meditation adventure

Sorry for the late post, but I had the great pleasure of visiting the lovely Birmingham Shambhala Center this past weekend, to finally do Level IV. It was a special treat because it was led by Janet Bronstein, who I did Level II with in 2006! That was a long time ago, but when I pulled into the parking lot, the years fell away. It really could have been yesterday, although the already beautiful center has since been renovated and is really spectacular. Add in a welcoming group of participants and I was in heaven. I'm so crazy about getting time to practice, and this was an outstanding space. I can't wait to get back!

gratitude adventure

A while back I watched Bird by Bird with Annie, a wonderful documentary about the lovely and amazing Anne Lamott. One scene stopped me short when I was watching it and remembering it never fails to put me in a state of radical gratitude:

Would you share your birthday wishes with us?

"My birthday wishes? You know, I have everything I’ve ever wanted. I can’t believe I turned out to be this well [laughs]. And I feel like the Elephant Man. I feel like I’m happy a lot of the time, ‘cause I’m loved. ‘Cause my life works and I got to be a writer when I grew up. You know, for all my complaints, it’s really all I ever wanted to do. There’s really nothing I need or want. Maybe a few more CDs is all."

Hearing her words made me realize how good my life is. I can always find a little something here and there that could be improved, but seriously, I have a beautiful life. I get a similar feeling listening to Alanis Morissette's "Thank U":

Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you thank you silence

I love that this song genuinely thanks so many of the things I'm always dancing around and trying to avoid feeling. But the truth of the matter is that when I finally turn to those feelings, when I finally admit defeat, give up the dance, surrender, those very feelings bring me back to myself, bring me back to the present. And even if I'm in an uncomfortable place, I notice that the colors are brighter, I'm more in touch with my heart, I'm alive. And I'm thankful.

more photo love adventuring

More photographic evidence of fun times with dear family in a different kind of paradise! Yes, more travels for this adventurer.

summer adventure

Can't get enough of these lately! And good thing, since our amazing farmers have been providing us with a bountiful harvest of them the past couple of weeks. I've been happily eating them with almost every meal - including breakfast!


Sending a big smooch and best wishes for a delightful weekend, wherever it may lead you... Perhaps to your local farmers' market for some summer bounty?