Reflections of Travels

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page
– Saint Augustine

The year of 2024, was my year of travel! In March 2024, I was guided to Hamburg, Germany. By the summer, the destination was Lisbon, Portugal for a family trip. When one travels, there is often a feeling of freedom, possibility and to dream. An underlying expectation that each journey will be full of positive experiences, people and culture. However, what does one do when this expectation is not fulfilled?

What guided me to Hamburg, Germany? It was my sister whom I was to visit in Germany. Her family are expats and have lived all over the world. Truly an enriching way to live life! Germany is a country that piqued my curiosity. Historically I knew one day I would venture to this vast land. Hamburg was like a European suburb. It offered an aesthetic of culture, innovative architecture and was surrounded by the sea.

Visiting my sister was an enriching experience. This trip was preordained, as I felt we were supposed to help one another heal and evolve. The reality was, we let our vulnerabilities be seen, spoke from the soul and showed up as ourselves. Germany, especially Hamburg, actually shattered my soul. I am a “wanderlust” and this was hard for me to grasp. The reality of this vacation was that I experienced a cold culture and racial tension. I was not accepted, as I am a visible minority. I became quiet and had to go inwards for reflection. I admire my sister as she has learned German, become resilient by being in another country and has found her way. I am certain there are many individuals who have experienced what I had. Gratitude, counting my daily blessings kept my overall energy intact.

I have always been an avid reader, books are my source of inspiration. I picked up a few novels before heading abroad. I read an incredible novel called “Brida” – by Paulo Coelho. This novel assisted with understanding my soul, I never knew about. That there is a light which always shines no matter what circumstances are thrown our way. The narrative was depicted in Ireland. The storyline was centered around a young woman who was discovering her innate healing gifts – as a new age witch. I have always been drawn to Ireland and know I will venture there at the precise timing.

When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way
― Paulo Coelho, Brida

During my travels to Germany – prayer, yoga, meditation and listening to the channeling of Kyron helped me stay nourished. My perspective was that the world is changing and kindness will always prevail. Love needed to be sprinkled on Hamburg. I ventured to Berlin which was a breath of fresh air. My sister and I traveled by train, the European way! We visited galleries, ate beautiful food and saw historical monuments that were embedded deep into my soul.

Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. – Yogi Bhajan

By July the forces of nature brought me to Lisbon for a family reunion. The energy of Portugal was of light heartedness. I had never been to Portugal and being by the ocean was a healing experience. The moment I stepped off the airplane in Portugal, I knew instantaneously that this would be a unique adventure. The people, history and climate was entrenched with love. You could not help but feel a sense of awe everywhere you went. We celebrated my Mother’s 75^th Birthday, ate Portuguese tarts daily and ventured to cities close by. I felt carefree, alive and one with life. Portugal, had a lasting imprint not only on myself but with the entire family. Portugal felt like a hug for the soul, one could feel a vibration of spiritual energy.

Live your life by a compass, not a clock – Stephen Covey

Traveling to Europe last year brought contrasting energies. Germany was eye opening and had a deeper significance. The influence of migration and the socio-political structure has shifted the country not only in Germany but worldwide. I acknowledge that my expectations were not met, and that is ok. I was vulnerable, suffering and kept faith. That one experience will not hinder me from going back. As I am drawn to water, it felt that I was being restored. The universe propelled me to Germany to shine light on a country that needed love. I too had to shed old skin and grow. The relationship with myself was being replenished. Portugal in hindsight was the re-birthing of a new version of who I am. As I felt my soul shattered in Germany, in Portugal I collected those pieces like a tapestry and wove them together.

Our souls are drawn to certain cities, countries and continents for a divine reason unbeknownst to us at the time. Be it past-life or curiosity, there is something mystical with traveling. The soul holds an invisible compass that guides one to particular places. For anyone who is a wanderlust, or a carefree soul – do not let anyone or anything dim your light. Allow this powerful phrase from Mel Robbins to guide you on your way in life – “Let them”.

