If you don’t want to read or want to listen to the audio/video version of this post, you can take a look at the video:
It’s now been three full months since I’ve started the LIFE Project.
I’ve learned so much: lots of walking, meditation, finding myself in ways I never thought possible.
I’ve decluttered, detoxed, and said daily affirmations.
All this is adding up to a life-changing experience. So much is happening – both spiritually, physically, and mentally.
Here’s a quick re-cap of June:
Steps:
There were 6 days I didn’t get to 10,000 steps, but all of them were because we were out on the lake, in the garden, mountain biking or something else equivalent.
I’m not sure why the app doesn’t count the first day of the month. It did that last month, too. (When I snapped this photo, it was Jun 30 and I was still working on my steps.)
I use my phone as a backup, but I often don’t like to take it with me, and if I forget to sync it with my smartwatch, my phone won’t register the steps…
Meditation:
Gallons of water drank:
30+
Glasses of wine not drunk:
30+
Cups of caffeinated tea not drunk:
30+
Book read:
“Conversations with God” – one that speaks a lot about consciousness and echoes what other personal/spiritual development books have touched upon: we are what we think, what we think we create, and because we create, we create our reality. The universe is a “copy machine” of what thoughts we put out.
For more about the “detox” part of last month, take a look at I drank a gallon of water a day for 30 days. Here’s what I learned.
July: A Sacred Travel Month
For the month of July, the following is what I aim to do as part of the LIFE Project:
- travel to sacred (and other powerful) places in the northeastern part of the United States
- go on a personal (silent?) retreat for 4 days, 3 nights at a sanctuary in North Carolina
- travel to other sacred places in North Carolina (where I live): Pilot Mountain, Judaculla Rock, Mt. Richland-Balsam
- work on getting Tree of Life Mindfulness Journal finished and published
- Begin new book about sacred travel
- work on reducing personal expenses and simplifying
- Read “You’re a Badass” by Jen Sincero
Traveling to the Northeast
Last year, I went on another trip to the western part of the US to several sacred places: Bighorn Medicine Wheel, The Devil’s Tower, Thermopolis, Deadwood, The Badlands, and Spearfish Canyon.
That trip forever changed how I want/need to travel. I have this need to incorporate sacred travel into my travels, but now with another twist: to write about it.
I have never been to the northeastern part of the US.
We’re planning on camping our way through, just like we did last year. This is for two reasons: camping gets you back to nature and you can do more things for less money that way.
There is just something about waking up and opening the tent to the sights and sounds of a dewy morning, surrounded and hugged by nature’s abundance.
We are planning on going through the following states:
Pennsylvania
Getting from North Carolina to Rhode Island will take two days because of the need to camp along the way. We’ll stop in Pennsylvania the first night and stay in Michaux State Forest.
Rhode Island
Then, we’ll arrive in Rhode Island to finally meet Clark from the Wakefield Doctine and Denise from Girlie on the Edge. I have never met them in person, but I have known these two for years and can’t wait to give them real hugs in lieu of the virtual ones.
The day after we arrive, we’ll stop at the Newport Tower – it’s a mystery on how it got there; early settlers are reported to not have built that structure, but no one knows for sure where it came from.
Maine
From Rhode Island, will pass through Massachusetts. Originally, we were going to go see Walden Pond.
However, in wanting to keep this trip nature-focused and away from large populations of people, we decided to skip this one. Not that being around people is bad. But as an introvert, and also as someone who is honest seeking type of journey, I have elected to stay away from large cities in population centers. At least for this trip.
There are two main places we’d like to see: Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We will stay two days a campsite near Acadia national Park. This will give us a chance to explore Bar Harbor, as well as Acadia national Park itself. There are many trails, ponds, beaches, and opportunities to find serenity.
We were going to go see Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. However, our dog is going to be with us, and no dogs are allowed in the park. Furthermore, getting to Mount Katahdin, upon research, is more than were able to do you on a trip where we are going and seeing different places quickly.
It is an eight hour hike to the summit of Mount Katahdin. One day, we will go back and see this, but for now, this will remain a sacred place that remains to be seen.
New Hampshire
Crossing over to New Hampshire from Maine, we would like to explore the White Mountains. At the time we are there, the road to Mount Washington will be closed. That means we will be able to see the highest peak in New Hampshire; however, there are other peaks nearby, and beautiful wilderness. We will have to play this state a little by ear, but it would be cool to climb wildcat Mountain which has an altitude of 4000 feet above sea level.
