A Month's Departure ...



“The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be. Maybe we've lived a thousand lives before this one and in each of them we've found each other. And maybe each time, we've been forced apart for the same reasons. That means that this goodbye is both a goodbye for the past ten thousand years and a prelude to what will come.”

Nicholas Sparks

THE NOTEBOOK

We are departing today for a month's stay in my favorite Old Town in Key West (of course Florida).  Russ and I have traveled to St. Thomas, Hot Air Ballooned in Fairbanks, then an Alaskan cruise, New Orleans, a few monthly trips to Hawaii, and numerous trips to Key West.  Even though my trips to Hawaii have been spiritual journeys, Key West remains my favorite! 

We walk everywhere ... to the harbor, the  port for cruise ships, Bahama Village, most Southern tip of the island, and of course the main drag, Duval Street.  There are museums, art galleries, an outstanding butterfly garden, an aquarium, the Hemingway Home, and an intriguing old cemetery.  There are old cathedrals, a library with beautiful outdoor settings, musical entertainment, and great shopping for unique gifts and funky clothes! We try to avoid the tourist traps and late night drinking at the Hog Breath Saloon or Sloppy Joe's. We will be attending the Waterfront Playhouse, the Red Barn Theater, and a benefit concert by (Noel Paul Stookey) Paul from Peter, Paul and Mary.  The Willie Nelson concert is already sold out! 

Every night at the Sunset Festival there will be mimes, jugglers, the cat man, gymnasts, magicians and various other performers.  Many vendors will be selling anything from popcorn to margaritas.  A variety of artists will be offering their original jewelry, pottery, clothing, paintings, photos, with even a psychic or two.  The list really is endless.

There are so many places to eat, but we have our favorites that typically serve outdoors in garden  areas.  There is Blue Heaven, Pepes, B.O.'s Fish Wagon, Harpoon Harry's, Turtle Kraals, Mangia-Mangia, Michaels, Sarabeth's, Bagatelles, Conch Republic Seafood Company,  Louie's Backyard, Seven Fish, and Abbadonza's, to name just a few. The ferry will take us to an island to dine at Lattitude's or we drive to Stock Island to eat great food at a bar named  Hog Fish.  My favorite Cuban sandwich is a carry out from Five Brothers.

To use one word to describe Key West, it would be diversity.  It is a splendid mix of people from all different paths of life.  It offers history and a culture all of its own.  As you can tell, there is a wide variety of activities to choose from.  I am hoping the open air yoga studio is back  (it wasn't last time) and I have a gift certificate for the Pra Na Spa.  Mid-afternoon we will be relaxing (napping, reading, writing) from our excursions by the edge of our small heated back yard pool.  The little home we have secured offers a wonderful back porch with an over hang and comfy lounges  for day dreaming and planning our next adventure.

And nothing makes a return visit better than friends.  We will once again be visiting with Sandy and Bill who live on the neighboring island key, Sugar Loaf.  They are wonderful co-conspirators and we will explore everything from Key West Home Tours to Big Pine Flea Markets.  We are able to enjoy the 'local' atmosphere and out of way places with their expert guidance.  Besides, they really are fun folks!

My this all sounds overwhelming and yet I know the month will unfold slowly, casually, and mixed with rich opportunities.  It is a very laid back community and we plan on fitting right in.

What We Need to Know

All religions, arts and sciences

are branches of the same tree.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was born in 1879 and died in 1955 leaving an abundance of discovery, insight, and knowledge behind him.  He was a Nobel Prize winner and had been highly honored in his field of work.   I do not relate well to anything scientific as my strengths seem to be in English, literature, and the written word.  So it comes as a bit of a surprise to me when I am so drawn to Albert Einstein's quotes (not his scientific theories), in reference to life itself.

When expressing my own beliefs about life, I usually say that we are all traveling to the same place, just in different vehicles.  It doesn't matter which vehicle we are in, as long as we are making the journey.  We will each experience life in differing ways, some in the fast lane while others will be on country lanes.  The journey is just as important as arriving at the chosen destination.   No matter how we term our final resting place or destination,  I do believe we will all see each other there. 

Minds evolve and science advances, but ancient spiritual teachings have survived centuries.  Languages may not be the same, and writers may have their own interpretations, but basically, in my opinion, there really is just one resource or one original author.  The Divine speaks to all of us.

It matters to me if you believe in the goodness of all people, remembering that we are all children of God/Spirit/Universe.  Respecting diversity is also important, just as honoring the sacred within is imperative.

It does not matter which path has been chosen, as long as we find ourselves upon a path.  If we but open our hearts, our  minds, and our spirits, we will discover what we need to know!

With Eyes Open

Can miles truly separate you from friends ...

