When it rains, it pours.

Two deaths, two bounced checks, and a whole lot of termites later, I'm still standing. These past few weeks have been some of the most trying weeks of my life, and I can hardly see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is much to be said for the power of breath. Deep breaths and long sighs have become my constant companions. I have yet to shed a tear, but there will be a deluge at some point. That's not to say that good things have not been a part of the mix. I have been beading like crazy, and have several possible writing projects in the works. I'm trying to count it all joy at this point, because what else can I do.

A friend of mine subscribes to Tricycle, which is a great little Buddhist mag. She recently sent me an article on the nature of desire. One of the big points in this article was the need to detach. Appreciation and gratitude are fine, but attachment will do you in. I can honestly say that part of why I'm still standing is that I'm working hard not to create attachments to things of this world. I am hoping that in the coming days, things will become lighter and feel better on this end. But, the bottom line is that I'm still breathing. And, despite the hardships, I'm still well taken care of. It is easy to get caught up in the need (attachment) for things. But, whether we let those things go or not, they will be taken from us at some point. These past few weeks have taught me that in more ways than one.

Sorry I've Been MIA

Ahoi out there,

Sorry I've been away, but things have been crazy. I've recently moved to a new country, started a new job, and lost a good friend. I hope to be back on the blog soon soon, though. Until then, here's a quote for Friday's Inspiration. I read this in a Yoga for weight loss manual, but it applies to so much more.

Often our greatest growth takes place when we feel we are getting nowhere.

I have certainly been living this the past few weeks, as I've scrambled to find a place to live, attempted to engage students as the "newbie" on campus, and tried to rationalize the senseless killing of a friend of mine. (More on all those things later) If you have an experience of how going "nowhere" helped you get to where you needed to be, please feel free to share it here. And may you all have a blessed and wonderful weekend.

Friday's Inspiration

Ahoi hoi out there in cyber land. For all of you reading this blog today, I just want to let you know that things are a little crazy right now. I just moved from Cancun, Mexico to Majuro, Marshall Islands. That is pretty much half-way around the world. In a matter of days my whole life has flipped upside down, and I'm still not really sure if I'm awake or dreaming. But, luckily, inspiration does not hide itself from the weary. I found this Friday's inspiration on the wall of the Bank of Guam office here in Majuro. I'm trying to remember the exact quote, but it goes a little something like this:

Don't just live your life, create it.

I won't lie, this recent journey has not been easy for me. I had to say goodbye to a people and a way of life that had become a part of me. I'm still not sure what I'm doing here in Majuro. What I am sure of, is that since the day I decided to wake up and really see the possibilities in front of me, I have actively tried to create a beautiful life. This moment is no different. It may take some rearranging of expectations, but joy is always waiting there to be embraced.

How have you created beauty in your life today?