The Bliss Mistress Guide: Hansel and Gretel Breadcrumb Trail

A few days ago, I was comfortably ensconced in my Jeep heading to the gym to do what I have come to call my 'playouts', which sounds like a whole lot more fun than 'workouts'. I think of Planet Fitness (the Judgment Free Zone) as my ashram where I go 4-6 times a week to 'sweat my prayers'. A vivid purple, black and yellow color scheme permeates the walls and rubberized floors...a far cry from the earthier tones one might find in a more traditional spiritual setting where Nag Champa (my favorite incense) might waft through the air and silence or the sonic o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0mmmmm might float on through. Rollicking and rocking tunes get my motor runnin' as I sculpt my body and move energy on various machines and hoist weights to release the stress accumulated throughout the day. I hold in my mind, the intentions for what it is I desire and reinforce them with movement.

So, back to the Jeep ride...in my CD player, I had placed a new arrival called Meet Me At Your Heart. Created by Steven Groff, a Philadelphia area kirtan singer/songwriter, it pays tribute to the Divine in all its grand and glorious forms. Kirtan is a musical genre that is sacred call and response chanting which you are likely to hear in yoga studios and meditation centers worldwide. Although Sanskrit is not my language of origin, when I initially heard the form; if memory serves, The Gayatri Mantra sung by Deva Premal was my introduction to what has become one of my favorite musical delights, it had the familiarity of the prayers I heard in synagogue while growing up. Meet Me...is a co-creation with his family and family of choice: his wife Rhoni Groff, daughter Jade Groff, daughter Mira Newman and son in-law David Newman who themselves are internationally known kirtan artists. Add to the mix Rama Bala, Sarah Carlisle, Phillippo Franchini, Alfred Goodrich, Renata Gregori, Sarah Halley, Anna Krain, Corey Sokoloff, Jenny Stout, Marianne and Randy Sutin and Hoagy Wing and you have a marvelous montage of sweet and spicy sonic soup.

As I was listening to the music and of course, singing along, I was taken, as I often am, by the Hansel and Gretel breadcrumb trail that wound its way back from that moment. I laughed with delight when it occurred to me that I was listening to Steven's CD because I met him via an organization called Rubye's Kids which offers an annual holiday party for inner city Philly kids, as well as birthday parties for those in homeless shelters. For years, I had done clowning there and Steven and Rhoni were also volunteers. I was introduced to the organization via a woman named Kathleen Crewes who worked with (and may still) Patch Adams and she herself was a clown who brought me into the funny fold as I created my own clown persona “Feather” who is a faerie. I met Kathleen when I was publisher of Visions Magazine and she came to us for assistance in promoting her work. Each link, each connection is another breadcrumb.

Whenever I am tempted to tumble into disgruntlement about something that isn't quite as I would have it be, or an opportunity hasn't unfolded in my timing, I rewind the clock and watch those lovely little intertwining vines. When I remember where I was 15 years ago, heck, even a year ago, I am amazed at all of the people whose lives have touched mine and the magic that has manna-fested as a result.

I invite you to take some time to meander through your own enchanted forest and notice the breadcrumbs that you have scattered and the people and experiences that each one represents. Such richness awaits you, as sweet as gingerbread.

Edie Weinstein is a Renaissance Woman and Bliss Mistress who delights in inviting people to live rich, full, juicy lives. She is completing her first best seller called The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming The Ordinary Into The Extraordinary which is due for Fall release. She writes a daily blog for Beliefnet http://blog.beliefnet.com/blissblog