Friday, April 13, 2018

Lucid Dream


Yesterday, I took my family to listen to a lecture by one of the leading thinkers of our time, bestselling author Deepak Chopra. I have just finished his free 21-day meditation course which he offers in collaboration with Oprah Winfrey, and this was my second time meditating with them. (If you're interested, you can find more information and sign up for a newsletter HERE.) I really enjoyed this experience, so when I learned that Deepak would be in my American hometown Tacoma, I bought three tickets for my whole family to attend. (His next events would be in Zurich, Switzerland; Hamburg, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Eugene, Oregon; Paris, France; London, UK; Amsterdam, Netherlands and São Paulo, Brazil - an impressive international list.) It was a week night, so of course everyone was tired - really, it's hard to make it after a long day and in the middle of a busy week, and Anya even fell asleep a couple of times during the lecture, but at the end we all were happy that we made it - we felt uplifted, energized, and in the long run we all benefited from this event.


I was first introduced to Chopra's books by Justin, many moons ago, when our love was young as they say. Justin was a big fan and read many books written by Chopra (if I remember it right, his favorite was The Way of the Wizard). Years later, I was sort of reintroduced to Chopra's work by a wonderful spiritual woman that I met last Fall, and I am deeply grateful for it - it came in the right time. The reason for his visit to Tacoma was a book tour that promotes his latest work THE HEALING SELF, and in this 2-hour lecture we learned quite a few new science theories as well as principles of well-being. I absolutely loved that at the end, we meditated under Deepak's guidance. Meditation is considered as important and as powerful a tool for physical well-being as a good night's sleep, healthy nutrition, movement, and a balanced emotional state, as well as what they call grounding - connecting with the earth (walking barefoot on the beach or grass, touching trees in the woods, working in a garden, etc.). I know that there are schools that made meditation a part of the daily routine for both students and staff, and there are therapists who made meditation a part of their approach to healing. I know from my personal experience that it works - I became or better yet, I am becoming a happier, more centered person since I've started meditating on a regular basis.


The event took place at the beautiful historic Pantages Theater in Tacoma, and the auditorium was quite full.  I was happy to see people of all ages and cultural backgrounds - it was such a well balanced mix of both men and women, from young students and adults to elder ladies and gentlemen. Some were taking notes, others like me just tried to be present and take it all in with our hearts. Deepak was walking back and forth on the stage while talking (which reminded me of my nephew when he was a little boy - "walk and talk" was his favorite thing), because as he admitted he had't yet completed his 10,000 steps that day (which made the audience laugh because it was just so human). After the lecture, there was a book signing, but we didn't have a book, so we just took a chance to glance at our hero up close and personal, and then we left. Since it was a week night, I think many folks were coming right after work, casually dressed, but I also spotted a few dressed up ladies which is always nice to see. I have to admit I felt so low energy earlier in the evening that if I had a pair of well-fitting jeans, I would be tempted to wear them with some unassuming top to keep a low profile. But I don't have said jeans, and in most of my clothes it would be a bit difficult to keep a low profile. And I think that I discovered on some new level yesterday that I don't dress up to be loud, to be visible, to be noticed. I don't really care how many people notice or don't notice me (sometimes I enjoy attention, while other times I crave anonymity). I realized that I do it because strong colors, interesting shapes and attention to detail suit my personality. I feel good when I wear such outfits - I feel like myself, or maybe a little better version of myself - a little more determined, strong, courageous and open to the unknown. 


You've seen this coat just recently in my MARCH 2018 post, and these red pants earlier in my FEBRUARY 2018 post. I wear my open-toe metallic platforms with many outfits recently, and the red turtleneck is old. A couple of new accessories that need a mention. The purse was found at Goodwill on our recent trip to Oregon, brand-new with all packing materials and tags still attached. I first noticed its color, then the pattern, and then the shape, before I realized that it was new, I was already sold! It is made of vegan leather and lead-free. The brand is Alyssa (Los Angeles - New York - Milan). I haven't found the exact same design, but one somewhat similar purse was sold for $50 vs. $110 original price. I paid $20 for mine (no sales tax in Oregon is a plus as well).


