“Put very simply, prayer is when we ask the universe for something, and meditation is when we stop and listen.” ~ DailyOm
At this time of year, people are offering up a lot of prayers. We are looking toward the new year to start fresh, to create and work toward new goals and dreams. We ask for signs to tell us we’re on the right track, that we’re heading in the right direction to actualize our potential, to find our calling. It’s tough work; no wonder we want some reassurance along the way.
But how often do we play the game of asking for assistance and reassurance only to get going as fast as our legs will carry us. When we ask for help, we have to slow down enough to receive it. Putting our questions out into the universe is very important; it helps us to crystallize what we really want out of our lives. It’s equally as important to then close our eyes, breath, and go within to listen for the universe’s response. Meditation, something as simple as just breathing with intention, can help to raise our awareness and recognize the signs that we’re seeking.
Listening intently takes more effort and offers more rewards that we give it credit for.
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Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
“Put very simply, prayer is when we ask the universe for something, and meditation is when we stop and listen.” ~ DailyOm
Christa Avampato 
Christa,
I agree. Words of wisdom here, to live mindfully rather than rush through the New York minute.
Too many New Yawkers eat and drink and have conversations on the run. You’ll find these busybodies all over the city, me thinks. But is that any way to live? Really, now.
That’s why I have enjoyed rural places, where the pace of live is slower. You have the time to listen to the chirping of the birds and enjoy the passing wind caressing your cheeks.
I wonder if we are missing out on so many fab experiences in our lives rushing from here to there. Maybe it is better to listen to the whispers of our conscience and the morning lark.
Cheers.
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Hi Archan,
I think when we move at a hurried pace we can’t help but miss out on some things that are happening around us, compounded by the fact that when we’re rushing we’re very focused on where it is we’re trying to go. Here’s to living life a little more slowly, and consciously!
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