The Challenges to Regular Journaling

I have found it very difficult to create the space and time to journal in my blog while traveling.  Not that I haven't had things I wanted to blog about.  There have been many and I will get to them, hopefully in the near future.  I have a whole list of thoughts, ideas and reflections:  re-creation, people along the way, the wisdom of redwoods, sea lions - just to name a few.  But, when one is traveling, putting the computer away every few days, and wanting to go see the sights on the stopped days, blogging doesn't happen, it seems.  It is also rare to be alone and have quiet, something I at least need to write.  This is a circumstance that I didn't forsee when I decided to start blogging.  I had really thought I would be able to write a few words every few days, or at least once a week.  But no, it hasn't worked out that way.  I guess this just goes to show there are always unforeseen outcomes with all plans.  I wish I could see all those possibilities ahead of time but I have always been caught by some of the unexpected ones.  I have learned on this journey, however, that when the unexpected outcomes occur, there is always a way to problem solve them, learn from them, enjoy them or start up again where you left off. 

So I guess that is what I am doing today.  Starting up where I left off.  But, then again, not really because the view from the coach today is very different from what it was when I began.  So, instead of picking up where I left off, I guess I'm picking up from where I am now!

An unexpected occurence!

And that's the view from the coach window for today.

View from the Coach Window

I have been reflecting on the many dynamics of sight, vision, seeing.  As I've been doing so, the fact that scene and seen are pronounced the same with slightly different, though connected, meanings has resonated with me.  Let me elaborate.

I took the picture of the scene above as we drove towards the Black Hills in South Dakota several weeks ago.  We had been observing the cloud ahead for some time and had took some snaps of it.  I took this, not for the cloud, but because I could finally see the Black Hills in the distance.  What struck me when I downloaded the picture were the layers of meaning that  began to emerge into a metaphor for journey, both external and internal.

As I looked at the scene, I was amazed at what I could see with both the physical and the spiritual eye.  I was amazed at the significance of the dark cloud overhead and the bright blue sky and hills ahead.  As I reflected on the view, the dark cloud seemed to offer a number of different interpretations.  On the surface, it expressed the fulfillment of our dream to travel around the country and to see many beautiful places on our life list.  We had had a bit of difficulty leaving Michigan due to a series of mechanical difficulties with our motor home and, for a bit, it seemed as if Michigan did not want to let us go.  Finally, most of those bumps in the road seemed to be behind us (the dark cloud), we were coming out from under them and the real adventure was beginning.  The hills and the sunshine seemed to say, "Smooth sailing from now on". 

Then, as I continued to contemplate the picture, I was reminded of the Exodus story from the Old Testement where Yahweh follows the Hebrew people  in the form of a hovering cloud. .  Aha - so the cloud was not our troubles but a reminder of God's perpetual presence with us - a reminder I needed because its something I sometimes (uh -often) forget temporarily when bumps in the road occur.  And, of course, the bumps were not over, because all our journeys are filled with a variety of ups and downs, sunlight and shadow, fun and challenge.  Indeed, as in the old adage, you can't have one without the other.  But, the spiritual eye was reminding me that God is there is in it all, supporting, guiding and helping call me back from the anxiety that comes when the unexpected occurs. Then I can view the scene with new eyes, find the positive reframe and the best solutions as well as enjoy the journey a whole lot more.

A few days later, my husband and I were wandering around downtown Rapid City and I saw a piece of art in a window:  four or five Lakota riding across the plains on their ponies, above them a magnificent cloud that looked like a giant bird, maybe an Eagle -  the Great Spirit hovering over them.  Pretty amazing, huh!

So let's keep looking and seeing the scenes around us with all aspects of our beings and see what we discover!

Following the Hat

One of the therapeutic methods that I have used, both with those who have come into my office and for my own spiritual healing and growth is Sandtray Worldplay.  This is a wonderful tool for opening up that center within us.  With this approach, one has a small tray filled with sand and a wide selection of miniatures with which one builds a world in the sand.  From the world that emerges story and experience help to enlighten our life and path.

A number of years ago, I created a sandtray that revealed a couple journeying on a boat, following a hat that was blowing gently ahead of them as if to lead them on their journey.  This sandtray world held promise and vision for me and, of course, the hat seemed to be the leading of the Spirit.

When we bought our Motor Home, of course, a hat had to sit in the window.  Now, the vision is being fulfilled and we travel as the hat leads us.  Today, we are in South Dakota, in the amazingly sacred Black Hills.  We have traveled from  central Michigan through blessed country - North Woods, Great Lakes (the picture is from the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin on Lake Superior), rich farm land, the Great Plains.  I have been in awe of the wonder of these different environments and of this great creation.

I think, whether we are staying in one place or physically traveling from place to place as I am the hat must be our guide, opening our eyes, ears and hearts to the wonders around us.  Sometimes, I forget to experience this and get caught up in the frustrations of the moment, but then I look around me or at my pictures and am called back to the blessing.

Journey well this day as you follow your own particular hat.

Millie