Following the Trail to a Playful Life

As a kid, I used to draw clothing designs and I remember sewing a Snow White costume when I was 13. In my late teens and early twenties, I enjoyed various styles of clothing and costume... from hippy wear to pirate gear. Then in 2002, I decided to really bring costumes into my life in a bigger way. My theory was that if you only got dressed up for the Prom, there just weren’t enough opportunities to dig out that tutu or tiara. Or if you really enjoyed Halloween… why not extend it throughout the year? Why not make everyday a Costume Day?

More importantly though, it was part of a commitment to incorporate Playfulness and Joy into my daily existence. I had made a vow to consciously create a life that was aligned to my heart's callings.

Many fascinating things followed that decision... including the exploration of Burlesque. This genre of performance art gave me a creative platform to tell stories and play in costume. Be it mermaid, unicorn, pirate or demon... be it theatre, song or dance... I could indulge in many interests and passions.

As I followed my heart, another incredible gift came into my life: the gift of community.

When i was a child, i imagined having a beloved group of friends that i could share life with. These would be kindred spirits who liked to play, who were loving and who believed in magic. I wanted to dress up, dance, sing, make art, laugh and grow with my tribe...

That was the dream.

Then in 2005, to my great delight and awe, the dream arrived... That summer, I found myself surrounded by like-minded souls. I had found my tribe and it was even more beautiful than i could have imagined...

Since then, this experience keeps expanding. I keep discovering ever more communities of amazing beings and when I attended the Burning Man Festival this summer, it felt really natural playing in the desert with other adventurous souls, making art and wearing kooky costumes.

However, I realized that the reason it felt so natural being there, was that my life in Vancouver was equally surrounded by Art. We have such an astounding community of creative beings! On any given night, there is a plethora of happenings… with talented musicians, firespinners, burlesque dancers, singers, aerialists, performance artists, writers, stiltwalkers, clowns, healers or jugglers…

The magic that people seek at Burning Man, exists everywhere if you allow it. Life anywhere can be bliss if you wish.

And sometimes, "following your bliss" begins with heeding your heart's little urges. No matter how mundane, how trivial, how random or how strange... these little urges lead you on a surprising adventure straight into your ultimate bliss.