Serena Dyer is the sixth of Wayne and Marcelene Dyer’s eight children. An alumnus of the University of Miami and a South Florida resident, she’s authored a brand new book depicting her experiences growing up with spiritual parents. In Don’t Die With Your Music Still in You, set to be released this month, Serena imparts her experiences with all 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace her dad wrote about. Wayne, in turn, contributes his own perspective, making her debut book a perfect father’s day gift and must read for everyone. Natural Awakenings asked Serena a few questions in this exclusive interview.
You wrote the book based on one of the original principal in your father’s book “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace.” You explained that, Don’t Die With The Music Still In You, deeply inspired you. What was the second?
The second most inspiring secret or principal, if you will, was the notion that we cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it. When we encounter a problem or issue in our life, we cannot resolve that issue by using the same thinking or behavior that got us there in the first place. It’s like the idea of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Actually, I believe that is the definition of insanity! I realized that in order to solve any of the issues or annoyances that existed in my life, I first needed to change the way I was thinking. As Lao Tzu wrote, “If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.”
We all have a moment in life where our direction takes a sudden turn. What was the most significant and pivotal advise you got from your parents?
Honestly, the greatest advice I have ever received from my parents was “don’t die with your music still in you.” I titled my book this because it truly has been the single greatest piece of advice I have ever received. We all came here with music to play, with something that excites our soul and calls to us. I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and look back on it all and know that I lived a lie, or that I followed someone else’s dreams. I was at a point in my life where I felt that I was not honoring the music I came here to play, and I made the decision right then and there that I couldn’t allow myself ignore what I felt I came here to do.
Spirituality: Living and practicing it. Did you find it difficult to relate to friends or others your age as you were growing up?
I have never found it difficult to relate to my friends or other people my age as I was growing up. I grew up in a very spiritual household with very progressive parents. I learned transcendental meditation at the age of 5, I had monks who were friends who taught my brothers and sisters to chant, and my parents talked about things like past lives, time travel, spirit guides and yoga before anyone else I knew talked about these things. But that being said, my friends always thought my parents were cool! I didn’t grow up around people who judged others or criticized different ways of being. My parents raised my brothers and sisters and myself to be open to new ideas and new people, to be willing to try new things, and to leave the judging to someone else. I believe I always had an easy time making friends because my peers knew I wouldn’t judge them for who they were.
You spend time working to combat child trafficking through several organization. What kind of involvement or support would you recommend to your blog followers and readers in the fight against it?
The greatest weapon in the fight against child trafficking is awareness. The more people that are aware of what is going on, not just in America, but globally, the more likely we are to see effective change implemented. One of my favorite quotes is “there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Putting an end to child trafficking’s time has come. Every person that tweets about it, blogs about it, supports local and global initiatives is helping put an end to it. I am involved in Kristi House, a Miami organization that provides services to sexually abused and trafficked children, and I suggest taking a minute to go on their website and see how you can help too.
What’s Next?
I am getting married in July so that is the next big step for me! After that, I plan to continue blogging, speaking, and remaining open to whatever comes next!
Besides her work with local organizations to combat child trafficking, Serena spends her time traveling, reading, and blogging. For more information visit SerenaDyer.com.
