Maslow's Hierarchy- Adventures at Safe Space

I sit here at 2:52am at Chico Peace & Justice Center. I am productively working on my life's works (a vast mess of existence) amongst a room full of visitors that call the streets home, and over the last few weeks have found a temporary respite in this small 30ft by 60ft space in downtown Chico.

Safe Space was a response to a dire need in the Chico area of below freezing temperatures and Arctic winds. However, people living on the streets has been an on-going issue since before 10years ago when the Torres Shelter came in to housing the homeless and the more recent economic decline, which I am sure is not unlike many other spaces all around the country and the world. The marginalized population in our world which is cast off to being a product of capitalism or in other places in the world  a destiny of their cast; in the United States we call it 'homeless'; in India it is referred to as "the untouchables;" at any rate people who are from the very sake of my understanding are biologically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and all other things that make us human the same are given much less then a run of the mill second class status. These fellow humans are blatantly ignored.

For what reason? Maybe it is to difficult to address the needs of a surmounting populous of people diagnosed from here to the moon, aging, drug addicted, emotionally scarred, and in many accounts given up on themselves.

FEAR from the folks receiving the services because of past disappoint, being shun or kicked out of places, legal ramifications, and basis judgement.

 FEAR from those providing services because of lack of knowledge, possible violent outbreaks, mental health outbursts, or contagious illnesses. It runs the gamut, it is all there. The reality that there is an endless road of rationalizations for fear and also misgivings about the work of  unconditional love.

Love is action, we think, speak, move, and do in love. Love is work. Love is continually adapting to the moment. Love is humanity. Preoccupation with a lifestyle that allows an acquisition of a mini empire of our own has left little value to the engrained necessities we each possess.

One of my first nights here at Safe Space, I got caught up in a conversation with a guest about such the topic of philosophical discourse. A treasure in my existence truly. Our conversation was on the pragmatics of homelessness and the ability to properly assess the vast population that reside on the streets. Our conversation took many a course, but eventually landed on the topic of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It was as though a chime had rung through the room, many other occupants of the space began to listen intently. Nearing the end of our short, in-depth conversation, crossing time, space, and economic status, this gentlemen and I validated a truth for one another about the dignity and self worth of a person to access their basic needs, which includes being sheltered and fed. If only, this was evidently valued and necessary to all the Julius Caesar's & Napoleon Bonaparte's that live within each of us.

It is a challenge to be present to yourself in others in the face of great adversity, but it is also a pleasure. In these moments we have opportunity to see each other as we authentically are and the potential of what may come.

Dive in to the mystery which is your own humanity. Challenge yourself to grow. Remember we reap what we sow.


 

ONWARD & UPWARD.

So it has been a minute or two since I have corresponded my pontifications of this this existence that here on earth we call life. WELL, rest assured that it has been full, dynamic, at times questioning & menacing, BUT none the less an amazing BLESSING to be having.

My annual revolution around the sun has come and gone, along with goals that at the time had eminent time schedules, I guess the universe has it's own time schedule & a sense of humor. Each day proves to be fulfilling and majestic. Always a sign or two to show that I am on course, internal navigation system returning to it's full functioning self.

Where am I now? I am in Willits.
Why? Good Question.
Really Why? Well, because I was needing good ol' kick in the arse. Some pep put back in my step. A lesson in daily practice.

I am humbly aboding with two buddhist practitioners, as a live-in assistant. The current gigs are a home & garden business, in conjunction with a salvage yard. The vision- the Inner Resource Center; and at its core the integration of spirituality.

The marvel of salvaging goods from a unfortunate future, to be re-homed, and carry on an energetic circuitry EXCITES MY MIND! Yes, this is the way my mind works. It is peculiar. Gleaning new skills in the world of carpentry, WOW power tools are COOL!

Adventures! Hmm. Life takes an interesting course at times, where the path seems to fade, mama uni will knock you back on course! My awareness is open to it. I can see challenges as hurdles on my track; placed there by me to check my aptitude and stay conscious! It is fair to say I have forgotten the hurdles were there many of times!

HERE's to remembering the hurdles & picking up my legs, instead of falling on my face! I got this, you got this, WE'VE GOT THIS!

