EVERYWHERE!!!

Sometimes the divine is difficult to perceive in things/people/situations that go against my ego's perception of what is good and riteous and moral and integrous...those "good things" are the easy places to see the holy and sacred. Mountains, nature, the desert, the brilliant white light that shines from my healthy heart, belly laughter, shared truth, deep conversation, good work, a job well done, pleasant times, fresh bread/cookies/homemade pie, excellent tea, the reflection of a lover/intimate friend, silent meditation, answered prayers.

On good days, I believe and feel that everything is unfolding as it needs to for all beings to learn and remeber to come home to the divine. Even the violence and the war in the wolrd (this is especially difficult for "me" to see)...we are all subject to cause and effect. Karma. It always comes back. Sometimes there is a time delay...sometimes there are even life-time delays...but given ripe causes and conditions, results come to fruition.

I pray every day for peace. That we may all learn our love lessons as gently as possible and learn to perceive through God's eyes...through the eyes of love.

I started telling people I love them more. From the heart. In emails. In letters. In person. One the phone...with true blessing and pure intent. It's meant a lot to open my heart in this way.

peace.

My true friendships, community connections, the priviledges I enjoy as an intelligent, ablebodied American citizen, the lessons I have learned about the importance of kindness and gentleness, the place for powerful response. I would like to celebrate taking care of myself (body, mind, spirit, shadow) and the integral community that has supported my growth over the last three years. Thank you everyone!

In 9 days, I walked the High Sierra Crest Trail, 75 miles across CA's Sierra Nevada Mountains from Cresent Meadow (6,700' elev) in the west to the Mt. Whitney Portal in the East. I soaked in the small Kern River Hot Springs and summited Mt. Whitney (the highest mountain in the continental US--14,505' elev) on this trip. Awesome.

I have also done two 200+ mile bike trips in Southern Utah. One from St. George to Loa in March of 2005, and one from Loa to Loa in a loop around scenic Hwy 12 in August of 2006. Both trips took 6 days. Gorgeous.

I did all of these journeys solo.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. This happens every day. Every breath. Every moment. This am, it came to me to write it down. To remind myself I have the choice to start anew, in a new direction, or to reinforce new beginnings with my choices. Even something as simple as straightening my posture. Taking a deep breath to open my heart and lungs. A gentle stretch to circulate the blood in my muscles. A smile. A loving thought. A handwritten note. A phone call. A love letter.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life, and I intend to use it well!
Blessings and love, y'all!