Pick the one path that most resonates with how you feel in this moment.
Below, I’ll give you an intuitive message for the stage of your life path based on where I was in the hike and what I was thinking at the time.
When a Hike Becomes a Spiritual Journey
After consulting Yelp for a fairly easy place nearby to hike, I decided to venture out on a hike at Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim, California. I’ve been enjoying checking out the hikes in California after moving here from Iowa. This one had both a flat trail and one with a bit of incline. Overall, it was easy, but it definitely got my heart rate pumping and caused me to perspire. Honestly, it felt really good. Today’s Spotify playlist was one of ALLOWING, my word for 2021. I’m deep into surrender and excited about the way my life’s path is opening up, and today’s hike was a beautiful illustration of that.
After creating a 10 Stages of a Spiritual Awakening summary from a previous hike, I was pleased to see the way this one came through in a similar way. I honestly wasn’t sure what the theme would be when I started, but it came together so beautifully as I walked several trails at the nature preserve.
Following are the 10 Stages of Your Life Path based on my hike as a personal, intuitive message from me. Rather than jumping to your photo, I encourage you to read them in order for the full effect. You’ll find out where your path is in the process of the 10 stages
Intuitive Message: This was one of the first notable things I saw when I entered the park. I’d just begun the hike. I was thinking to myself, “Ok. This is a pretty cool place. I bet there are interesting things ahead. I’m off to a good start.” While this view was kind of cool, it was nothing compared to what was ahead. There were new paths, challenges, and opportunities ahead that changed my perception—particularly of this specific place on my path (see #10 for details). My suggestion is to show up on your life’s path. When you do, greater and greater things will appear. It’s just a matter of being present and continuing to move forward—even when there are challenges and you want to quit.
Intuitive Message: This is the bridge to possibility and new experiences. When you choose to move forward the path will unfold with grace. Standing at the edge of this bridge and choosing to walk forward takes courage. I had no idea what was on the other side, where I was going, what I would encounter. I didn’t know if I’d be alone or if there would be anyone else on the path. I moved foward regardless and you’re encouraged to do the same.
Intuitive Message: As I was traversing the park, there were several different paths available. This one to my right, looked kinda steep at first glance. I wasn’t very far along in my journey just yet and decided that I’d forgo the challenge in favor of the flat trail to my left. I didn’t notice the rainbow-looking reflection in the photo until after I got home, but it’s significant to me. Here’s the truth about that incline. I surpassed it because it looked tougher than I had the strength for at the time. Before my trip was over, I completed an incline that was probably three times more steep than this one. And, I accomplished the more challenging incline with vigor and excitement. I just had to get my bearings and gather some confidence first. If things look hard and you don’t feel up for the challenge, that’s ok. Just keep moving, you’ll gather everything you need along the way.
Intuitive Message: This is the point in my hike where the awe and wonder started to kick in. Here’s where I realized I was doing something out of the oridinary and different from what everyone else was choosing to do with their time on a Sunday morning. I was grateful to be taking care of me and proud of putting myself in an environment that’s new and exciting. You are an out-of-the box thinker who initiates changes for yourself and others. Acknowledge your choices, express gratitude for the results, and gather strength for the excitement that’s to come.
Intuitive Message: This is the steep path I took with excitement and vigor after getting my bearings and gaining confidence. If this is your photo, you’re coming into your power and going after what you want. After a period of rest, unexpected detours, and new learnings, it’s time to get moving. You’re no longer afraid of challenges. In fact, you search them out. You’ve been through the pain of being alone, feeling lonely, and behaving differently than others. Now, you’re embracing your idosyncracies and the wisdom you’ve earned. Better yet? You’re using it to your advantage climbing to the highest heights.
Intuitive Message: Here I was appreciating the view and struck by the beauty behind me. It was hard to appreciate and capture the full glory while I was in the thick of things. This is that “mountain top” view you’ve been waiting for. You put in the time and the effort and now it’s time to enjoy and appreciate the reward you created through your own actions. Was the climb a challenge? Yes, at times. It was also serene, beautiful, expansive, and free. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Give yourself a huge pat on the back. Then, keep going!
Intuitive Message: This is the point where I stopped to take a breath and exhale. I could feel the sweat driping down my back and there was tension in my shoulders. You’ve been carrying the load for yourself and others far too long. You are not alone and you are totally supported in your life’s journey. The song “Hello Beautiful” is playing and the lyrics offer a reprieve. Listen to the song’s lyrics to get the full message, but here’s the chorus that was playing as I basked in this moment.
Goodbye regret
Goodbye alone
Goodbye to emptiness
Say hello to beautiful
Goodbye afraid
Goodbye ashamed
Goodbye to hopelessness
Say hello to beautiful
Intuitive Message: You’re feeling more confident in your path now and that resonance washes over your entire body. Your work has earned you a seat at the table. You’re owning it and trusting things to unfold as they’re meant to. You’re not rushed, but open, receptive, and allowing things to unfold. The song “I Am” by Satang beings playing with lyrics confirming. Listen to the song’s lyrics to get the full message, but here’s part of the opening that served as confirmation.
Well, I no longer need validation
‘Cause my story is long and I’m patient
I know that I have lessons to learn
Keep my eyes open, each step I earn, yeah
Intuitive Message: As I walked into the Tranquility Path, I was overcome with love overly impressed with the growth I’ve experienced to date and the growth that’s ahead. I was incredibly grateful to be surrounded by love. That includes the love that I am, the love from my son and my friends, the love in my business, and for the first time in a very long time, a loving relationship. The lyrics playing from “A Reminder” by Trevor Hall brought things home saying, “My love is just a reminder, find your center.” Here’s the deal. No matter who or how much love we have in our lives, it’s just a reminder of who we are and what we offer to the world.
As I walked through this part of the path, I could hear clapping and cheering in the distance. Once I got close to the entrance of the park, I saw a woman on stage at a small ampitheater. She was in a beautiful royal blue dress singing, “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day. It’s a new life for me…and I’m feeling good.” After watching her performance, I realized it was a wedding and she was singing this song to her new husband. Here’s the bottom line: Love is in the air and you’ll find it when you find your center. You’ll keep it—and even have the commitment you desire—if you maintain your center.
Intuitive Message: This was probably the most profound of all the photos for me. After going through the entire trail, I was in the exact same spot where I started. If I looked one direction, I saw photo #5. By simply turning around, the view was photo #2. The photos are vastly different and yet I was unable to even have an idea that all that lush vegetation was available until after I ventured into the unknown, took an easy path, experienced awe and wonder, chased my path with excitement and vigor, had a mountain top experience, exhaled and released regret, found love, and found my center. All of this goodness was there all along!! I just had to collect the wisdom to change my perception and turn around. If you’ve read my book, you know how I feel about turns!!
I had no idea what I was in for when I left the house on Sunday, June 13, 2021. I had so much fun on my hike and relating the stages to your life path. These are photos of me at stages 4 (awe and wonder), 6 (exhale), 8 (love), and afterward.
This was an eventful hike and process for me. I’m excited to hear what you think of the stages of your life path, the path you chose, and how it relates to where you are on your journey! Let me know in the comments!
2 Comments
Yes. I loved this exercise. Thank you Melissa for processing such a beautiful experience and sharing your gift.
Thank YOU Daisy for being you and being on this journey with me. I absolutely had a blast with this exercise and I’m glad to hear it resonated with you. I thought it might. <3 I love and appreciate you.