More to come on the development of my Integral Process- named "GET GROUNDED!"

Tchin-tchin; TO LIFE!

My UNiFORM

Mystery, Illusion, Undoubtable Curiosity. Life
Where does it stem from.
Where is it. What makes it a bit more concrete?
A Uniform.

A statement. A signature.
Philosophical presence.

Permission to define.
Allowing for waves of existence to crash within it's lines.
Challenged by potential eruption.

What would be my suit?
Blue denim, white shirt, flip flops.
Hair down cause it is easier.
Tattoos of course.
Converse.
Black boots, black dress. High heels?
Can't do much in those.

Self Expression.
For a man. For a woman. For a person.
If I spoke the language. If you spoke the language. If we spoke the language.

Sometimes that which identifies us does so to well.
Sometimes it is the expression we desire,
Sometimes it fulfills our need to feel connected.
Sometimes we identify this expression with who we are. But is it?

Creating Judgment rather than Selecting for taste.

The end result?

Simply to be satisfied with the representation, while staying detached.

I‘yam What I’yam

Life can be troubling, it can be amazing, it can be as close to perfect as we desire or are capable or experiencing at any given moment. And as life goes, everything seems to shift to move to demand I use a presence that I had asked for but now i feel a bit of uncertainty about doing it. It as though this new perspective is staring into my eyes, a forgotten dream, a mystery. Had I ever requested a challenge, a shift, a new paradigm? Of course I did, and as I live in breathe I accepted what I have asked for.

Funny thing about a spiritual quest is that if your lucky, once it starts, it lasts the rest of your life.

My journey as of today is learning how to take care of number one. Me, myself and I. It seems so natural so easy. For me it is challenging every step of the way.  From my mental health, to my spiritual well-being, to my physique. It is all a demonstration of what I am and where I am trying to go. Often looking for quick answers somewhere, realizing that the “right” answers are made over and over. Creating boundaries, questioning myself, and projecting whole-heartedly into my essence.

I have spent a lot of time taking care of the needs of other people it really comes quite intrinsically. I need to spend the same amount of time making each avenue of ME a priority, this is going to be a long process I see. I am enjoying taking it slow, allowing myself to go slow, allowing myself to be 27 and have all the short-comings that I do. I know through my personal work it will in some way shine a light for others that read this rumination.

Through attuning my instrument I will be of better service to myself and to others.  This should come as no shock, peace starts from within and works it’s way out. How peaceful I am, and the peace I see in the world it is all a reflection of my own reality, as well as the collective consciousness. We are all interconnected, sometimes this is forgotten, it is a daily chore to see the connection, but is all worth it in the end.

4 Countries & a Mantra "Where ever you go, there you are."

I have traveled and seen, seen and traveled. Though my wanderlust is not gone, my mind is clear. What I want to do is what I want to do and there for without further analytical thought I will do. Sometimes this works out in my favor and at other times not so much. The integration of my mind, heart, and soul is still occurring. I anticipate this taking more than a few days. I have seen beautiful mountainsides, beautiful landscapes, beautiful farms & oceans, I have seen beautiful people. Life is similar all along the road, working for the same, to make a better life for ourselves & others, while smiling though it all. My journeys take me back to Chico to be surrounded with familiar faces. Until next time, surf on.

Bring back the Red Tent!

It is often easier to find male camaraderie most definitely in your own community, and truthfully around the world. I have been conducting some informal research for most of my life growing up with a father staying at home and two older brothers. I did not know any difference between femininity and masculinity. It wasn’t until in recent years that my desire to embrace this foreshadowed aspect of myself became apparent. How do we welcome & recognize strong women in the United States and around the world.

I have noticed and been a part of a culture that does not recognize women as multi-faceted goddesses that they are. Women often see other women as competition, threats, or judgmental. It is time to bring this sisterhood of women back together. Honor what makes us all captivating pieces of art, the blessings and challenges that makes us women, to share the stores of Her-story.

Men all over the world have a look, connection, a jargon – of course this has to do with looking at and staring at women. BUT why can we not have this too?

I know in the right circles this is not the common denominator. Women are recognized, women & men are equal and one, and the world is harmonious.

I am talking about mass culture though. 

How do we bring back the rent tent?

