Day 6: Dance happily in the other direction to the crowd

"The one who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd.  The one who walks alone, is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been."  (Albert Einstein)

Following our heart can ensure we don't need a leash or feel the need to follow the masses.  We can't create anything new and we also struggle to find our sparkle (or dharma) by walking in a crowd doing the same thing as everyone else.

It is very hard to break free from the crowd in a society where we are expected to conform.  Speaking out, doing something "different", going against popular opinion, drawing on your imagination, gut and heart instinct are even frowned upon.  It is hart to do many of these things.  It is often well outside the comfort zones of may of us.  People may tell you are doing the wrong thing, taking big risks or even belittle you for your thoughts.

Sometimes the crowd we are following is that voice inside our head; our Ego.  We face fears, self limiting beliefs, scrutiny; we are challenging our primal safety zone when we choose to stand out.  It is easy to do what everyone else is doing.  Our ego can present every excuse as to why we shouldn't do something and how it could be very risky.  But often when we are conforming and doing what we think is best because everyone else is doing it can bring low times for us without realising why.  

It also takes a lot of energy, a toll on relationships, sways in our moods to live an inauthentic life........

Time to thank the crowd for their support and dance happily in the other direction.

Some questions to ponder:
* Can you recall times where you have done things because other people thought it would be best for you?
* What would you really say and do if you weren't filtered?
* Interestingly we start to conform at a young age (especially when we start schooling).  Can you remember times at school where you disagreed or wanted to do something but didn't for fear of standing out?  What would you now say to your younger self?
* From this moment on, we have the choice to stand out!