Your relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything in your life
― Mel Robbins

The Ever Unfolding Life…

One is never prepared for events that bring angst to your soul. You are bewildered, as you have minimal time to digest your current situation. How you respond to circumstances of difficulty defines who you are. This chapter of my life began in June 2022.

On that particular summer day, a piece of my heart was displaced into pieces. It has taken me over a year to process and write down the events which transpired. I stopped writing, it didn’t feel right. I needed time to process my emotions. In hindsight, writing has always helped me find solace and clear my conscience. I now feel the pull to write again.

It was mid June. On this day, I received a call from my brother. I intuitively knew something had happened. That morning, I sensed that I needed to keep my personal vibration calm. The call I received while at work, left me speechless. My brother asked me “Are you at the hospital”. Then continued to ask me to breathe and calm down. He gently explained that our father had a heart attack.

Now my reaction was of shock and disbelief. My existence was in turmoil. I had minimal time to comprehend my emotions. All I could decipher was that I had to get to the hospital – and fast. Spirituality and the teachings of mindfulness kept me at peace. I began to breathe and pray. Reminded myself all is well, and stay in the present moment. Communicated to my inner being to be strong, that everything was going to be ok. It was essential that my demeanor and energy were full of joy, especially when seeing my Father.

How do you react to circumstances that bring you to your knees? Have you ever been in a situation that shook you to your core? Had you crying on your knees? Heart upside down. The significant life lesson I learned was to be a pillar of light. To go within, tune into my internal dialogue and be mindful of my thought process.

As I entered the hospital, I asked for strength from source energy and the angels. There I saw my father in smiles and positive spirits. Afterwards, I learned that he drove himself to the hospital. Later was then admitted to emergency for an angioplasty. How our family deals with crises is humor. I had a long laugh with my father on how he drove himself to the hospital! My father listened to his intuition. The morning of his experience, he spoke to his dear friend who is a retired Doctor. His friend recommended that my father go to emergency. Spirit works in mysterious ways.

This story takes another turn. A few months after this transpired, my mother had a minor surgery on her foot. The surgery ended up being more invasive. She was unable to walk and was admitted to a rehab facility. In a span of three months both of my parents were going through a health crisis. My mother was admitted home before the Holiday Season. This was our Christmas gift.

The year of 2022 was all about service to the family. My personal life took a back seat. There were times I was existing in body and not in mind. How do you come back to yourself after being so disconnected? For about seven months my life was devoted to taking care of my parents. I have no regrets about this. It’s a sacred connection I share with them. What kept me grounded was nature, meditation, being around my soul tribe and making sure I was in joy. A year later my parents are on their path to healing, living their best lives and traveling when they can. Like that old adage goes “this too shall pass”.

Wisdom – Ralph Waldo Emerson

A comforting quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I hope that everyone is taking care of there heart & souls. Remember to do what makes you smile each day. See the opportunity in each experience. Please remember you are capable of achieving anything you desire. Laugh, love and never forget to dream! Blessings xo

The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho

The good fight is the one that's fought in the name of our dreams ...

The first novel I ever read by Paulo Coelho was The Alchemist. His text spoke to my heart in profound ways. I was hooked! I have read many of his novels and presently reading The Pilgrimage. I feel to some degree, I am on my own individual “Pilgrimage”. Things come to you when the time is right.

My friends we are in a time where our faith will carry us forward. The higher power, universe and angels are by your side. We must remember love, and not let fear influence us. We are all feeling the effects of Corona Virus, however it is a time where humanity must all come together as a collective family. Its time to heal, just as Mother Earth is experiencing.

Taken from The Pilgrimage, I share The Blue Sphere Exercise:

Seat yourself comfortably, and relax. Try not to think about anything.

