I remember the first time I watched my grandmother mix vinegar with baking soda. Instantly the concoction started to bubble and fizz. I was very young and thought the whole thing was fascinating. My Grandmother less so, as she was in the middle of cleaning. Later, in high school, the concoctions became more complex, the results more interesting. Fast forward to present day. Although I’m not heating nebulous solutions over a Bunsen burner, I’m still experimenting and I’m still fascinated by the results.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for a few years and my business has pivoted and morphed, yet always moving forward and becoming more of a match to me—or rather, the higher version of me. The path to where I currently reside has not always been obvious, but I’ve learned to trust the gentle nudges, signs, and synchronicities along the way. I follow the energy. What does this mean? It means that I go in the direction that feels good, that feels “light” in my body, even when it doesn’t make sense (maybe especially when it doesn’t make sense). When something feels “heavy,” I’ve learned to steer clear.
But this awareness is relatively new. For many years I was blind to the way in which the Universe conversed with me. Even when I did begin to tune into the messages, I pretended not to hear them. It was easier and safer to traverse the beaten path. Along this well-worn path, I picked up numerous tribal and societal beliefs about what was possible (i.e. realistic and practical) and the kind of life that was meant for me. As Don Miguel Ruiz would say, I was “domesticated.” We all are. Until we’re not.
In 2010 I started to have an awakening of sorts, or should I say “re-remembering” of who I really am. A switch was turned on and suddenly I found myself searching…for what, I didn’t have a clue. But there was a knowing that I was meant to do something more with my life. I use the word “do” purposely as I hadn’t yet grasped the concept of being more of myself. Curiosity drove me forward.
I lived a double life for years— “Corporate Carol” by day, spiritual seeker on nights and weekends. As a decades-old relationship finally crumbled, a new, wide-eyed me emerged. My thirst for knowledge around energy, metaphysics, quantum physics, and spirituality was kicked into high gear. Each new learning led to another book, workshop, or a chance meeting.
I followed the Divine Breadcrumbs, not knowing where they were leading, but blissfully not caring. I just knew it felt good.
More than a decade later, I find myself in a life completely different than the life I thought I was destined for. Mentoring, consulting, writing, endless learning…all the things that I love. At the crux of all of it? Energy. Healing, harnessing, transmuting, and clearing is the foundation of everything I do for myself and others. What once seemed strange and weirdly woo is now a given.
This brings me back to my love of experimentation. Upon hearing the word “alchemy,” some think of the ancient stories of turning lead into gold. Others picture glass flasks and test tubes. Alchemy is a natural process that all things undergo in order to transform and transmute from an unstable state to a more stable state. When we’re talking about spiritual alchemy we’re looking at where we’re out of balance or unstable in our lives. We look at how we can alchemically transmute those areas and bring greater balance. We get to play with energy.
We’ve all heard the term “work in progress” and yes, I would agree that this phrase describes all of us. But something about it feels “heavy” to me. It feels like efforting and striving. The term “Alchemy Underway” came to me one morning while walking in nature. “Yes!” I thought. We’re always changing, transmuting, and pivoting and it happens very naturally if we allow it.
For me, Alchemy Underway is not just a catchy or clever brand name, but a way of life. It’s yielding to what wants to come to us and through us. It’s about expansion, excitement, mysticism, and flow. It’s about trusting the process with the knowing and acceptance that we are always changing, but always, always for our Highest Good—up, up, up along a Divinely supported spiral.
In the coming months, I will be sharing more of my personal stories. I’d like to dive deeper, uncover new layers, yet still follow the energy of what feels right for me. I want to integrate the alchemy that is always underway for me and share it.
Now, what’s underway for you?
Dear Carol,
I shall be reading your wonderfully inspirational article time and time again. You have a unique manner in which you describe the most personal details but always see the opportunity for development, change and advancement; but on a delightfully gentle scale. I never tire of reading your posts, your articles, descriptions and more. You are a pure gem and shine a light of optimism on all who know you. Divine Breadcrumbs are a very real signal from the Universe and you have spread your words around like an angel. Congratulations, my friend. And that is from the heart.
Simon
Thank you so much, Simon! Your comments always give me a real boost and I so appreciate all the support you have given me over the last few years.
Wonderful, Carol, a pleasure to read. My wife and I are also ‘following the divine breadcrumbs’, knowing there’s an entire loaf of nourishment ahead somewhere. Thanks for writing this, I have a suspicion that you’re in great company.
I love that, Byron! Yes, I believe I am in great company as well. Look forward to “chatting” with you more! Thank you again for taking the time to read my essay. 🙂
Beautiful, Carol! This so spoke to my heart, as I think I’ve been on a similar journey. Congratulations on your new column!
Thanks so much, Kimberly! I love following your journey and look forward to your next essay!
Wonderful article Carol. I am on that journey now and it is like a roller coaster at times. Yet, through all the ups and downs, twists and turns, I’m learning and growing, as well as refining my message and myself.
Great insights.
Thank you for the inspiration!
It can be quite a ride, right?! Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to read my essay. Wishing you well on YOUR journey. 🙂