Here I am in Cincinnati, six days down the road from my final push to concretely begin this journey!
Non-negotiable deadlines (energy models at work wrapped up, final boxes in storage, travel items packed & timely arrival at the train station), traveling through 4 Amtrak stations at various day and night hours, and meeting up with host families in 2 cities: I feel a bit scrambled, and at the same time, quite pleased and very aware of a state of grace.
It started as I headed towards my last day of work, aware that I would not see these various friends or this town that I call home for many weeks to come. A strong sense that I am not embarking alone came over me, fed by all the conversations of recent weeks.
My life and inspirations are interwoven with those of my closest "people", and the way that I feel held and cheered on by each of you buoys me up and keeps me company. I made an impromptu decision to stop at my friend Bill's to say goodbye in person, and we had one of those lovely conversations that can happen between close friends. The kind that seems to tap into deep wisdom and reassurance by way of simple things.
This one underscored the gifts of synchronicity that spark amazing connections and long-lasting relationships. Bill and I met at my sister's mailbox one summer morning. Something clicked and we agreed to meet for non-coffee (neither of us drink it!).
We see each other sporadically but, as with other friends, there is a deep kindredness. The years have included events small & large: Big Red day lilies and crocosmia, siblings in crisis, wrenching losses of loved ones, timely help with my tiny house project.
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In witnessing each other's struggles, hopes and stories, and their intersections, there comes a confirmation that we are each unique, integral AND also interdependent to the Whole. That in that there is hope, especially poignant in the light of human challenges that are global in scope.
That as we each live wholeness forward in our individual lives we are also somehow strengthening and sweetening the quality of the entire weaving for the collective.
I drove on to work able to remember, for a while, this reminder of "grace" that comes with the connection of one human being to another. And on the four lane highway, as I drove east, I saw an odd, loping shape ahead and slowed. It was a young raccoon, amazingly crossing in safety.
Even on concrete highways there can be a graceful dance between us and the young, wild world.
It seemed another benediction, and indeed, this sojourn of mine has begun with many rich conversations and intersections, some planned and others unbidden, all weaving a tapestry that is beautiful and continues to hold me in hope.