I admit, after growing up in the Rocky Mountains, where I lived at the foot of Pike’s Peak for the first 21 years of my life, whose summit is over 14,000 feet above sea level, 4000 feet does seem much smaller.
Living in the Appalachian Mountains however, it’s all relative. I have come to love these old mountains just as much as the ones back in Colorado where I’m from.
We plan on staying at a ski area where they have campsites near some good mountain biking, and other hiking trails.
We had also planned on going to see America’s Stonehenge, Mystery Hill, but it is so far south, it’s almost in Massachusetts, and there is no good camping nearby.
Well, there may be good camping, but I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. There is a highly useful website called freecampsites.net that tells you where all kinds of wonderfully free camping is all over the United States.
We have mapped out a number of free campsites. A couple of them required a permit or reservation, but as of right now in our planning process, it looks like were going to spend somewhere between 20 and $40 for our lodging on this trip.
This is intentional. Hubby and I love to camp, and part of my own requirement for sacred travel is getting close to nature. I have been a lifelong camper. It is something that I’ve always loved to do ever since I was very young.
Honestly, once you have a roof over your head, whether it’s a tent or another accommodation, some fire for heat, some warm food, and adequate clothing for the weather, you’re good to go. A human really doesn’t need much more than that.
It really teaches you about what you really need to survive, and what’s really important. That’s part of why I love camping so much.
Vermont
after spending some time in New Hampshire, we will head west into Vermont.
I have always wanted to visit Stowe, Vermont, as it is a place where folks go to ski, and mountain bike. They also have a legendary haunted bridge that seems like it would be really neat to visit.
The backdrop to Stowe is Mount Mansfield. This is another peak that is over 4000 feet above sea level.
Next, we plan on going a little farther south to a town called Lincoln, Vermont. From our research on it, it looks like this is a place that draws folks who are interested in contemplation and balance.
Near to Lincoln, there is Mount Abraham. In centuries past, it was a Native American Indian meeting place and considered very sacred.
The next stop is nearby Bartlett falls before we had a little farther south to our next camping destination called Bingo Brook.
New York
Before heading back home, we want to take in the scenery of upstate New York. We plan on camping for a two days near Lake Placid.
These sites are in the Adirondacks.
To be sure there is a lot to see in the Northeast. We have about 10 days to do all this traveling, and so won’t be able to see more of the landmarks that were interested in; however, we will achieve our goal of creating a sacred journey by staying in nature and visiting places that have special significance.
In fact, a sacred place doesn’t have to be world-renowned. A sacred place can be anywhere that makes you slow down and start thinking about all the things that are really important.
After seeing New York, we will begin our journey back to North Carolina.
Traveling within North Carolina
Mountain Light Sanctuary
Once we get back, a few days later, I’m headed to Mountain Light Sanctuary for a personal retreat.
It’s a very Zen place. I went there a few years ago for a work retreat and loved it. I hardly got to explore as we did work-related activities and only stayed one night.
But, after going on a Buddhist retreat last year, I thought it would be really good to go on a personal retreat to do some self exploration, centering, and getting to know myself better.
I will be there for four days and three nights engaged with the following:
- meditation
- writing
- drawing
- hiking in the nearby mountains
- exploring the gardens – traditional, Japanese
- sit in contemplation in the sacred circle
- walking the trails
- nap in a hammock
- photograph flowers and beautiful landmarks
- explore the “Divine Feminine Grotto” on the premises
- reading
Since talking about this, hubby says he’s going to do a solo retreat, too. Probably sometime in August.
After doing this last year, I’m a fan of the yearly solo trip to recharge the heart. Jesus did it. Buddha did it. World leaders the world over, especially spiritual ones, have done this for centuries.
You learn things about yourself. You can explore ideas on your own time. It gives you perspective. It opens you up to new experiences. I’m doing it to expand my soul – to explore the sacred in the confines of my mind but in a natural environment.
I haven’t yet decided if I will make it a silent retreat. On the one hand, it was so good last year to engage in silence for five days like I did. Once I get going, I can become the little garrulous socialite (until my introvert meter burns red and I go kaput and have to recharge).