More Research. More thoughts. Actions.

Ruminations: These thoughts were the product of traveling through Central America, where Caribbean men feel it okay to howl and call women, in addition to feeling the desires of connection with another source that is not a MAN and I share my waxing and waning experiences of being a woman in the world.

Panamanian Overhaul - Beautiful Discrepancies

Costa Rica - Panama Border Crossing

Oh Boca's. Beauty. Majesty. Tranquility. Great Economic Discrepancy. Lack of Sustainable Waste Systems. Drunken Debauchery.

Panama not unlike the other countries I have visited recently (Mexico, Belize & Costa Rica...of course the United States is not left out of this) have missed the proverbial boat on what it will take our modern conscious to collectively evolve into the age of aquarius -- in more than just an energetic way -- you know in a real physical world way.

The observed discrepancies are a striking contrast of the enchanted existence which is Panama.

As I have been listening & watching these observations not only happen externally, but have been occurring internally as well (of course). The discrepancy and releasing of negative emotions, haunting memories, & imagined inadequacies. Aspiring to holistic healing is flowing externally and internally all around me, encompassing me. A releasing of that which is no longer serving, & a true curiousity of why I hold on to BULLSHIT in my MIND!

Why do we allow such destruction, demolition to OUR BEAUTIFUL SOURCE OF BEING in this world...

A marveled existence really.

I recently listened to a podcast on New Dimensions - Finding & Living the Truth by Sheila Keene-Lund #36. Ms. Keene-Lund speaks to exactly these dualities, discrepancies, and truths  -- what we see reflected in our common world is a reflection of our values.  We must take in to account the whole world in this conscious evolution - our physical, social, emotional - dark & light - and let our values of the changing consciousness shine it's light into the direction of our evolution. This is true from us as individuals ALL THE WAY TO countries. We are not isolated we are in this together. As each cell of our bodies works intrinsically with each other.

How can you move from self, to community, to society?

Ruminations: Those in our world with the power of knowledge & experience have a beacon before them of opportunity to make great change in the world that would make a difference to developing countries, the so-called developed countries, & the world. This blessing is available to work directly with people who are interested in bettering their own homes (countries) without the barricades of government and corporation in most cases. Remember any one that is interested in doing this: please take heed and direction from the indigenous as to what they want -- you may be an expert in your field BUT you are the foriegner. Listen first, think critically, then and only then act.

If they say you can't do it. DO iT ANYWAYS.

In Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo to be exact it is a little more than a few hours from the border of Panama. In total I have been in Costa Rica for more than 3 weeks. A majority of which I have spent with my Family in San Jose. A beautiful experience to be reconnected with the ones you love and that have been quite distant to you in Time & Space. BUT for those of us out there that believe in Quantum Theory, & the Unified Field Theory (which blows the first out of the water a bit) ...time & space is just and concept of the mind.

Family is a  fulfilling a magical illusive life yonder. Universe connections and glimpses into the future were made while in San Jose. Meeting up with enlightened beings in the depths of the city, attending a workshop on Success is Transformational Learning. Dying my hair MAGENTA (thanks to my super rad Prima Priscilla) and realizing why people were staring at me -- previous to this I felt that people were staring at me but could not conclude why. Now I know. Practicing my spanish, which I felt bravado for when I able to navigate a government agency, but not down more than a few notches when I tried to navigate the technology world with my new phone.

Speaking a second language and thinking in another can be a bit exhausting to say the least. Gratitude to my friends and family for patience and desire to understand what the fuck I was saying.

This story unfolds and I am headed upward and onward (in honestly south). It may be at hards time to know where and what I am doing for family, friends and myself. However...

Often times in our pursuit of what we enjoy, or what our heart desires people tell us it is not possible. Or that it is impossible. But really the truth is (said by someone or many at one point or another) that the person who says it is impossible should get out of the way of the person doing it.

This message has been delivered me in fact, in fun, and at times in fear. Through conversation, through lecture, through emotion. It is always clear. Follow your heart, trust the process even when your unclear of where it is your going.

So for now.. I am still enjoying ZAM, taking it easy on myself and headed to Panama, quite soon.

Revolution? Let's Talk Evolution.

