why i think of my business as a yoga & music festival

i don't know if you read the fluent self. if you do, you might be familiar with havi's metaphor technique. we use metaphors all the time (like "time flies"); her technique helps us use them deliberately in a way that's helpful for you.

so .. back when i was still at the day job, and at one of havi's events, i came up with a metaphor for my business using her technique. i don't love the word business - the qualities that spring to mind are dull and colorless and boring and i think of people trying to be all business-like - so i thought it would be useful to have a metaphor.

i wrote down all the qualities and aspects that i wanted my business to embody. the list included things like flexibility, steadiness, unexpected bonuses, writing, creativity, love, kindness, photography, spirituality, in control, variety, freedom, color, silliness, fun, time to play, movement, dog-friendly, time to rest, nature, beauty, solitude, happy people, stillness, delight, hugs, taking care of ourselves & each other & the planet, health, joy, compassion, giving, sharing ..

then, i looked at everything on the list, and asked myself what they reminded me of.

the first image that came to mind was a circus. except i am not a fan of circuses - the thought of animals confined in small cages and forced to do silly tricks makes me sad - and many people don't like clowns. clearly that wasn't it.

the next image that came to mind was the wanderlust yoga & music festival. it's a four-day festival in lake tahoe that includes yoga + music + dance + art. i was so excited at the idea that i squealed with delight. it was absolutely the right metaphor.

and it still is. i think it is the best metaphor ever. part of my mission is to create space for people to pause and see the beauty in and around them. to that end, i do believe in the power of a festival (or retreat, since wanderlust is really a yoga retreat + music festival) to take people outside of the ordinary for a moment and fill them with beauty and love and joy and connection so that they go back into the ordinary taking more of those things with them.

now, i want to actually attend the festival someday.

p.s. i am reusing a yogi photo of atlas, in color this time, just because it makes me laugh.

p.p.s. speaking of business: first, in case you're wondering about the whole reiki thing, i wrote a post titled (everything) i think about reiki. second, in case you were interested in the postcards from heaven, i am doing a smaller session from october - march and it's now open for registration.

Comments

[Tracy]

This is an amazing post, Elizabeth! Your word list for your business is much like my own, it's uncanny! I like lists in general, and I find listing, especially when in the process of starting something new, lays a foundation, an intention to build & grow on. I admire your mission for creating & sharing beauty with/for others. That yoga & music festival sounds right up my street. ;o) And have to say, that is one my very fave Atlas photos... He is a yogic genius... Does he know that?! Wishing all the best for your business, may it be a beautiful path. ((HUGS))

[Meredith]

I feel such joy for you, Elizabeth, that you are putting more of the things on your list into the world, and getting paid to do so. Inspiring!

Thank you for your kind words and condolences. They are a comfort.

[margie]

you are constantly overshadowed by that atlas. you get a thought and he immediately says, oh wait, let me show you my yoga pose. love him.

[{Sarah}]

What a cute picture of Atlas! Awwwhhhh..

Also, I think our businesses are at the same festival :)

This idea of Metaphor is really important. It's all about how we tell our stories, even how we tell them to ourselves.

Thanks for the beautiful post today!

[claire]

Thanks for sharing your metaphor process. It's helpful to see how people besides Havi use it.

[Patty]

Wow - I just love all this brainstorming and lovely positive thought processes and energy and, well, all of it, including most decidedly, Atlas' pose!! Now I'm going to check out your links!

[Helen]

love the photo! :) and i love the metaphor too:)

[elk]

you are filled with enthusiasm and fun..silly dog!!

[elizabeth @ retinal perspectives]

@elk: he is silly, isn't he. i love it.

@helen: yay!

@patty: there does seem to be lots of thought-ing going on over here. something must be in the air!

@claire: you are welcome. i do find it useful .. can't think if i've written down any other examples.

@sarah: i suspect our businesses are! clearly we need to join them there.

@margie: i think he's trying to show me how it's done. hee.

@meredith: thank you. thinking of you over there ..

@tracy: oh! that's so fun to know! i do love my list. the festival is in july, i think .. maybe someday you can plan a vacation to the states to include it!

[briana]

There is so much goodness and joy to be had in a festival of Elizabeth + Atlas. And I do love the word wanderlust. Add in yoga and music in Lake Tahoe?! Oh my. I'm so excited about this wanderlust festival that is not a business :)

And I love the photo of Atlas in color!

[Josiane]

I love the list of qualities you wanted for your business. And I love knowing that this metaphor still works as well for you all these months later!

[Josiane]

Oh, and I think I forgot to tell you: your lovely postcard came in last week. Thank you! I loved it (still do!).

[Bullwinkle]

There is much I love about this post - that picture of Atlas and its title: Yoga on the Beach! (Dogs are excellent yogini's!) Your description of a "business" and the word wanderlust. The idea of "circus" fun and many things happening at once...Love your enthusiasm and joyfullness spilling over into your writing.

[Relyn]

I love this idea of defining your business (or in my case, job) by a metaphor. Plus, I love your metaphor and your constant, giving focus.