I am the sky and everything else is the weather. Pema
Chodron
Wheels up, I am off to the west coast for the summer! What? Where to now is the usual reaction from my friends, more in excitement and curiosity than in disapproval or criticism, and that’s why they are my friends.
One of the things I’ve learned along the way, and it seems simple but actually quite hard to do because it takes awhile to get to know the true nature of people, is that you need to surround yourself with positive people that will support you for who you are, and want the best for you. In short, good mirrors, because I’ve had my share of distorted mirrors.
As usual when I take a new direction, it’s easy to say “yes” to it at the time, but it may take a few steps. In my case, it’s two planes, two ferries, a few shuttles and car rides, and a big leap of faith.
I am nervous. What about you may wonder? Everything. It’s been hard to leave for me to leave my past behind, my reputation, my cred behind in the city where I gained them, and start afresh and recreate, even though I have yearned to go out west for awhile and am excited by it.
I am heading to a place that seems far away and remote, and I don’t know much except that people say it is incredibly beautiful. I had signed up for a meditation retreat with Michael Stone at Hollyhock last summer but had to cancel, and I wondered when I would be able to return. Like many, I had heard about Hollyhock and wanted to go there one day. Well the one day is today!
When I asked my friend who is working at Hollyhock what I should pack, she said to travel light, you have everything you'll need here but there is nothing much on the island. I didn't really get this but I packed rather lightly anyway because I knew it would be hard enough to get there, never mind carrying a lot of luggage. And I knew I would find out over time what she meant.
I hope you’ll join me, virtually at least, on this journey. I can’t wait to share it with you!
