Dare to Disturb the Universe
I’m Sera Beak, a Harvard-trained scholar of comparative religion and mysticism who’s spent the last dozen years traveling the world exploring spirituality — from whirling with Sufi dervishes to meeting the Dalai Lama on my 21st birthday; from taking the host from a Croatian Catholic mystic who had the stigmata (truly) to having life-altering visions with a shaman, and just about everything in between (I now happily deem myself a “spiritual cowgirl”).
I’m also the author of The Red Book: A Deliciously Unorthodox Approach to Igniting Your Divine Spark, co-director of the feature documentary film, Redvolution: Dare to Disturb the Universe, and a Redvolutionary.
A Redvolutionary is someone who does not play by the social, religious, cultural, sexual, or political rules. She affects change by daring to be herself, forging a unique path, and serving her planet authentically. She is a kind of “Spiritual Superheroine,” rebelling against dogma and ideology in order to experience a direct and intimate relationship with the divine. She has a fearless commitment to truth and freedom, sex toys, red wine, and gold body glitter…for all”
Now, I fully recognize that the word “spiritual” might make some of you want to run for the hills with a good bottle of tequila and The Portable Nietchze. If you’re like me or if you were born in or around my generation (you are now in your twenties or thirties) you may be, well, a little damn jaded about spirituality. It’s just such a loaded topic and is way too close a cousin to traditional religion (which is an even more overloaded and confusing subject).
Or.
Some of you might be neck deep in the spiritual swirl and are yoga-loving meditation humming “love and light” peeps workshopped well within the diverse spiritual arena of modern America. Or you might be simply and happily devoted to one particular tradition or practice. To all you plugged-in folks I just want to say – nope, you’re not at the wrong site.
Because no matter how “spiritual” you might think you are or are not, this I can bet on – you want to grow. Yep, there is a deep desire innate to the human species (and any species come to think of it) to evolve, to grow, to become more intimate with this thing called life. To heal. To spread one’s reach. To shed more layers. To lose more illusions. To increase the voltage of your light. In fact, one of my favorite spiritual mottos is this:
There is always more.
No matter where you fall on the spiritual spectrum, it’s time to create a more meaningful approach to spirituality. Your own. Because, the bottom line is:
You’re worth getting to know.
And we’re running out of time. No, this is not some doom and gloom “Left Behind” apocalypse reference meant to scare the thong off you, it’s more a polite yet firm “get off your ass now already and live like you mean it” suggestion.
Look, the universe needs you to be brave, to break out of your rigid molds, to shave the stale crusts off your life and begin to wake up to your true self, through the means that resonate most to you. These means may look stereotypically “spiritual” or they may not. They may look like mine, or your teacher’s or your best friend’s, but they probably will not. Who cares. Be yourself.
Boldly.
How? Become your favorite subject. Pay attention. Become aware of how you’re choosing to live your life. Of what things, people, beliefs, and practices promote authentic heart booming mind-honing power, and what stuff in your life weighs you down, covers your light, and sucks your soul juice dry. It’s time to boogie down your unique path responsibly, with eyes wide open and heart turned on, so you can start sharing your unique process (the highs and the “what the effing?” lows) with the rest of us.
Cause when you breathe deeper into your wowness, I get to breathe deeper into mine (as does that woman in Iraq and that man in India and that slobbery dog in Boisie Idaho). That’s right, when you start claiming your power, it energetically helps me claim mine. When you begin to get, at a cell-tingling level that you truly are divine (however you experience the divine – energy, nature, life, Love, You, God/dess, Buddha nature, the Wiggling Wow)– you start to really make a difference in this thing called Life and can serve this plant in authentic and seriously effective ways.
That’s right, like it or not, aware of it or not, you have a responsibility to be all you can Be to the best of your ability right here and right now so this planet has a chance to shine the way it was intended. By being your self loudly you also make the angels swoon and the gods do grande jetes and the whales sigh in relief. Dive Deep. Land within. Give the universe a reason to sit up and party and every “holy” person a reason to get crazy and sexy.
DARE YOURSELF TO DISTURB THE UNIVERSE. Like now already.
Ok then, let’s rock and let this blog roll….
