By Pamela "Z" Ziemann

When I was a kid, I frequently fantasized about running away to the circus.

To me it meant leaving the ordinary world to explore a livelier place where people enjoyed themselves as they strived for and reached their highest potential. I visualized spending time with a deliberate group of friends; friends who supported each other in expressing their unique talents savoring the freedom of not holding anything back. Last week I went to a Cirque du Soleil performance and realized I had run away to the circus via my Avatar experience. In many ways, I find them similar.

My favorite part of the circus is watching people fly. During the show Cavalia, men and women ride magnificent brown horses galloping in a circular motion on the stage. With hooves pounding faster and faster each time around, the women are magically lifted into the space above their horses and appear to be defying gravity. They eventually disappear high into the circus top leaving each member of the crowd in awe. It’s this sense of going beyond what is “normal” that is so inspiring to me. Most people are uplifted when they see someone do something that they haven’t done before. I feel inspired every time an Avatar student breaks through their limitations and achieves something that previously seemed impossible to them. I remember feeling this way myself when I broke through my limitation of being afraid to speak in public. Using the Avatar tools, I overcame my fear and realized my secret dream of becoming an international speaker. I let go of the limitation in my mind that was holding me back. It makes me wonder what the illusion really is. Perhaps the illusion is labeling ourselves as not being able to do something and reality is deciding what we want and creating it deliberately.

All of this is possible when we know we’re in a safe space. In the circus, the equipment is checked and rechecked. There are safety nets below the trapeze artists. The seamless flow of events is possible because of the diligent care put into the preparation. Even though we don’t have safety nets on an Avatar Course, it’s safe because there is absolutely no judgment. It’s easy to open up and be your true self when you know you’re surrounded by love and compassion. Trainers infuse the space with a complete knowingness that you can do it too. No one pushes you, but when you’re ready to let go of the “I can’t” illusion and step into the reality you prefer, an unshakable support system is there for you. As Harry Palmer, author of the Avatar materials writes, “Love is an expression of the willingness to create space in which something is allowed to change.”

Change can be a tricky thing. When I was at the circus, one of the jugglers made a mistake and dropped the ball. I noticed how the crowd empathized and cheered him on anyway. We all knew he was doing his best. In Avatar, there isn’t any punishment or humiliation imposed for making a mistake. When you go beyond what you already know into a more expansive state, you’re expected to make mistakes. It’s how we learn. Now, when I make a mistake it’s a cause for celebration. I realize I’m pushing my limits and expanding into more growth and responsibility. I stay connected with my team, learn from the mistake and use it to make things better. In the past, I’d resent myself (and others) when I wasn’t perfect. I am so relieved to wake up in a place where I can grow and enjoy the process.

Working effectively with others takes cooperation and flexibility. The circus is one big team. It’s not a competitive game where teams are fighting against each other to determine a winner and a loser. Circus participants are motivated to work together to create beauty and magic for all. Cooperation is the name of this game. Watch the trapeze artists as they let go, trust and support each other. The clowns come in at just the right time to add humor. The tightrope walkers teach us about balance and concentration. Everyone plays their part like in a symphony. As an Avatar Master I enjoy seeing people discover their hidden talents and appreciate the talents of others. Everybody wins. It reminds me that we’re playing a new game; a more sane game. We’re all under the big top (or living on planet Earth) together, why not cooperate? The mission of Avatar is to catalyze the integration of belief systems. When we see that beliefs can be created or discreated with ease, the right and wrong game will wind down and world peace will ensue.

Have you ever noticed how peaceful we are and how fully alive we feel when we’re using our natural talents? What are yours? How can you share your creative spark with more people? Avatar can help you find the answers. If you’ve ever felt like running away to the circus, here’s your opportunity. You don’t have to wear a leotard or walk a tight-rope; you only have to open up to who you truly are. When you tap into this magic, you’re home free.

Pamela “Z” Ziemann, Seattle, WA

 

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