It made me get to know people in a very different, more intuitive way. There was no awkward social talk. It was just silence and I welcomed it – once I got used to it. I remember the first day or two, I felt like all the words in my head were going to pop out and bounce all over the floor like little replicating ants that couldn’t contain themselves. Eventually they went back into their little hill and settled down.
But then my mind slowed down…it’s wonderful when that happens. It’s like you transcend the now and enter a silent dimension reserved just for getting to know yourself.
On the other hand, it can be an opportunity to meet other people and chat with folks from other walks of life on similar experiences. I guess I’ll just “intuit” that one and decide when I get there.
There’s a few other places that I want to visit in North Carolina that I have never visited before.
Pilot Mountain
Mount Richland at Balsam
Judaculla Rock
Pilot Mountain and Mount Richland at Balsam are two places that are mentioned in the 108 sacred places book that I have. Judaculla Rock has ancient petroglyphs all over that have been there for thousands of years.
As I visit each place in North Carolina, I will do a little write up about it, especially in my journal.
In fact, I plan on journaling heavily, creating videos that I will put on YouTube as I have Internet access and time, and I will share photos on Instagram.Â
Tree of Life Mindfulness Journal
I’m still building the journal itself with mindful quotes, putting in the drawings from the coloring book (but in a modified way and am adding extra drawings, too), writing prompts, haikus and more.
Once I’m finished, I’ll create a similar cover to the coloring book, and get it ready for publication.
When I did the coloring book, it took nearly two months to format, scan in the images, digitally remaster them, and more. I anticipate a more streamlined process this time, but I’m thinking it will take at least a month.
I’m aiming for a publication date of late July or early August. With all the travel, however, I’m formally giving myself permission to publish in August as an amendment to the project.
The Books I’m Writing:
Using last year’s trip as a point of departure, I will journal and  intensively document my travels in the upcoming month and turn that into a book.
I will hopefully publish within a couple months, complete with photos, tips and tricks for doing your own sacred travel.
In addition, I am going to commit myself to writing at least three short stories that inspire. I really want to write visionary fiction, but in combination with the project, journaling, and working on the mindfulness journal, I haven’t been able to commit to a book just yet. But three short stories? Absolutely!
I will also finish more drawings for the journal. It’s based off of the Tree of Life coloring book, but I also want there to be some special, original goodies in there.
Personal Expenses
All right, here’s the big announcement: the grant that was funding my job as a director was not renewed. This means that my last day of official employment was 23 June. All along, I had a weird feeling that this would happen.
This means I’m really evaluating expenses and figuring out what steps to take next.
But, I see this as an opportunity to really go for it: to publish, to get certifications in mindfulness, to keep drawing and photographing beautiful things and hopefully inspire others.
During the course of this month, I want to be smart about living within my current means and cutting expenses where necessary. This also means a process of simplification.
In the future, if I need to do work other than writing for this website, it will be work that still leaves me with energy to work here and keep on publishing.
Reading
I had set out to read “108 Sacred Places,” and I’ll be consulting that book this month a lot. However, I’ve read everything I need/want to already.
When I made the video above, I still wasn’t sure what I was going to read. In light of my intentional path and working on mind, body, spirit, I’m going to read, “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero.
I heard her on a podcast and she’s phenomenal! So, I had to get her book, too.
Still Maintaining
- 10K steps per day, unless travel greatly interferes with that (will use a LIFE day)*
- 1 hour of meditation per day, unless travel greatly interferes with that (will use a LIFE day)*; may need to use guided meditation with headphones or split up the times I meditate to accommodate a traveling schedule
- daily journaling – written in my notes app, and then transfer to Penzu as I have access and time
- mantras
- affirmations
*Throughout the last three months, if there’s ever a time where I don’t meet my daily requirements of steps, meditation, journaling, mantras, affirmations, or the themed activity, I note that: each one activity does not equal an entire LIFE day, but when they add up to five missed activities, that counts as one day.
So far, I haven’t missed any of the LIFE project intentions: I’ve been consistent with meditation, and the days where I don’t get 10K steps, I’ve made up for it by getting exercise in other ways. I have missed a couple days of journaling, but then made up for it the next day. I haven’t missed reciting mantras or affirmations, yet, either.
So, I still have a bank of ten LIFE days. When I planned this project, I knew that the days of travel were where I was doing to need to use these, or if I ever became ill.