Today celebrates women all over the world! Here in Costa Rica it is none the less, walking hand and hand with my 6 year old cousin- Fernanda (Of course an epic name) my time on a spiritual roundabout continues -and  my guide - which at the moment is "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (ZAMM)" always leads me well. It seems that when I need an answer it guides me through the process of analysis. Thanks Uni.

In Life & Time of ZAMM: The perplexing topic of the Chautauqua has been Quality in it's undefinable existence. Yes, this is perplexing - in life & in theory. What is quality? Do we know it when we see it? What defines it? The observer or the object? Does it exist without one or the other? How is quality measurable?

Is Quality "just" what you like? And is this an arbitrary way to make decisions?

What does this undefinable quality have to do with me? Well, making decisions can often be, well...difficult. It relates to this quality idea. Here I am in Costa Rica - unsure of which direction in paradise I will go. Funny how when opportunity presents itself - it can often be the guise of a zillion brilliant ideas. It is a simple decision really, where would I "like" to go. But as in the definition of what is quality - it is "just" what you like - the idea of doing something - anything because you like loses it's luster in the "just", as in romantic emotional desire is less spectacular in the rational picture of how the greater reality would be effected. Am I making the "right" decision by "just" doing what I want?

Well, I am going to do what I like. Cause gosh damn it that's all that there is. I am going to go hang out on the beach and pontificate for awhile, other opportunities will have to wait.  And as I think of my jump roping grandmother who LIKES my TATTOOS I am reminded that we live but once, that we remember, if it is an important opportunity it will reappear - the universe will make sure of that. And we must lead by example, so that is EVOLUTION of human-kind keeps on keeping on. We are all active agents in the raising of our evolution, one youngster at a time doing what they like - QUALITY.

P.S.- It good to have reminders but everyday is women's day & men's day - celebrate each other - love & honor each other, cause it feels good.

Estoy en Costa Rica!

I have gone further south and am now residing in San Jose Costa Rica con mi familia! It  has been roughly 7 years since I have seen them last, it is certainly a warm feeling to walk back into the lives of people that you see rarely and feel a warm connection. This however, is not without it challenges. Most all of my family speak none to little English, and though my Spanish is improving daily is cumbersome, exhausting, and at times frustrating. I certainly appreciate children and their ability to communicate with smiles and laugher. The only new family is one’s that were not born yet.  Watching my 84-ish year old grandmother jump roping was certainly a treat as well. BUT – I must say there is so many F&^*ing people in San Jose! Whoa! It is intoxicating in a less than pleasurable way.

Costa Rica thus far – staying centered, detached from outcomes and solely responsible for my own choices are great reminders.

Previous to the fambam I spent a week in Uvita, Punteranas at Envision festival. It was a treat to meet up with friends from home. It was a bit a strange to be speaking so much English. It was as though I was at a festival in California. Wonderful  universe connections, meeting up with Julia Butterfly in the Airport, asking for a ride and not knowing who she was, then spending a day with her and her friend Carlos….finding out later who she is – for the activist novice out there, she is the woman who sat in a ancient tree to stand up against clear cutting. Great words of wisdom from her! Listened and shared my own ideas with David Pinchbeck; was marveled by Unified field theory; made countless beautiful encounters and connections! Furthermore, soon.

Envision – on potential over stimulation – remember this is MY experience, whatever feels right for me, is right.

I also said good-bye to San Antonio, Belize where I spent people reflection time. Assisted with getting a library going, facebook promotion, taking care of the farm stead, building a path, playing in the preschool, helping with sewing, and canoeing & bird-watching with Rod of course!

San Antonio- when you go walking alone into unknown places, it’s good to remember the things your guide pointed out earlier otherwise you may walk into a poisonous itchy plant!

Catch Up...Ahem!

So this idea of a continuous blog evades my mind! I had desires of being more fluid with this. Quite honestly I have so many ideas flooding this carcass of mine it's hard to hold on to much, let alone follow. None the less, this will be my catch up blog post from Guadalajara to Belize. And again it will be in my cryptic or not so cryptic philosophical analysis of what took place.

I traveled from Guadalajara - Mexico City - Villahermosa - Chetumal - BELIZE! in the matter of 36hrs. Not suggested. Though beautiful. Take your time. There is no rush.

