Dear Linda,

I do love the way you think and as I am reading your stream of consciousness reply, I have to sit back and reflect.

I am happy you like the photo. It’s one of my own. I have walked this boardwalk through the marsh many a time this last year, in all kinds of weather, and I never tire of it.

No, there are parts of the journey that are not enjoyable. Not only that but they can be painful. And yes, it would be helpful to think that change is happening FOR us instead of TO us but let’s face it … change is like giving birth, and giving birth hurts. Thank goodness that we forget about the pain.

I guess for me taking a pause and enjoying the process is about what you so eloquently described … accepting that discomfort and fear are part of the process and not losing ourselves in them but instead looking at them with a friendly eye. They are not there to hurt us, they are there to prepare us and strengthen us … there is new life being born, it hurts, there is confusion and uncertainty but all is good.

Often we get lost in the struggle. Taking the time to enjoy means putting the struggle down for a while, going for a walk, giving permission to ourselves to laugh, connect, and do the little everyday things that make life livable.

By the way, did you have to bring brownies up? It’s late and now I want a brownie … preferably with some vanilla ice cream on top 😃

Much love to you my friend 💜

I also understand the idea of getting in our own way. I love how the story you shared from the Ashram helped you identify how this showed up for you. Perfectionism and impatience. Tough ones to navigate. But clearly your awareness and practice with them over these past 30 years has moved you forward. Unlike a batch of brownies, we humans are never quite done. And so I love that you are open to continual improvement. I think you’re terrific just as you are, but I get that you (like the rest of us) are a work in progress.

The photo you chose to go with this beautiful writing is mesmerizing. I’m taken by the gorgeous colors, the reflections of sky and reeds in the water, and that wonderful, meandering, wooden slatted path. And so we go. Walking along, surrounded and supported by nature’s beauty, leading us on a path without a clear end.

In a recent meditation I practiced, this phrase stood out to me. It was something like this- What if we considered that instead of change happening TO us it was happening FOR us? And what a difference that makes.

Hugs and love to you, my friend.

Dear Tara,

I don’t know many people who don’t overthink and over-analyze when the going gets tough. One can argue that I am attracted to like-minded people 🙂

For as grateful as I am for the time I spent in the Ashram, I can tell you that there are many ways to practice silence and do inner work. I too find that time spent in Nature provides us with the inspiration and healing we need.

I wish you well during these times and always.

Big hugs ❤️

I just love this story you have given us. So very inspiring and encouraging. I picture you so vividly. Working so diligently with your welcoming task at The Ashram. I have always had a tendency to overthink and over-analyze when tough times occur. Seeing things so much more clearly. It really doesn’t always have to be so hard! So aware of this now but still slip back into these old patterns when challenges occur.

Wish I had done some Ashram visits myself years ago but it’s never too late to gain insight into what is holding us back and not helping our healing process. I’ve actually thought about visiting Ashrams for years but never thought it was an option for me?

For now settling for taking quiet moments of contemplation in nature and finding peaceful space for myself during this extra challenging time.

I’m seeing progress with stepping back and pausing before becoming overwhelmed.

Keep em coming! 😌
Perfect timing. Thank you! 💕💕

You keep breathing Kathleen and allow things to happen in their own time. This doesn’t mean you’re not participating or doing your part. The doors are already opening. Outcomes are never guaranteed but it’s not about the outcomes, is it?
Thank you for being here and sharing.

Big hugs ❤️