Feel how good it is to be alive. Let your heart feel free and affectionate, let it rise above and beyond the details of the problems that my be bothering you. Begin to sing softly a song from your childhood. Imagine that your heart is growing, filling the room – and later your home – with an intense shining blue light.
When you reach this point, begin to sense the presence of the saints (or other beings) in which you placed your faith when you were child. Notice that they are present, arriving from everywhere, smiling and giving you faith and confidence.
Picture the saints approaching you, placing their hands on your head and wishing you love, peace, and communion with the world – the communion of the saints.
When the sensation becomes strong, feel that the blue light is a current that enters you and leaves you like a shining, flowing river. This blue light begins to spread through your house, then through your neighborhood, your city, and your country; eventually envelops the world in immense blue sphere. This is the manifestation of the great love that goes beyond the day-to-day struggle; it reinforces and invigorates, as it provides energy and peace.
Keep the light spread around the world for as along as possible. Your heart is open, spreading love. This phase of the exercise should last for a minimum of five minutes.
Come out of your trance, bit by bit, return to reality. The saints will remain near. The blue light will continue to spread around the world.

This ritual can and should be done with more than one person. When this is the case, the participants should hold hands while they do this exercise.

I felt inclined to share this exercise as soon as I read it. Perhaps it can shift the energy we are presently in, raising our vibration and Mother Earth’s as well. Sending love and blessings xo

The Seat of the Soul – Gary Zukav

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Reverence

If we perceived Life with reverence, and understood our evolutionary process, we would stand in awe at the experience of physical Life and walk the Earth in a very deep sense of gratitude.

Reverence is the perception of the soul. Only the personality can perceive Life without reverence. Reverence is a natural aspect of authentic empowerment because the soul reveres all of Life. Therefore, when the personality is aligned with the soul, it cannot perceived Life without reverence. Approaching Life with reverence not only protects the soul from karmic obligations that are created by personalities that do not honor Life, but it also is a step toward moving the personality into alignment with the soul because it brings an aspect of the soul directly into the physical environment.

Excerpt taken from The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav. Reverence a theme that plays out in my life continuously. Reverence is patience, non-judgmental and flows calmly like the river. “With reverence our experiences become compassionate and caring”.

Life Is – Mother Teresa

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Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

Words that stir the soul, written by beloved Mother Teresa. A saint and angel who was an embodiment of pure light. Life is what we make of it – choose wisely!

The Invitation – Oriah Mountain Dreamer

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It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon.

I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true

I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, ‘Yes.’

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

A touching poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, one for the heart and soul. Love, a spiritual exchange of two souls who are ready to share there lives with one another. A journey to go beyond limitations, and fly into the abyss of their sacred union.

Eat, Pray, Love – Part II

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The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn’t matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.”
― Barbara Hall

In the autumn of 2017, I had written an article titled Eat, Pray Love. A new path was unfolding – it was a journey of soul searching and to go inwards. To summarize, the article touched upon a one year sabbatical leave from the corporate world. I did not realize how much I needed this break and the influence it had upon my spirit. It truly was placing pause on everything and learning to trust.

I had a million expectations on how the year would unravel, which in all honestly taught me a valuable life lesson. What came forward was to expect nothing, and allow each day to progress naturally. In my mind, I anticipated to be working in a new high paying job, living in a big city and to be in a new relationship. Having all answers to come instantantly and everything to be perfect harmony. Traveling to India was high on my bucket list as well as “finding myself”.

Did I ever get a dose of reality! My perceived expectations on how the year was to unfold was completely unrealistic. I wanted to be in control and had to surrender, progression happens on its own terms. I wanted all the answers however, had to be patient. Teaching yoga, meditating, writing along with self-care is what my heart truly desired. I began to understand what I was really seeking was balance, serenity and connecting with the higher-self.

