to me.

In so many ways, it reminds me of my latest (in progress) book, Seven Lives. The number 7 on the door is the first connection, but I think it is the way the door seems a bit cobbled together that really hits home haha! To me, the different materials represent different ideas that have somehow come together to make something new. The random bricks and planks form a door…and even though it’s not quite clear if the door is usable (haha!), it is beautiful. And the added painting of the girl’s face at the bottom makes it whimsical. The door is somehow old and new at the same time.

I also think that our lives are a bit like this door. The collection of old and new memories come together to form what can be a wall or a door. Do we allow what has happened to prevent us from moving forward? Or do we combine all of those experiences to create a functional door through which we can start anew? Are we being held back by our history? Or do we use it to propel us forward?

I love the new year because it carries with it the significance of a new start. But the truth is every moment has that same potential. Even still, I wish you a happy new year that is full of good luck, beauty, and charm. I also hope that it is interspersed with unexpected whimsical moments of fun that keep you smiling ;)

Love,

Photo source: Joli Moniz | A Vontade Tours, Cabo Verde

November 16, 2017