I imagine it’s going to be hard to meditate while traveling with husby – if I miss those meditations, but manage to complete all the other activities, five missed meditations, for example, will count as one LIFE day.
Aw, love all the traveling you are planning for this month. We have 5 days left before our annual Disney summer vacation begins and couldn’t be more excited if I tried right about now. So I will most likely be off the grid next week and towards the end of this week. But just had to stop by to say hi, wish you aHappy4th and send some hugs your way now, too xoxo <3
Janine – thank you, sweet friend! Five days left!? Wowza! We are leaving on Wednesday. Whew! Such fun! It gives you so much excitement, no? I just love it! And off the grid – such a welcome thing, I’m sure. I’ll send over that post – though I’ve modified it, if that’s okay – to “why everyone needs to go somewhere they haven’t at least once a year” – I thought the theme would be fun, given that we’re both traveling. 🙂 I wish you a Happy 4th, too! Sending hugs your way! xo
Wow. Once again I’m struck by how much you’re doing. It seems overwhelming to me. And kudos to you for wanting to be and do so much. Camping, hiking and seeing sacred sights sounds wonderful. Even though I grew up in the DC area, I’ve not done much traveling in the NE either, so enjoy and take photos for me. 🙂 PS, Is Mountain Light Sanctuary in Black Mountain? I visited a wonderful dome building in Black Mountain back in the mid 90s.
Brad – ah, you know, I think everyone has their own pace and their own way. And, I knew this would be a rigorous pace – even more me – but I wanted to push myself – to get out of my comfort zone to push myself in the intentional direction in which I wanted to go. I’m looking to camping, hiking, and seeing all the sights. I will definitely share some photos.
Mountain Light Sanctuary is actually north of Asheville – in Barnardsville. But so cool you’ve been to this area! And Black Mountain is a special place. Hmm…maybe I need to include that on the list of places to visit: it was an artist colony way before it became incorporated (if I remember the history about it correctly) – usually artists are very intuitive in where they choose to locate, because the energy and feel of a place is usually quite good. So – you gave me an idea! 🙂
I lived in Vermont for two years…visited Stowe often. My spirit is still there. Say hello to it when you visit, Lil Sis! In the meantime, here’s a hug to remind you of your Big Bro!
Big Bro – I didn’t know you’d lived in Vermont! I’m sure you related that in a story and I maybe forgot, but that’s really awesome. And you visited Stowe!? Now, for SURE that’s going to be a special place. 🙂 I’ll say hello for you. 🙂 Thank you for the hugs and I’m sending you some back! xo
Wow, Cyndi, you are certainly setting about being all you can be and for that I commend you! Wonderful that your hubby is on board for the travel and I hope the sacred sights bring you much fulfillment and learning. Great that you will meet two online friends in person too! As for the books you are writing, you know I’m here to support you ♥ I may not be physically with you as you travel in the upcoming days but I’m there in spirit!
Christy – aww, shucks. I just wanted to push myself – to get out of my comfort zone and just be really intentional about the life I want to live. 🙂 Speaking of, I’m really looking forward to the book, “You are a badass.” I have a feeling it’s going to be really powerful – especially for us womenpreneurs. 🙂 Looking foward to meeting friends irl, and just sending you warm hugs for all the love and all the support. I will keep your wonderful thoughts in my heart as we travel. Thank you so, so much! xo
You need to give yourself a huge pat on the back Cyndi for completing what you have achieved so far dear Friend.. Like Brad says Kudos to you for accomplishing so much.. 🙂
Your trip sounds to use your American phrase Awesome.. and then Some.. LOL.. oh so many sacred beautiful places to visit and I looked some of them up on the internet too.. Mount Mansfield caught my attention.. Why.. Well I live next to a town by the same name.. 🙂 lol so my ears pricked up on that one..
I hope you do get to see those mysterious lights too..
So many wonderful places to visit.. I am sure you will both have a wonderful July travelling to these sacred places on your list..
Great to see the graphs on how well you have done.. And peeking behind you on your video, your garden looks so peaceful and tranquil, a lovely space to be in..
This morning I was 4 hours in the allotments, catching up on the weeds from the constant rainfall of last week.. I had not been for a week.. instead my hubby kept going down.. I was so amazed at how it had grown… My project while it was raining for 3 days solid was to start knitting a cardigan for myself.. After several false starts and getting the pattern wrong, I simplified it .. I thought I can not do complicated at the moment.. So I am using the basic shape and will add detail to the borders with some crocheting work.. I think.. she says.. lol.. 🙂 Just going with the flow of it.. lol
As I know you will go with the flow on your trip..
