I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends
into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world
within.
~Lillian Smith
It's late
summer again. That time where fall begins to approach and for some reason
causes a deep sense of the need for reflection, change, introspection … and
travel. Unique summer conditions with very little rain in Maine have
created an interesting ambiance as I walk through these deep woods … there are
no bugs! Mosquitoes are rare (just this year) as well as horseflies. It makes
for a pleasant stroll through the woods over the small hills and tiny rivulet
as I walk with the dog whose collar tags jingle in the quiet forest. Canon Belle
is such a leader and insists on going first - even if she has no idea to where.
There is
always a sense that I do not totally belonging to this area where I grew up.
The process of progressively freeing myself from things, possessions, has opened
up new possibilities. "I am
in this world but not of this world."
I find
myself in another temporary living situation. Not my home. Again. But then I ask myself: aren't all living
situations temporary? So what does it really matter? It's a new
experience regardless how transitory it may be. I do feel a deep sense that
this upcoming trip is going to create some major changes deep within me and
around me. (Perhaps I will meet
someone with whom I can share a bit of this journey called life. A companion of
my ilk.)
I've been
listening to a Caroline McHugh’s TED talk about life. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veEQQ-N9xWU]
It has intensified the call to renewed introspection.
There’s something about the cooler, crisper mornings at this time of year in
Maine that tugs deep within me. Today I leave for Europe. This time for a
cruise (partly) … something that I never thought I would do… but this is a
group with one of my favorite inspirational spiritual speakers. Ah, to meet
internationally flavored people of like minds. Hopefully, it will help me dig even deeper into the psyche of
my soul and my spirit and keep me in touch with the true me. For some reason I
am one that just needs to keep moving and searching for new experiences.
Now I
leave for my new and atypical adventure. I will be flying to Amsterdam tomorrow
and from there taking my first cruise: twelve days around the west side of
Europe pass Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, and then to Italy. After that
I will be heading up through Tuscany, across the border created by the
mountains, and pass, or journey perhaps into, Switzerland for a bit. Then to
visit friends in France.
Basically I
will fall into serendipitous adventures along the way. No specific plans.
I
obviously do not mind traveling alone, because I have done so for years now, but
it would be so nice to share those special moments with someone close.
Maybe this
time …
˜
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