The glass necklace was a thrift shop find - I don't remember whether I bought it at an antique mall or Goodwill a couple of months ago. It's a beauty! Finally, about my new glasses. So my whole life I was convinced that I have an excellent, perfect vision. I started noticing that it's harder for me to read small font as I turned 40 (I remember that that's exactly how it happened with both my parents too). I didn't worry about it (I am that weirdo who actually notices signs of aging with curiosity and even enthusiasm, strange, eh?). So, I just bought myself some readers and was fine (minus the convenience of reading everything everywhere at any time of course). But since Justin got vision insurance, I decided to check my eyes with a proper eye doctor. And now I am known as the one with "abnormally flexible eyeballs" ... haha! The doctor's theory is that I've always been farsighted, but my eyes adjusted to the differences and convinced me that I see perfectly well. Which isn't abnormal in itself when we are young (isn't pretty much everything in our bodies "abnormally flexible" at a young age?). But for my age, apparently, it's unheard of - they don't teach it in text books. I am not supposed to be that flexible anymore. But here I am, a walking anomaly! I picked the frames by Vera Bradley (they were originally sunglasses, but they made me prescription glasses with this frame, the lenses darken in the sun). Bonus: they come with a beautiful case in matching soft fabric (Vera Bradley's trademark). I loved the service we received at Visionworks at The Landing in Renton, WA, and I'm happy to give them a shout-out.


One of the concepts Deepak talked about last night was that reality is nothing but a lucid dream - a concept known since the ancient times. I know that not everyone is ready to open their minds to such thoughts as most of people are strongly body and mind oriented. But that's what philosophers minds are good for - to think deeper than the surface, to find explanations that most of us aren't ready to discover on our own. Have you ever had night dreams in which some part of you knew that you were sleeping and dreaming? Do you ever think of life as a lucid dream? Doesn't it put things in a totally different perspective?

Pictures by Anya.

If you enjoyed this post, you can find out about another inspirational 'science meets spirituality' lecture by Paul Stamets a.k.a. the Mushroom Guy in my APRIL 2017 post.

Read about other events in Pantages Theater in my earlier posts:



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20 comments:

  1. I have had lucid dreams. You're style is incredible. I love the bold jacket, the pants, the shoes...

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words - I am honored and humbled. <3

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  2. when think back in the time i often do not know if that what i remember was "reality" or a "dream" - and sometimes i dream at night and be sure that i just remember......
    the event in prague will be the nearest - but i fear its in english and for such difficile theme my english is to worse - especially if it goes to spoken words - reading is much easier of cause. but i will find the books in german i´m sure.
    thanks for introducing to deepak chopra!
    your oufit is a dream!! :-D
    yes - really. so casual glamour with the gorgeous coat and that strong red in sporty pullover & trousers. and the shiny bag! well found!!
    for me its the same with my very visible dressing - i do all the special clothes for me! because i love well made, colorful, high end, meaningful clothes - and i would not be angry if everyone dresses like that and no one bats an eye in my direction! but as long as bland looks rules the street we have to live with all that attention ;-D
    happy sunday! hugs and much love right from the slightly green veiled woods! xxxxx

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    1. Thank you for sharing your experience with dreams, dear Beate!
      I agree, books are easier. I definitely miss on a lot of words at such events - but there are different kinds of information, you know? Energy, vibes, just being in the same room with someone who successfully does what I only dream of doing - spiritual writing. It gives me strength and inspiration to continue on my own journey.

      I love what you wrote about your visible dressing. I think often people misunderstand the reasons behind wearing bold designs and colors. It's not the need to be noticed by others - it's the desire to be bold in our own choices, for ourselves. And it's just FUN!

      Love you!

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  3. Ślicznie wyglądasz:))piękny naszyjnik i fantastyczna torebka:))Pozdrawiam serdecznie:))

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  4. I've actually been having lucid dreams quite often. Sometimes, this can be quite unsettling. I'm loving everything about your outfit: all the elements work wonderfully well together. No chance of being anonymous in red, anyway! If you dress well, and especially if you dress colourfully, you will be noticed but, like you, the person I dress up for is me! It makes me happy! And it makes me happy seeing other women do the same, like you! Love your new glasses! Hugest of hugs xxx

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    1. Thank you, dear Ann! I think one of the big things about lucid dreams is the realization that we have the power to change what is happening. Including the power to wake up if the dream is upsetting, or the power to fall asleep and get into the same dream you enjoyed! I definitely have such dreams - since early childhood.

      I love that we have the same vision for dressing up! I think I still can dress for others too, but when I am completely connected with my inner self, I do it to only please me. It's a process, and I am learning.