Enjoy your well deserved break Cyndi.. know you are one special lady.. And oh so wished we lived closer.. I would be joining you for some of that tea.. 🙂
Sending Hugs hugs.. ENJOY and relax.. and we will be here when you get back.. Oh and loved the title of the book choice for holiday read.. 🙂
Take care.. Lots of Love and sending Blessings your way to you and your Hubby..
Sue <3 🙂 xxxx
Hehe…pats on the back. Whew! As I was relating in my last comment, the night before, we slept little (only about 3-4 hours) because we were on the way back home and had difficulty finding a camp spot. We thought we’d just come on back and rest at rest stops along the way. I went to bed at the normal time last night, but got up late and now it’s at least 2 hours from a normal bedtime and…I think I want to sleep now. Hehe. Traveling is so fun and awesome, but when you get back, you’re always tired from the trip and want to regroup a bit from that. We went to so many beautiful places and states. I just loved Cadillac Mountain (not the name! lol) and the hike we took. We also fell in love with the state of Maine – I could move there! I’d have to grow about 4 more layers of skin, given its northerly latitude. Hehe. We would so have loved to hike Mt. Mansfield: we ended up in a cafe sipping tea – which was fun, too – because it was so cloudy, foggy and rainy, we decided that the six hour hike roundtrip might have been a little much. Just as well, though: we had a chance to sit at camp and I worked on new ideas for a story I’m writing. I was so inspired from the trip itself! I just love how traveling does that. So, as you said in your comment: “we simplified it” and after going to the cafe, I went back to my tent to sleep for two whole hours! I am enjoying rejuvenating sleep, I think. Hehe.
I got back and was looking at the garden today. Day by day, it’s hard to notice the changes, but when you are not in the garden (or allotments), it’s amazing how much things grow in that time! Our geraniums have grown so much! They’re beautiful to see!
I didn’t know you knit! I know how; I taught myself back in 2004-2005 and loved it. But complicated patterns are scary. This is something I’d like to get back into. That and the guitar. I do so love playing guitar…but I don’t have a great talent for it. Haha. That’s okay. The challenge is meditative and fun, is it not? I’m sure that cardigan, handcrafted by you, is filled with so much love and “go with the flow” vibes. Whoever gets it, I know, will imbibe those values. I so wish we lived closer. The stories and tales, the wisdom and sharing – just think of it. Over tea. I intend to do this with you one of these days. It will happen. Oh and the book. I just *love* it: I might have to write a separate post about it. She is a spiritual writer, but she doesn’t hesitate to be colorful with language. It’s great – it makes me laugh, but there’s wisdom in those pages, too. Sending you hugs. Thank you so much for the sweet comments. Sending you big hugs!
My friend, you are a true INSPIRATION. Honestly! I can’t even keep up with you anymore and I thought I was ambitious lol. Really, you are doing amazing things and I’m so proud of your journey and how far you’ve come since I’ve known you. The travel plan sounds fantastic – right up your alley and how cool that you’re going to meet Clark and Denise?! 😀 I absolutely LOVE the idea of a solo getaway. In fact, I mentioned it to hubby a few months ago; it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now. Will have to wait till some moola comes in now I guess – but something to look forward to! Enjoy the trip – can’t wait to see your pics! Safe travels! 🙂 xxx
Melanie!! <3 Finally have a chance to respond. Oh, sweetie! Thank you for the sweet, sweet words! Hehe...Okay: keeping up? I can't keep up, either. I make sure to schedule in big rests during and after these journeys. It might be 7:30pm, and we've scarcely been back for 24 hours, helped drive husby to another state (yes, more traveling today) to sell the truck he fixed up and then drove back - about 5 hours round trip. I am one tired little Sageleaf...it might only be 7:30pm, but I think bed time is in less than an hour! lol.
But this journey is incredible - I want everyone to try something like it. I've gotten so much out of it and tried so many things already that I just can't believe it sometimes.
Clark and Denise were awesome! It's fun meeting other bloggers IRL.