If you want to be with someone you love,

aren't you already there?

Richard Bach



Today is one of those odd days where I feel unsettled inside of myself.  I woke up with some unknown emotion stirring within me, down in my belly.  I have a long list of things I would like to accomplish, but already I feel time slipping through my fingers.

I slept deeply, waking with a dream freshly imprinted upon my mind.  I was surrounded by friends as I recognized specific voices, but I could not open my eyes.  I desperately tried to lift my eyelids open, but to no avail.  I attempted to get them half-way open, but they were just too heavy.

I am left to ponder the meaning.  What am I not willing to see?  Why am I avoiding what is before me?  How can I embrace what is presented before me?

Journaling in search of answers, I discover my desire to control.  I see others at soul level and forget they are human as well.  I long for others to be in a joyful space of understanding the Divine and it is challenging for me to watch and not interfere.  Not wanting to turn away, perhaps I close my eyes.

As a parent, it was heart breaking, but necessary to stand back and watch a child struggle as they made their way along life's challenging path.  It is also difficult to observe friends learning their lessons.  I must be reminded, however, it is ego that gives me the false impression of having answers.  I am not called to interfere with someone else's path.  I do not need to resolve nor rescue any one.  I am simply expected to be present.

We must find our own unique way. With eyes open, we can be present for those around us, offering nothing but love, energy, and light.  By opening our hearts to each other without judgment or attempts to control, we simply remain present to witness each other's passage along life's mysterious way.

Cultivate a Sense of Worthiness

The appearance of things change according to the emotions,

and thus we see magic and beauty in them,

while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves.

Kahlil Gibran

Lebanese Poet and Philosopher

We are all resilient creatures entitled to a life of abundance, creative expression, and good health.  Born into this physical world, we bring unique gifts and talents to be used in carving our imprint upon our own life and the lives of others. 

We are not meant to be the same nor are we meant to be ruthlessly competitive.  In the truest sense of living, we are meant to compliment, encourage and inspire each other.  At times, we are also called to challenge, but never conquer.  Sometimes we are the teacher and often times, the teacher becomes the student.

If the only person we can truly change is our self, we must continue to go within, discovering our connection with Divine Spirit.  Through prayer, meditation or contemplation, we tap into wisdom, insight, and inspiration which encourages personal empowerment ... not a physical power over others, but the essence and the importance of the spiritual abilities we each possess. 

If we do not cultivate a sense of worthiness, we will never be able to make the change we most want to see.  We will continue to have a yearning and a sense of unfulfillment no matter what material accomplishments we achieve. 

By achieving the sense of self-worth, we can slow down and become aware of the beauty we each behold.  Instead of being threatened, we can celebrate the differences between us.  If we open our hearts with compassion, attempt to understand differences between us, and join our efforts towards common goals, our world will be a source of comfort.  Love becomes the bond holding us together.

Blessings of Solitude by John O'Donohue

 

 

 

 

 

May you recognize in your life the presence,

power, and light of your soul.

May you realize that you are never alone,

that your soul in its brightness and belonging

connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.

May you have respect for your individuality and difference.

May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,

that you have a special destiny here,

that behind the facade of your life

there is something beautiful and eternal happening.

May you learn to see your self

with the same delight,

pride, and expectation

with which God sees you in every moment.

John O’Donohue

 

 

This morning I was missing a friend of mine who is on vacation, so I spent some time on her blog: 

 

Nan Yoga ~ Along the Path 

http://www.nanyoga-alongthepath.blogspot.com  

 

She has introduced me to numerous poets over the years through her inspiring style of teaching yoga.  She is also a member of the writer's group I attend.

 

Reading John O'Donohue's poem happened to occur while I was thinking of the writer's group meeting yesterday.  As I had not attended for some time, I was very impressed to find an atmosphere of positive thinking.  The focus was on steps that had been taken (even if baby steps) rather than reporting on the many tasks left undone.  There was enthusiasm and encouragement which quickly became infectious.  I realized that in my absence, these writers self-confidence and recognition of self-worth had definitely heightened. 

 

In reading Blessings of Solitude by John O'Donohue I was once again reminded of principles that keep us strong and focused.  We need to recognize and embrace the gifts and talents that happen to be unique to our selves, honoring them rather than comparing them.  In times of loneliness, rather than shutting down inwardly, we can reach out to the beauty surrounding us or utilize prayer, meditation, yoga, etc ...  All of these actions connect us with Divine Spirit, The Universe, God and Angels.  We can readily grow more fully into our selves if we hold the reflection of how we are seen by our Creator.

 

Personal discoveries made in solitude develop trust and confidence.  We are a part of a very large picture and this very large picture will not be complete unless we contibute our unique splash of color!