The first instance that came into my head when I thought about signs is when  we were driving to Orlando or Tampa (I’m not sure where). It was a long drive and somewhere along the way, husband and I started arguing and when it was over I was feeling lousy as ever. I wanted to step out of the car and go to a far away place. And then there it was – an airplane looping in the sky. I watched, fascinated as the jet fumes turned into the letter G and then an O and then the word GOD. I was barely breathing. I had never seen anything like this before. But the jet kept going and when it was finished the words GOD LOVES YOU were written in the sky. I often say,”I was blown away”  but it was probably the only time in my life when I was totally bowled over, blown away into space, all at the same time!

I read about ‘signs from the universe’ in..yes, you guessed it –The Secret. It talks of the universe as a living entity with ‘ears’ to hear your every request and respond to it. I started looking for and asking for signs when I felt stuck or unable to make decisions. Once you start asking and stay open, signs start appearing when you least expect them or even before you ask for them. Let me share what happened a few weeks ago. I wasn’t sure if I should use blogging sites or start my own blog ? That week every time I went up to my car there was this huge web between it and my neighbor’s car in the parking lot. It was on the driver’s side of the vehicle. So I would walk all the way around the car so as not to walk into the web, get into the car and then back out. Of course the web would get destroyed as I backed out of my parking space.

But the next day when I went to the car there was another beautiful web waiting for me. It happened all week – web after web after web, woven perfectly by this incredible spider with a never-say-die attitude. That’s when it dawned on me that I should go for it.

Another way the universe speaks to you (yes, it apparently has vocal chords in addition to ears) is through the radio. Do you hear the same song everytime you turn on the radio? Then the universe is talking to you – pay attention to the lyrics! Recently I heard what doesn’t break you makes you strongerwe belong to the light.. we belong to the thunder. Also been hearing, It’s gonna be a good life, ever since the beginning of this year and it has been amazing so far!

Also pay attention to your dreams. Some of us are so over stimulated during the day that we miss many signs and the only way the universe can get through is when we are sleeping,when we are completely relaxed and open. I had some very powerful dreams right after my daughter broke her arm. It was a very stressful time and we both slept fitfully at night for several weeks. I had to make sure that she didn’t sleep on her cast. I woke up so many times during the night that I was able to vividly recall my dreams. This dream came before I started writing these posts and at that time I was seriously contemplating doing some course to hone my skills and improve my chances of landing a job. I felt rusty and like I didn’t have anything valuable to offer.

In the dream I was getting a ride to Walmart because I urgently needed groceries. Getting a ride from total strangers. Women I had never seen before. It was late at night and when we turned the corner into the Walmart parking lot, I felt something by my feet. I looked down and saw that all the groceries I needed were in a bag on the floor. There are many ways to interpret this dream but the overpowering emotion that permeated the entire dream was a feeling of relief washing over me. I’ve got everything. I don’t need to make this trip to Walmart. The urgency vanished and was replaced by a feeling of strange contentment. I’ve got everything I need right here with me. I am enough. I am good just the way I am. It was a very powerful dream and the feelings associated with it washed every iota of doubt I had about putting myself out there.

The universe is alive and speaking to you – you only need to listen to its whispers.

Damayanti Chandrasekhar lives in Florida with her husband and two children,  loves yoga, baking and the Tao. She has a Masters degree in Journalism and currently volunteers at the local public school.  Her other interests include reading, travelling and playing agony aunt via her blogwww.punctuatelife.com.