As for the solo getaway, that's only two days away already! But I'm looking forward to it. In light of all the writing ideas I have, I think I need to spend time working on these stories! 😀
And for you, my friend! Your moola will come. Don't you worry: just focus on that as your goal and it will happen. I just know it! Thank you for your thoughtful comments, sweet friend! Sending you big hugs! xo
Dear Cynthia,
I love your sacred travel itinerary and hope you are being recharged, rejuvenated and inspired to the fullest.
I’ve spent some time checking out the Mountain Light Sanctuary and am dreaming now of this beautiful setting / or another like it to make a personal retreat next May or June.
Have a peaceful day in all you do. Love, Maria
Maria – thank you so much! It’s been incredible so far! Just got back last night and helped husby sell the truck he fixed up today and now I’m going to have a wonderful, wonderful long sleep tonight! Hehe. These trips are so fun and amazing…but then it’s so wonderful to get back home and enjoy some sleep, too. Hehe. I’m already headed off for the personal retreat in two days’ time. I love that you’re looking at Mountain Light. It’s a magical place, and so lovely there.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I wish you peace, too! Thank you, too, for your patience while I got back to your comment. Sending you big hugs! xoxo
Bless your heart Cyndi. and so pleased you enjoyed your hols.. I saw your vids and they were great, lots of wonderful sacred places, and the energies obviously suited you.. 🙂 So happy you had such a wonderful time..
The cardigan I have only one sleeve to complete and sew together and add a fancy edging ( If I feel like it ) to take the edge of the plain adaptation of the pattern I tweaked.. But for once its for me.. I thought knit for others but this one is for me..
Now for a catch up here 🙂
Sweet Sue! Your comments always make me smile. You know, all those sacred places became sacred to me because of the energy they held. I realized, actually today, when I was journaling that we only made it to one sacred place listed in the 108 Sacred Places book. We had plan on going to Mount Katahdin, Mount Mansfield, Mount Abraham, and Walden Pond. But when we sat down to really plan the details of our trip a few days before, we realized that Newport Tower would still be on the list, as would Mt. Mansfield, and Mt. Abraham. I was looking forward to visiting these places. However, on the entire trip, we only made it to Newport Tower. Even then, you probably saw, that it was torrentially raining. Because of that, we didn’t stay long at all. And because of the rain we didn’t hike Mount Mansfield, and we got to the little town of Lincoln, Vermont, too late to be able to hike to Mount Abraham. Oh well, it was still a very special journey. It was all about connecting to source, finding a place that had good energy, and we found that and so much more. There is a special energy at Cadillac Mountain, Milbridge Maine was an incredible place, and we have no plans to visit Franconia notch State Park until John had said that he wanted to go biking. That was when we discovered the spots that Henry Thoreau had stood at. It was like we were meant to be there. And then going over to Vermont, Stowe was a fun little town, and the campground where we stayed was a welcome respite from the far-remote areas in which we had been staying. I admit, it was nice to get hot showers, and get some relief from the bugs that seem to plague the Northeast. In fact, it’s so fun how you come to appreciate those little things that characterize modern life. For much of the journey we did not have good Internet access, and it was good to have that at that particular campground. They also had a neighborhood that was adjacent to the campground where we were able to walk and see the quaint little houses. They also sold good firewood, and they gave us a special spot with lots of trees at my request. So, it was while we were in Stowe that I decided it would be just good to relax and I napped and napped. It was still chilly there surprisingly. And, it was quite rainy, such that we didn’t hike Mount Mansfield. But that’s okay. That just gives us a reason to go back someday.
That cardigan that you’re making, I’m so glad it is for you! I would love to see pictures on your blog when you complete it. You have such a gift for creativity, two, that I just love taking in all of your beautiful words, poems, and the things that you create. I can’t wait to see it!
Maybe its good that the rain changed your plans you got to be where you were meant to BE and that is the sacredness of it.. Seeing the gifts within each place you did visit was gift enough..
Lots of Love right back.. <3
I cannot wait to share this journal. If you want, you can read it (no problem if not – life is short and we often can’t get to everything), but this is a realization I grappled with. That which is sacred appeared in the whole journey itself. And I accepted that. I had other destinations in mind, but…it turned out that we were where we were, because we were meant to be there. And I felt so compelled to write about these experiences, both in fiction form and in non-fiction form. And each place was indeed a gift. And I still feel their power. Sue, I think you are a sage. You are incredibly wise and I love, love, love reading your words and insights. xoxo
Your journal is yours .. And what you share on your blog shows me beyond doubt that you are now well on your own Shamanic Journey.. Allow it to unfold at its own pace. Learning to live in gratitude for all that is shown, the insights, the gifts, I know will lead you to a brighter more fulfilled place of BEing .. And I so thank you for that wonderful compliment..
