Day 9: It's the final day of Navratri, often the largest day of celebration. On this day in India new businesses are started, children begin their formal education if they are at the right age, and past regrets (and many times debts) are left behind. It's a new beginning, fresh start, and is celebrated as such. Today, Pure Jeevan is celebrating in a big way, too!

Yesterday, Jim handed in his resignation where he works. He was closing old books, imagining new ones, and today markes his first step of his new life. He gave the office one month's notice, after which he'll be here in Portland. Our new life has officially begun!

Change isn't always easy. It can be scary to leave what we know so well, especially if we are relatively comfortable (even if that comfort doesn't bring happiness). However, when one is living a health-conscious life, acknowledging that to fully be happy we need to be balanced on all levels (mental, spiritual, emotional, intellectual), accepting imbalance isn't a comfortable thing to do. Repeatedly we sense that something isn't right and we strive to figure it out, to make changes that can bring rebalance and complete happiness.

Jim was ready for this, however. He was very comfortable handing in his resignation, since he's know for a long time that a different lifestyle is waiting for him. It doesn't mean there aren't somewhat scary aspects of this huge shift in our lives, since there are quite a few unknowns. However, it feels so very right and we know that things will work out. Are we blindly looking into the future, just trusting that somehow things will be okay? Well, it may look that way, and it may feel that way at times, as well. However, at the core of my being I know that I have an inner direction, one that has never failed me. Making drastic changes requires that we tap into the feminine qualities of creativity and intelligence -- creatively thinking up ways to put the pieces together, to continue making changes and finding a way to have things work out well. And we need to rely on our female intuition to continually guide us in the best direction.

Jim and I encourage all of you to look within, listen to that inner direction, and consider making changes in your lives, as well, if you aren't already doing so. It's important to not live a stagnant life, for it is in stagnant waters that disease can breed (in the body, mind, spirit, emotions). We're not suggesting that everyone follow our lead by selling their homes, quitting their jobs, and just walking away from the lives they are currently living.

For many, that may not be the best choice for balance and happiness. For us, however, that is what we have been working on for many years. Some can make drastic changes overnight and never look back. For us, particularly with an adolescent to think about, the change needed to take a little longer.

If you've been a Pure Jeevan family member since this site first began, you know that we've been working on this big change for a very long time. We knew a change was necessary, and that it would be a big one, but we didn't quite understand the steps that would take place to bring us to where we currently are. Some of our plans changed, some were placed on hold, some were dismissed as no longer an option. We never gave up, though, and hope you'll never give up, either!

We're not at the end of this journey; we're simply at the point where we're taking the first steps on a new path. I feel, in every cell of my body, intense excitement and a peaceful understanding that this is the right path for us at this time. We'll be sure to continue sharing with all of you as our lives shift and change, yet again. It's all so thrilling, isn't it !

So, for this final day of celebrating Navratri I'd like to acknowledge the feminine energies that both Jim and I called on, within ourselves, to make such bold changes in our lives.

Yes, there were masculine energies, as well, but during this nine-day celebration we are focusing on the feminine energies that we all hold within ourselves. Some people are uncomfortable with images from religions different from their own. For us, we've always viewed them first for their aesthetic beauty, followed by the meanings behind them. We don't have to worship or even fully understand something to find beauty and inspiration.

For me, the female qualities that are celebrated with the various Goddesses in Hinduism have always brought about a deeper understanding of myself and others. When I see Durga, I am reminded of the qualities of fearlessness, compassion, fierce strength, and self-sufficiency that are a part of all of us. Likewise, I can appreciate wealth, fertility, and inner light/insight, as represented by Lakshmi, and the force of creativity and knowledge/intelligence of Saraswati that we all hold within.

May you all embrace your feminine sides, allowing the powerful female energy to repeatedly birth the changes that are necessary for your continued growth and happiness.

Happy Navratri, everyone! We love you so very much and are immensely thankful to have you in our lives!

Wendi and Jim

XOXOXO