Follow your bliss...

Joseph Campbell is convinced that if you follow your bliss, "doors will open where there were no doors before." Goethe believed that whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. I must agree that I cannot live my dream if I only dream it, I must begin it. There is a certain magic in being bold. With this in mind, I take steps toward Spain each day, and doors open. I have begun collecting information and each day I spend time immersed in the history, the lore, and the mystery a place revered for 1,000 years as a place worthy of the time and perils involved in getting there. Modern travel make the journey much more accessible to the American Pilgrim that I am. However, once on the path, I will wear the hat, carry the pack, adorn myself with scallop shells and the passport as proof that I go with a purpose. ( All symbols of pilgrims throughout time). I will take up my walking stick just as the medieval pilgrims did. Medieval pilgrims embarked on a sacred but dangerous journey. They went for as many reasons as modern day pilgrims but with, perhaps, a few more rituals to guard their way. They wouldn't think of setting off without the creature comforts and they wouldn't go without a special blessing to guide and protect their journey, as well as their walking stick, their pack, and their drinking gourd. I'm still searching for the gourd but I think I have the blessing solution via the Northern California chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino.

I am drawn to share my experience in ways I am not accustomed to. I value privacy and yet in these writings, I share my thoughts and feelings as well as. My lists. Moreover, as I slow down to a pace worthy of my intention, I make preparing for the journey part of the ritual, thus allowing the ritual to bring my heart and mind into focus. To be adequately prepared allows for both heart and pack to be filled appropriately so that I can relax and set out on the path. Care and preparation mean a fuller experience. Being able to leave behind anxieties and fears, leaves more room for The Way and all it may mean.

Remembering Those We Have Lost

When someone close to me dies, no matter the way or the reason, I strive to remember their face, see their smile, feel their touch and even hear their voice.  I think my heart will break, but it doesn't.   I continue to live life and find joy without my friend, lover, mother, father, sister, brother, child.  Through the years of my life, I find this list grows ever long, with each loss bringing with it the renewed pain of the previous ones.  Sounds gloomy, but it isn't all tears and fears.  The initial pain eases and I begin to remember the good times; the way he made me laugh, the camping trips and the ski trips; the late night conversations and the early morning breakfasts.  If we are lucky, the one we have lost remains with us because we choose to commemorate in some way their existence.  Sometimes privately, but more often, publicly; memorializing the life we shared with them.  We plant trees, erect monuments, build shrines, and give away money in their name.  Remembering in these ways helps me heal the wounds.  It eases the pain and it brings me joy and peace.  The heart and soul of a relationship are not lost when one person dies; but it changes forever.  It takes a creative and imaginative approach to refocus the relationship.  A poem by Hafiz reminds me that, despite pain and loss, my heart does sing.

WHEN THE VIOLIN

When

The Violin

Can forgive the past

It starts singing.

When the violin can stop worrying

About the future

You will become

Such a drunk laughing nuisance

That God

Will then lead down

And start combing you into

His

Hair.

When the violin can forgive

Every wound caused by

Others

The heart starts

Singing.

No Envelopes? No Stamps? No Worries!

Here's the link to give via the Internet

https://secure.imodules.com/s/1307/2colgiving.aspx?sid=1307&gid=1&pgid=427&c


or go to: usfca.edu (Main USF Home Page)
Click on: Giving to USF
Click on: Give now
When it prompts you for a donation designation, there is a prompt for: Gifts in Honor or Memory
This is where you enter: "In memory of Robert L. Williams, Jr."
Donations for School of Nursing scholarships

My departure date is April 13th - just 10 weeks away.

¡Buen camino!