Oh and one more thing.. I do not know if you know this, but each time we reply via our notifications to your comments back, it fails in red on our Notifications in WP.. So We have to come back to your site,, I do that by clicking the top line of the comment I made you answered too..
I wonder if your settings you have not allowed replies?? Just a thought as I know Nihar who is my friend in India had this same issue with his private Blog space and wordpress until he at last found a way to solve it in his settings..
It is no problem to reply to you comments this way for me.. But I thought you may get more replies to the comments you leave other people if you look deeper into why WP is failing replies to your comments this way.. I know Brad also said he had this issue too..
Love and HUGS dear Cyndi and hope you did not mind me mentioning it to you xxx <3 Sue
Hey there, sweet Sue! Your thoughts so brighten my day. xoxo
I will come back to respond more as I am headed out to walk, but I did want to let you know that I had sent in a tech request to wordpress. It turns out that .org sites (which mine is) are not compatible with the .com (which your site is) reader. Brad’s is a .com site, as well. This means that I can read your comments in my notifications feed, but they don’t work to respond to them there. I also have to go to individual sites to respond. It’s frustrating and wordpress does not have a workaround for this – so they have told me. Now, that being said, if I can ever get a web designer to help with my website, I will mention that and perhaps there’s some code this person can write in and allow comments through notifications. But your feedback is important to me.
As for trusting and being on the journey, I can sense that it truly has begun. We’re going to a sacred site later today, but…now that I’m home, I am feeling the weight of “whoa! Not going back to work in a few days!” (If the grant had continued, I would be getting ready to go back to work Aug. 1.) Just as moments of doubt creep in, I remember all my mindfulness, love and support, and the urging in countless books (Conversations with God included) about remaining steadfast and don’t allow oneself to lose focus. So, I pull together my resolve and am actively placing my trust in the universe, knowing it WILL all work out and that everything is unfolding just as it should be. 🙂
Sending you mega hugs. You truly are a gem! xoxo PS – I am *so* grateful for you!
Sue – finally responding more to this. That walk the other day turned into an epic writing marathon after the fact. Hehe. I love this: “you are now well on your Shamanic journey.” Oh, that wraps my heart in strands of light and I just feel the smiles and warmth there. I have also been using something called a “spirit council” – something I have already written the post for, but have been waiting to share it – to share it when it won’t get overshadowed by these travels. Hehe. But, the messages of insight and those answers that come from within…I have been feeling less compelled to seek answers from outside as my own answers come regularly now. It’s pretty amazing – I just can’t believe how powerful it all is. I’m sure you have discovered this long ago – by your words and wisdom that you share, it’s obvious your deep connection to Spirit. Sending you so much light and wishes for a wonderful weekend! xo
Enjoy your walk dear Cyndi and good to know you have been trying to solve this issue.. It is as I said not a problem to me.. And Yes.. Keep Trusting.. TRUST being the Key, and Focused upon the goals in your life.. I know you know that all is as it should be..
Enjoy your sacred place my friend.. Speak soon xxx <3
Sue – hehe, yes…we went to Richland-Balsam and we’re headed to Judacullah Rock today. One more place to stop after this (they’re all local and easy to get to).
“Trust” is so powerful. I’ve been employing this idea, especially, since I have returned and the reality that I’m not going back to work has really set in. Some would say that I need to be looking for other employment – for other income. But I mentioned my “spirit council” in one of the other comments here, and well…they have advised me to focus on EXACTLY what I want to do (writing and art), produce good work and get it all out there, and when the time comes, if I need extra income, that I can envision through gratitude the perfect gig that will be conducive to continuing on this journey. I’m not kidding when, in meditation this morning, I consulted with them. It’s a powerful way to get answers using people who have high vibrations. It’s wonderful and powerful and I’m enjoying it so. I found out about it through Abiola Abrams – a woman who is a “spiritpreneur.” She’s gorgeous, lovely and full of great ideas. 🙂 The spirit council is one of my favorites. All is as it should be. <3