Everyday Magic

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away... Wait, that's the wrong story. Once upon a time... a mistreated and misunderstood young orphan discovered that he was in reality a wizard, and his world was turned upside down. Yes, I speak of Harry Potter, and yes, I have a reason.

Part of the appeal of the Harry Potter stories was that everyday people, Muggles, could have those with magical abilities in their families, or could, themselves, have unprecedented gifts.

On June 18th, 2010, the new Harry Potter area at Universal Studios Florida will be open to the public. I've had the opportunity to go through it, ride the rides, and experience the many offerings. More importantly, I got to remember the wonder of the Harry Potter world and the joy my children and I shared when reading the books.

Wouldn't life be wonderful if magic was a reliable part of the experience?

I've wondered about everyday magic since I was a child. In books, magazines, movies, ballets and plays, magic is such an integral part, I couldn't imagine an existence without it. Then, inevitably, I grew up. I was taught how these things could never be real -- perhaps imitated or approximated through technology, but never real.

For years, I accepted this, with sadness. I did not want to live without magic, but believed those who taught me, those whose stated goal was my growth and education. Through my writing, I could escape, but the "reality" I was trained to kept intruding, and I would stop, giving up my stories as juvenile and immature.

Part of me still dreamed, however, of breaking beyond this mundane existence into something so much more.

The world of Harry Potter, like the other magical worlds that have always appealed to me, has an internal logic, a consistency that truly makes the illusion a reality. Our world, too, has an internal consistency, and yet the reality differs from person to person, begging the question: which reality is the illusion? Is it possible to break free of our conventions and experience life differently?

The answer, I truly believe, is yes. But first, we have to be willing to let go. We have to let go of expectations, of contradictions, of the demands of others and of the sadness that keeps us trapped. We have to let go of sorrow, of the need for control, of the need to predict, of the need to know. We have to, like children, simply trust that the magic is there, and be willing to see it.

Do you remember how to do that? Are you willing to do that? Wouldn't it be fun to try?

Magic can be a part of your life. First, you have to be ready to let go of expectations, and of hope. Instead, you need to simply believe that the magic is there, waiting to be discovered. Second, you need to find a single flower or a single rock and pick it up. Third, do nothing but see this rock or flower. Look deeply into it, heft it, smell it, feel it, and allow it to completely encompass your reality.

As this process continues, watch how your awareness of this rock or flower changes. Watch how it slowly becomes more and more beautiful, its flaws defining the individuality, the singularity of the experience.

Notice how, while doing this, nothing else mattered. Not the economy, not the state of world politics, and not the many things that perhaps made your daily life more difficult. Your attention was on the creation and realization of magic, not the continuation and perpetuation of "reality". Notice that it went on without you adding to the burden. The difference is that your experience of "reality" had a moment of peace, and of magic.

And isn't this what we all crave?

Do it. Capture a bit of magic every day -- maybe even more than a bit. You will be amazed at the results.

Allow yourself to be patient and to be true to yourself. Remember to take at least five minutes every day to simply be by yourself and breathe. Allow yourself to indulge in a moment of thought, reflection, and planning when the mood strikes. It's your life, your choice. Allow yourself to simply succeed on your own terms, to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day, one decision at a time, remaining aware of your choices and your feelings. You CAN get there.

And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.

Sharon.

Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.

Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.