In life trust & faith are valuable tools, especially when your communicating with others who speak a different language.- The women selling me my bus ticket taught me this.

Timing is everything- I arrived in Mexico City 15 minutes before the bus I needed would depart, otherwise I would have to wait a day...

The universe speaks everywhere, even on the autobus. - I ironically or not so ironically had the same number seats. 11 was following me, so was 5. New beginnings and traveling.

Do what you want to do. No one cares. - On traveling alone and deciding if I wanted to eat or put pants on because I was cold.

If your becoming upset, change the subject. - reading material that was making me quite  upset, yet I continued to read.

Unless you put what you have read in to action it don't mean shit. - Getting on the wrong bus from Chetumal and heading to Guatemala... on accident, also associated with - if you don't know where your going you may end up in Guatemala.

Smiles make a difference - meeting strangers. well duh.

If you  don't want to talk don't start a conversation, if it is meant to happen it will so naturally - having somewhat awkward conversations about eroticism & playing pity pot.

Old friends are everywhere - on meeting new people.

Everyone is an expert when it comes to relationships. - EVERYWHERE...obvious sarcasm... really everyone just has loads to say.

Hey! Learn to listen to yourself! - San Ignacio, on deciding what I want to do...

Energy can be a subtle violent thing. - HH

Look around Life is Amazing - on taking in all the bliss.

Being Gentle in first Convo can be best - in meeting strangers - Kelly you come to mind in this.

I Love Motorcycles - Started reading Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Hardwork is good & distracting. - building at Hummingbird

Alcohol is a sacrament - on over indulgence on Caye Caulker

Being Alone is at times good medicine.

Uni Speaks Quietly

As I stated to be continued right... Well where I left off is where I meet Edward in downtown Guadalajara watching the super-bowl. Since my mind works in short references rather than long and in a "listen to the message," I decided to write for a while like this... Maybe in the future I will elaborate on the stories that were given.

Oh a gentlemen in Guadalajara, he let me know that Love makes us do crazy shit- sure  I did't already know that, but it was a nice validator. He met a woman on FB, from Guadalajara and went to meet her, she has three children and a husband...didn't work out so well. We end up listen to music and doing Osho Zen Card Readings, he wanted to listen to sappy music - UNI remind me - Happiness is the Way!  We at least got to add I have Confidence from the Sound of Music and Willy Wanka, Pure Imagination

Watching a 49er's game in Mexico - Every one is looking for a connection.

A host from the hostel took me to the bus terminal, he was asking me about playing sports - It is important to Look for a way to connect. When you have nothing...make a joke, they are a good in. 

I ended up needing to use a taxi to get all the way to the terminal. I asked 3 taxis the same question... they all pretty much gave me the same answer - Sometimes 3 times is not the charm.

Taxi driver ended up being concerned about traveling - The Fear of the Other is prevalent everywhere. 

Away we go!

Away we go!

On Our Way

It has been a little over a week since I left Chico. A short time really. My intention was to write sooner. As Wyatt always reminds me life is what happens when your busy making plans. Case and point O presume. I felt floating on a high. A wonderful week of laughter, dancing, and warmth with friends and family joining in the celebration of, Oh the places we will go.

My fellow vagabonds in spirit and in action joined me as I embarked on my voyage to Belize. Elliot, Danielle, Wyatt, and I departed the afternoon of the 28^th, in quest of connecting with Jack, friend & tattoo artist. As plans do change Jack was ironically in Chico. Without hesitation Wyatt was on the phone to another few friends, near and dear who I had met on their voyage to California, Lex  & Eric. Just moments down the street were warmly welcomed, exchanged recent histories and made a quick split for the store to quench our parch. On the walk we learned of a game that Lex had personally developed – of course we couldn’t help but play a game of debate! Categories chosen by a wheel, Elliot and I choosing something we considered “HARD” followed by an adjective again chosen by another wheel. This time dirty. Hmm,

Sexuality is dirtier that Hammers because… I wrecked that one. I went to no man’s land. Hammer’s are dirtier than sexuality because you can get dirty using them building shit and you can get dirty with them – think anal sex or if your female masturbating. Yup it’s hard to come back from that. Next up Wy & Lex. Which passion is fancier? Sports or the Ocean? I obstained from voting (Yes, the audience/ non debaters decide who wins. Mostly because I could not hear who was talking when.