To find the balance you want, this is what you must become. You must keep your feet grounded so firmly on the earth that it’s like you have 4 legs instead of 2. That way, you can stay in the world. But you must stop looking at the world through your head. You must look through your heart, instead. That way, you will know God.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert

On my year off, I began to pay closer attention to nature, and its cyclic rhythms. The sun shines without any hesitation and provides light to the world. This light changes with each season, as we now are into winter it offers retreat. It’s time to reflect and nourish yourself during the darker days. Each season offers a gift, this miracle I never would have recognized if I had not taken a year leave. Falling snow reminds of me of patience and to be in sheer appreciation of what life is. “Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over and it whispers grow” . The beautiful quote from the Talmud was so humbling to reflect upon as there truly are unforeseen forces that guide us along our path.

Life led me to the United Kingdom instead of India. My grandma fell ill at the end of 2017 and familial energy pulled me to England. I knew traveling would happen at some point. In summer/ autumn of 2018 I flew to Paris, France as my first destination. Then ventured to Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Spain and Italy. Traveling to India was not in the stars during my year off. I realize that I was trying to force this trip. Instead I was brought to a new energy and love – Paris. The city has such a bright light as there is much is to be seen & discovered. It is a soul calling just as much as Italy was.

In hindsight your own unique experience of Eat, Pray Love can happen anywhere. Cities or countries call on your spirit for a reason. It is so enriching to travel but ultimately, we are what we believe. Sometimes I wonder if traveling has all the answers or do we need to just silence the mind and meditate? I believe we must do what feeds our soul. Will I ever stop traveling – NEVER!

Throughout our life, there are unpredictable circumstances in which we are never ready for. In November of 2018, my Grandmother from the United Kingdom passed away. We truly never know what each day has to offer or which direction we will pursue. My new perspective on Eat, Pray, Love in remembrance of my Grandmother.

My Grandmother was 92 and lived an abundant peaceful life. She personified Eat, Pray, Love for many reasons.

Eat: From the moment I would arrive home Grandma would always ask me if I had each meal throughout the day. She was simple and really just wanted everyone to be together especially at tea time.

Pray: My Grandma whom we also called Beji prayed profusely and this is one thing I take from her legacy. To always know you will be taken care of, believe in the unknown.

Love: Grandma had 5 children, 18 Grandchildren & 17 Great Grandchildren, for me this embodies love. Family always came first, along with service, prayer and laughter. She remains in my heart and soul and I dedicate this article to her light. I do feel when one leaves the earth plane, the memories are never forgotten, if anything there are etched into our being forever.

What does Eat, Pray, Love mean to you? Your path with unfold, allow the signs to come and know that there are no mistakes but lessons. Travel, learn about yourself and never forget to leave a bit of sunshine wherever you go. Take time to understand yourself, and take those moments to appreciate where you are and how far you have come. There is a purpose to everything in your life story. One day you will look back and connect the dots as Steve Jobs said in his famous dialogue.

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. — Eskimo Proverb

Poetry by -S.C Lourie

Wisdom from Paulo Coelho

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It was 2012, when a dream came true as I attended Oprah’s Master Life Class Tour live in Toronto, Canada! It this extraordinary event I heard renowned speakers such as: Anthony Robbins, Deepak Choopra and Ilayna Vanzant. Oprah Winfrey is a woman of grace who has made such an impact with the OWN Network. Her desire is to bring knowledge and help individuals rise to there utmost potential. Oprah is instrumental for bringing together a new wave of authors and she truly in captures the light of everyone she encounters. There is an author I have wanted to meet my entire life, I have read many of his novels and he goes by the name of Paulo Coelho.

The great courageous act that we must all do, is to have the courage to step out of our history and past so that we can live our dreams. –Oprah Winfrey

I’m truly a seeker and will always be intrigued by serendipitous signs, omens and more! I delve into books, Ted-Talks and Podcasts and anything that makes my soul awaken. In my early 20’s is when I first read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho and it transformed my life and has resonated with my spirit for years. It illustrated the values and ideologies I have practiced my entire adult life. I recommend The Alchemist to anyone who is on the spiritual path or open to it. It was the cornerstone to uncovering myself.