      <3

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  5. I love the structural silhouette of your outfit and the fabulously bold floral print of your jacket. Your glasses are wonderful, my distance vision is 20/20 but I'm as blind as a bat with near vision - luckily Jon's the opposite so between us we see everything!
    Anya's photos are fabulous.
    I remember a British journalist interviewing Deepak Chopra on a golf course. He's a huge celeb in the USA, isn't he? xxx

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    1. Thank you, dear Vix! It's a huge compliment coming from you!

      I think Deepak is a celebrity among those who are into spirituality and alternative medicine - he definitely has done A LOT of work in these fields and is recognized internationally.

      <3

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  6. I had a lot of lucid dreams when I was younger. They were often very interesting and made me feel like I've learned something. I'm not sure why I stopped having them. Maybe with time I've become less intuitive and focused. Who knows? I think lucid dreams can help us figure out some things. Meditation is always good! It helps us be more focused & present, it can make us better people.

    I've heard of Deepak Chopra, but I haven't read any of his books. It is so lovely you all got the chance to see him and listen to his lecture. It must have been a nice experience to hear him speak. I'm sure he is a great motivational speaker. I only listened to one motivational speaker, Dr Boris Pavuna and it was really nice to hear him speak, I felt motivated.

    I really like your outfit. Those red pants are stunning and the jacket is simply perfect. The bold floral print is beautiful and so appropriate for spring. What you said about choosing bold prints and patterns resonates with me. I feel better in colourful outfits because I love colour.

    Have a lovely day!

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    1. Thank you, dear Ivana! We did enjoy this event very much, each for our own reasons. I think that his speech was especially effective if you need scientific facts to proove the point. I am much more intuitive, and I know many of the things Deepak and other spiritual teachers talk and write about - I know them intuitively, which is a very different kind of knowledge, and much more ancient compared to intellect, as Deepak emphasized himself. But the vast majority is focused on the intellect, or mind. So teachers such as Dr Chopra can be really helpful.

      <3

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  7. what an interesting event, glad that you could enjoy it! I'm really interested in being more centered and conscious, so I'll have a look at the books. Never had a lucid dream, but who knows what the future will bring?
    I love your floral coat, and love your fabulous attitude, dressing up to be yourself in something that fit your personality! Gorgeous!
    Those new glasses look both classic and modern, I like them!.
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Monica!
      I love that you stay open, my dear! Me too - who knows, how we evolve, right?
      <3

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  8. You had me at abnormally flexible eyeballs ? Lol !
    How wonderful to have met with this spiritual guru. I am also a fan of his, and like you, having been reading and admiring his work for sometime. What a wonderful family experience.
    I love your bold coat and red trousers. And I specially love your beautiful pensive gaze , as you look down at that fabulous eyeglass case.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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    1. Our eyes are muscles too, right? Mine are abnormally flexible, which helps my vision, apparently. It was a curious fact to learn about myself. :)

      Thank you for your wonderful compliments, dear Elle! <3

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  9. I also have lucid dreams. I actually have to remind myself sometimes in my dreams not to send emails as:
    1. I am in bed.
    2. I'm probably not understanding the situation appropriately that I'm trying to address
    3 They don't really go!
    I love that your whole wardrobe is so strong that you have no "go to" understated clothing. When you're tired or not ready to receive attention, you trust God (The Universe) to create an environment compatible with what you have to give and what you need to receive. I can relate to this scenario. I have never heard Deepak Chopra in person but I love his teaching. We create our own joy, liberty, energy and well-being by how we choose to use our minds/hearts. Stay strong, our lovely Natalia. My husband came home one evening a few weeks ago and thought he'd seen you in a coffee shop here in Vancouver. He said, "I think I saw your friend from your favorite blog today. If it wasn't her, it was someone else who you would've really liked". Nice! XO

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    1. Dear Karen, thank you for your thoughtful and such a lovely comment! I'm always looking forward to your comment. How wonderful that your husband saw "me" and told you about it! I haven't made it to Vancouver yet, but I am sure the "other Natalia" is wonderful - and who knows, maybe you two will meet? :)

      I loved what you wrote about trust. Trust is fundamental, but at times when we feel low, it is the hardest thing... Thank you for this reminder, it was just exactly what I needed the day you wrote it - and today too!
      <3

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  10. I enjoyed the recent 21 day meditation series too and would like to be at one of his talks too, to experience the energy field. I like what you say about enjoying shapes and textures with clothes, and sometimes preferring invisibility

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