21 Comments
Hi! I read your Red Book a few years ago and loved it so much that I bought copies for my sisters…I love this type of philosophy–that one can be spiritual and kind and not have to conform to any one religion–or any at all!!!! I for one, am a sunshine worshipping, dirt-loving, dogs-as-my guide, and humanity as my soul kinda girl…
I read what you wrote and seemed to speak directly to where I am spiritually However, it left me with a question. Is there room for males in your redvolution? You soley used the feminine gender in your descriptions. Other than that, I felt your writings spoke directly to me. Would a man, like me, be welcomed, to your “movement”? I haven’t read your book, yet. Where can I go to hear more of your views (websites, seminars, etc.?)
Amazing! my favorite book… spirituality was very confusing for me until I read this book and related to it on every page! but great question Malcolm. I would be interested in that too?
Thank you all so much! And yes, Malcolm, men are definitely an integral part of the Redvolution and are joyfully welcomed. In my writing, I speak from my own experience as a young women, so therefore often use feminine pronouns and examples….but you are free to simply change the pronouns and the references into something that resonates with you and your own life. my websites are serabeak.com and spiritualcowgirl.com. I give talks, classes, mentorship, and workshops. I’m leading a Redvolution workshop at Kripalu June 19-21….but at this point, the workshops are only for women : ) I’ll open them up to men soon.
You sound like my kind of gal ! I’m definitely going to read your book. Great advice!
What a brilliant article!!!! I’m going to tweet it and also look into your work a bit more.
I like your style!!!
So, I wish I could figure out how to Retweet this – I tried and can’t figure it out. If someone can help me, please leave a comment. Great stuff Sera.
You did it! I told myself no more books cause I love books BUT your post spoke to me and then I read the first paragraph of your book and well…just one more! :) LOVE it….your message! I think I should have majored in comparitive religion, I didn’t know there was such a thing……now I do!
Cheers, Jana :)
Just bought your book and I keep it near me all of the time to remind myself that my juicy journey doesnt have to be a straight line!! yAY!!!
this is such a wonderful deep gorgeous post
thank you Sera !
i’m going to read your book !
I really loved this post, really resonated with me too..
I am going to get your book too….
thanks clarita
You are one lady I’d love to split a bottle of red with. Thanks for your groovy, uplifting post.
I’ve been a born-again Christian, an atheist, and everything in between. I’m now Church of Indigo Girls: “There’s more than one answer to these questions, pointing me in a crooked line..and the less I seek my Source for some definitive…(everybody sing it with me) closer I am to fine!”
I’m currently reading “How God Changes Your Brain”. I dig learning what neuroscience has uncovered about the nature of “spiritual” experience. I’m also a big fan of Julia Sweeney’s “Letting Go of God”.
I’m heading over to amazon.com to buy your book right now.
Love it all!!!! Thanks for empowering me.
I’m smiling form ear to ear and am soooo ready to roll!
Anna
Thank you for sharing. I love your fresh, modern energy and gorgeous way of putting this. I’m moving forward… :)
Casey
I so adore what you are sharing with the world Sera!
YES, YES, YES! I am on this journey myself and in the process I am trying to inspire other moms to do the same! I am adding this piece to my most recent post. You so eloquently put into words the exact message I am trying to convey- “Look, the universe needs you to be brave, to break out of your rigid molds, to shave the stale crusts off your life and begin to wake up to your true self, through the means that resonate most to you.” I couldn’t agree more!
Let’s celebrate our authenticity! Break out of our limiting comfort zones and be bold!
umm, you need to get over yourself. you’re not that wild and crazy, and don’t start your post with your fucking resume. no one cares that you are a “harvard trained scholar” and that you’re oh-so-wild and worldly and adventurous! because it’s all gone straight to your head.
eat some humble pie and stop being a douchebag. you’re not *that* different or interesting.
Zzzz. Next.
It’s a shame people like the above totally miss the point of everything, Sera. You rule, thanks so much for your motivation and excitement!! For all of us who want to make changes but get confused a lost in the whirlwind of advice and literature that’s available; it’s nice to read something clear and exciting!
LOVE!
Evie~
I love the spiritual cowgirl!
Gab
Great read, also the picture looks so warm! At least for this time of year this far north!
Rock on! I haven’t been to this site in a while but felt compelled to come back to it today. It was exactly what I needed! Thank you!
April 28, 2009