See Ya Soon

            Ate and outstanding Breakfast/Lunch in Oakland with Eric. Noticed that out meal number was actually two kings together a King of Clubs and a King of Hearts- Emotion & Action. Went to the MoMa upon brilliant Idea of Danielle. Drove around San Fran looking for parking for nearly an hour before deciding to pay the $20 dollar a day deal. Astounded by Art work in the MoMa. Wy completed his Canadian Suit. To sexy to pay attention to. Ate some Thai to inspire Elliot own personal trip. Had an emotional ride to meet Oscar in San Jo. Waited in the jack in the box parking lot for over an hour – quite the emotional time. Oscar gets there flying his 49er gear loud and proud. Within a half hour I am saying my goodbyes shedding tears and on the Road with Oscar. We drive for about an hour before I am dozing off in to dream land that quickly turns in the nightmare land of being abandoned on the side of the road. I awake to a failing transmission, though we do not know that at the time. We spend the night in the parking lot of a gas station waiting for the Mechanic to arrive. Oscar is a little more than anxious about this experience. The mechanic lets us know in the morning that it is the transmission. Living in a limbo I go into store. Believe that I have lost my phone. Call it in, cancel it, and then find my phone a few hours later. Ridiculus. We are towed to the nearest town with a Mechanic that works on transmissions, Lemoore Ca. We are not sure if the transmission can be replaced. WE do not know if Oscar has the Money to replace it. Wy’s looking up flight and bus information for me to see if he can get me to where I am headed, I am looking for a sign for what to do. Oscar calls me and tells me that he has found the money to replace the transmission and that it should be done the next day. I am still confused as what to do and which way I should go. I end up taking a walk through Lemoore to the City Office. In the office  I find out that Lemoore is in the Kings’ County. I think I have found my sign. I decide to stay in Lemoore and head out with Oscar the next morning. The hotel is a little less than dingy and the host wants me to settle with out internet. I quickly remind him that is what we came for, besides the sleeping. The cable television has porn and there is a sign that reminds me of Erin Brocovich saying do not drink the water.

Transmission Mission

            We hear early in the morning that the truck is ready to go we head down to the shop. The wonderful shop owners gave us a ride too and from the shop. The son and father team reminds me of the last mechanic shop and father son deal as well. Except the last father and son were of Irani heritage. The Irani father I think of time to time with is story of moving the United States, on luck of numbers & amibiton. He spoke of planning to move to Northern Europe but on second thought decided that he did not have the desire to work in such snow.  The truck ends up being ready to go by 11ish the next day. I spent my time in the local library. Being moved by a book of English Poems – George Gordon. Fare thee well. Hmm.  Were off and headed down the road to El Centro our next stop for a nights rest before crossing the border. I obviously more than a bit nervous to cross, but I figure it all works out in the end. I begin reading The Passion Paradox a book a book about “when one loves more than the other.” I will get more in to that soon. Late Wednesday we watch “La Mission” driving though Los Angeles. I am not sure that is legal. We make to El Centro around 9pm. This hotel is nicer than the last. Still porn on the cable. We plan to wake up early and leave to cross the border since Oscar has to deal with the car situation.

Guaymas

            We wake up before 5 to head on the road. We are at the border in less than 15 minutes. Oscar has to unload a good amount of his things at the border to prove that he is simply transporting his personal belongings. Oscar’s demeanor changes once we cross the border. So does the music. We wait for two or more hours to get the situation of his car dealt with. We are on our way as we drive I read become aggravated by relationship prognosis, snap pictures intermittently. We eventually make it Guaymas where we find a hotel to stay at. This hotel reserves beds on whether you married or not. We get the room with the better deal—if your married. Oscar takes the floor since the bed is really only a glorified twin. First hotel in Mexico. Still porn on the cable.