The main character Santiago is from Andalusia Spain – A Shepherds son lives a comfortable life with his parents and starts to question is there more to his existence. In the beginning of the novel Santiago while sleeping under a sycamore tree has a recurring dream that he needs to travel to Egypt to find his treasure. He can not shake this prophecy and feels inclined to pursue this path. Dreams hold particular messages if we are open to receive them. The protagonist is tested with challenges that encouraged him to pursue his own path “personal legend” to understand his soul. He was an Alchemist all along, and obstacles where placed in his life as to keep him faithful. This was all done for a divine reason, to uncover parts of himself in order to evolve. Omens, signs and people were sent along his journey, I believe many of us can relate to Santiago when we are trying to figure out which direction to pursue. Follow your heart!

Now back to Oprah! During the latter part of 2017 I stumbled upon an interview with Oprah and Paulo Coelho. It was called Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. She has interviewed many new age authors such as: Micheal Beckweth, Gary Zukav and Caroline Myss all incredible authors who offer spiritual insight in today’s world . This was a sign I felt, to reacquaint myself with The Alchemist. Messages come into your life at particular times and this was one of them.

Paulo Coelho was born in Brazil to devout Catholic parents. During the conversations with Oprah the author illustrates that was an artist at an early age and knew he wanted to be a writer. His parents did not favor his chosen path and begged him to follow an alternative career. His own parents even insisted he go into a facility for his mental health! They were so afraid he was going against the grain and not following the life they intended for him. He later attended law school and dropped out to travel the world. On a chance encounter with an individual in Amsterdam he received a message to travel to Spain and walk the holy pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela. Here is where he received the intuitive messages to become a writer. I felt so inspired when listening to Oprah’s Soul Conversations that I had to write about this!

The author offered such insight to life and I feel that I was meant to share is wisdom! Here are a five segments that may help you LIVE YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE:

You may get off track in life however you will always be drawn and guided to the right course. Every person, experience or obstacle you encounter is for your highest growth and healing. You may feel life is shattering underneath you, this is when you are being reborn.
“There is only one way to learn. It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey”

Know what you want, the universe will conspire to make it happen –TRUST! Do not let anyone sway your decisions. You have all the answers within, the universe wants to help you.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
The universe will always direct you to your path, follow your heart it will never lead you astray. Your heart center is sacred, within lies all the wisdom you are seeking. Your heart holds all treasure.
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense .”
The language of the divine is the language of the world. Be still and present to what you need to hear.
“There was a language in the world that everyone understood, a language the boy had used throughout the time that he was trying to improve things at the shop. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired.”
Dreams are when you reconnect the symbols and signs. Never stop dreaming, visualizing everything you desire. Its a request that you are transmuting to the universe. YOUR dreams will happen, stay focused on all the blessings each day of your life.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

After all the lessons and experiences Santiago faces he eventually makes it to Egypt. However, there is no treasure. As he goes back home to the sycamore tree where he had the recurring dreams – his treasure is found. The author and main character Santiago understand that love is the cornerstone to spiritual awakening. You will encounter signs along your journey that will direct you towards what is meant for you – please pursue them. It could be a dream, epiphanies or your intuition steering the ship of your life. You must tune in and allow your spirit to carry you.

Paulo Coelho never abandoned his dream – it was within him all along. What is your dream? Work towards it on your own terms. Don’t be hard on yourself and know it will happen. For myself writing is a form of freedom and expression. I have often questioned whether I will write a book or an editorial one day. All I know is that writing connects me to my heart. Hearing Paulo Coelho’s life story again ascertained that we all have a calling and its our mission to honor it in this lifetime. Have no regrets, be brave, make a decision and know its all working out for you!

But he was able to understand one thing: making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist