26 March 2012
Sunrise on Dun I, Iona - April, 2011
I just had a weekend of togetherness. I spent Saturday at the Open Center participating in Celtic Spirituality: The Spirit, the Earth and the Human Soul with John Philip Newell. Some of you might recognize that name from my Iona Pilgrimages (Matter Matters and Pilgrimage for Change). Yes...it was like taking an Iona refresher course...
The whole day reaffirmed my need for community. I met a lovely new friend at the registration desk and we enjoyed some wonderful conversation all day. This tends to happen when I get involved with these J Philip Newell experiences. Wonderful new friends who add little bits of wisdom to my journey and let me know I'm on the right path.
As the day progressed I got to know a few more of the folks and saw evidence that there are members of my tribe everywhere. I need not go to Iona to meet them (but I do so love going to Iona). The week-long retreats had the added blessing of time. Time to get to know my fellow travelers/pilgrims through mealtimes and Pilgrimage walks. I am a very lucky girl to have experienced it twice so far.
We took part in a wonderful Body Prayer...something I last did on the grounds of the St. Columba Hotel, facing the Sound of Iona. I could not only feel everyone in the small room taking part in the prayer, but all the wonderful friends I'd done it with on Iona...during both trips. It was a very powerful experience.
I came out of the workshop renewed for sure.
Then I spent some time with my nephews. The evening ended with the 3 of us snuggled on my bed. I wish I could carry those moments around in my pocket...they are so precious.
Sunday was spent with everyone at Zenon in Astoria (Greek food!) I believe the first time I ate there I was in Middle School so a pretty familiar place. Some of the best times are spent laughing around a huge table filled with food.
And to round out the weekend, I met some lovely fellow female artists during a gathering for our International Women Artists' Salon.
During the Celtic Workshop we discussed presence. How sometimes simply being there is what is the most important thing. You don't need to say anything special or amazing...being there and holding space for others can be more powerful than the most researched and well prepared speech or presentation. I found this notion to be so liberating. In essence, we need only be ourselves to make an impact. This made me feel so much more in the flow...no need to try to impress or say the "right" thing.
I mulled this all over as I spent the evening watching TV in the same room with my nephews as they played their video games...occasionally getting up to watch and chat. The fact that I was with them was enough...and we all ended the evening curled up together like a bunch of kittens :)
I also thought about it while sitting at the table eating delicious Greek food...delighting in what ever words might come out but also relaxing into the moments of silence while the chaos of the restaurant and other conversations swirled around me. It was all such a gift.
And by the time I met with the women artists I was quite comfortable with it all. How amazing these moments can be.
I am here. And all is well.
Body Prayer
XO