Guadalajara

            We drive from Guaymas to Guadalajara where I stay my first night “alone-ish.” My new friend Oscar…which I guess it is safe to say now that I met on Craigslist departs after an interesting, confusing, and frustrating experience driving in the City. I make it to hostels without borders where I have the privilege of encountering Alejandro, Paul, & Yadir. Of course we need to add Edward who I met super bowl Sunday (of all places). Alejandro worked at the hostel and showed me around Guadalajara, introduced me to his family, and engaged me with my broken Spanish. I  remember now that I  shared my new found dreams of motorcycle owning with him as well. A dream that was discovered while driving down MX-15 on the coast of Baja  California with Oscar…how exhilarating it must be to arrive to work on a road bike. OH WOW! Paul I  met on Saturday morning before Alejandro took me through the city. He was an older gentlemen that talked about his passion to help others and his work as an Architect. Paul and I talked for a few hours first time in the morning about the endless possibilities of financial support and those that needed to be supported. He supported the dream of my vision to create the “Intend Vontrap” more to follow soon about that! Also, words of wisdom- “wear socks when the temperature changes, even if you do not think you cold. The sudden changes jolts your body.”- Thanks Paul.

            As Alejandro and I walked through Guadalajara, it was Sunday and I marveled at the fact of how community oriented it was, reminded me of home. Guess people like to have fun, well just about everywhere. Alejandro took his time to check each teller with me, on his own time. When I went back on my own I remember connecting with a child on the autobus. Children speak every language. I arrived back at the hostel. Ready to take a nap, had to talk myself in to listening to my higher good…how silly. I took a nap and awoke to a desire to do something so I went walking of all places...

TO BE CONTINUED... 

Adventures- sometimes Mis-Adventures of an Aspiring Cosmic Surfer

So I had all intentions and purposes of writing sooner and more frequently. This is of course the story of my existence. Full of thoughts, ideas, and energy. Almost to much. Restless describes me well. Funny thing is that I love my rest too. I guess it is all that energy that is getting spurt out everywhere that is so exhausting.

Enough excuses and rationalizations. I could give those to you all day. Let me get on with it. Well, I left good ol' Chico in search of well, myself, on Monday the 28th of January (Common though really this search has been going on for, well, forever). It has been approximately two weeks and I find myself in Belize City. A very beautiful country. Welcome to International tourist and an outstanding poverty rate. It is an interesting paradox really. I have been able to find my way (sorta) through the grand resource of the internet, old friends, and new friends. Quite honestly I put off "planning" a more detailed trip until I got here. I knew that in time what I wanted to do and what I could do, would become evidently clear to me. As it is. 

I have found great resource in Couchsurfing, Help X, WWOOF, and Workaway. My real motivations were to travel & to test my own limits. And by golly I am surely doing the two. Why test my own limits?  I have practiced "energy work" for the last... hmm nearly 10 years. WHOA! That seems like a long time. Through my proactive sometimes reactionary practice, I have found that whatever degree of "enlightenment" or clear thought that I have risen to there is also a plateau. This in here is where the challenge lies. Funny way of the universe,  even if you aren't ready to shift that plateau, she will politely (sometimes not so politely) shove you in the current that you were looking for. And here I am. 

Life is full of lessons. Each moment, each second propelling us...ME closer to what is being sought. A beautiful dance most of the time...and I do mean MOST of the time. Sometimes it is a really sad dance that I know well, and sometimes it is a dirty dance I  do not want to admit to knowing. It is always a dance though, and lord knows I love to dance. 

Something I do not do so well is swim. I love the water, enjoy every moment near or in it. I am sure most of my friends can attest to moments where my love for water was questionable (falling in during the winter in Concow).  Water in the energetic senses is related to emotions. Another thing I have a hard time dealing with. Good at suppression but not so much at riding out. Emotions are the currency of the universe, as is water the nurturance of life. So in my voyage of self- discovery I am learning to swim, eventually to surf. Metaphorically and Literally (We will see about the later).  

I have read a book or two, or three or four about "spiritual enlightenment." Irony is, most these books are about men. So with a general schema of the energetic layout I ascend on to my voyage of self-discovery, spiritual enlightenment, and enthusiasm to be a STRONG WOMAN! This I will share with whoever reads this...

I will get into the details of my adventures and internal dialogues (some external). Most of all I am going to allow myself the PATIENCE to write & do what comes. I will leave the rest. It is important it will come back.