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

A New Earth

In 2020, I wrote an article in regards to nature titled: The Divine Essence of Nature. In this piece, I touched upon aspects of nature and the relevance to the energy of the planet. The article reflected on the shifting patterns of Earth in 2019. Mama Gaia was talking to us, through weather patterns. It was her emotions surfacing with the elements of air, fire and water. By 2020, the Covid pandemic was in full force. It altered the fabric of humanity as society is still processing life.

Presently, in 2024 we are now in a drastic shift of climate change in every corner of the globe. It seems that astrologically, the cosmos are impacting the state of your being. Weather patterns have been occurring in the past few years. Flooding, fires and torrential rain are more prevalent. Could the weather patterns be a sign of something else? The varying emotions of Mama Earth again? She is a living energy force and perhaps communicating to our consciousness? With meditation, answers become clear. When you still your mind, your heart whispers. What message is she trying to convey? The message of oneness and love.

Do you ever ask yourself, why did Covid occur? In my opinion, Covid happened for a spiritual reason. I have to believe a global pandemic occurred to shift consciousness. The universe was a guiding force in this all. Life went upside down. Society had to be placed on pause. Humanity needed to surrender, and be in a state of the unknown. Taking time in nature, allowed healing to transpire. To be one with the universe and breathe.

Sometimes the universe turns off all the lights so we have no choice but to find our own – Rebecca Campbell

My personal belief is that souls were awakening. The collective consciousness was remembering who they really are, their core essence. Many of us had to go within layers of our spirit to see that the pandemic was something greater. Lightworkers, you know who you are, your divine purpose is to shine angelic light on earth. Lightworkers realized they are here to serve as beacons of LOVE and healing.

The real you is always here. You just have to recognize the light within and give yourself permission to radiate from your soul — not only for your own benefit but for the blessing of all others ― Catherine Carrigan

You began to question why you are here, especially now. Covid was a spiritual retreat, almost like an incubation period to assess your life. Who are you? Are you happy? What is your purpose? Questions that one hardly gives time to consider. This inner dialogue led to other aspects of your life journey. Silence is when your clarity comes. Be still and know, everything is exactly the way it should be.

The dark days are over, let the universe take control. The old structures are falling apart. Be prepared to see changes in the way we live our lives. This will be for the better. The year of 2024, is a year of abundance in every single way. You have been reborn and being asked to live, engage the life you have always yearned for.

We now stand on a New Earth. Allow love to be your guiding force in every decision you make. You are chosen to be here in this new energy. We have a long way to go, however we are in a revolutionary time in history. Covid taught us to love and cherish our family. To be of service to your neighbors and community. To make peace with your present circumstances. Release your ego and remember who you are. This is your time to shine, be seen and to soar.

You are not IN the universe, you ARE the universe, an intrinsic part of it. Ultimately you are not a person, but a focal point where the universe is becoming conscious of itself. What an amazing miracle – Eckhart Tolle

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”.

A Precious Human Life – The Dalai Lama

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be ...

A PRECIOUS HUMAN LIFE

“Every day

Think as you wake up,

Today I am fortunate

To have woken up,

I am alive,

I have a precious human life,

I am not going to waste it,

I am going to use

All my energies to develop myself,

To expand my heart out to others,

To achieve enlightenment for

The benefit of all beings,

I am going to have kind

Thoughts towards other,

I am not going to get angry,

Or think badly about others,

I am going to benefit others

As much as I can”

Words of wisdom from The Dalai Lama. Remember to be kind, gracious and extend your heart whenever you can. Wishing everyone a peaceful transition into July. Stay well xo

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

The Pursuit of Happiness

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Still a dreamer, yet more of a realist than ever before, I knew this was my time to sail. On the horizon I saw the shining future, as before. The difference now was that I felt the wind at my back. I was ready.
—Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness

In the moment of conception, we enter into this world alone unaware of what is happening around us. We are oblivious to our surroundings, and of all the newness that is about to occur. The five senses—taste, sight, touch, smell and hearing become a journey of discovery throughout the aging process as children. We are at complete peace, oneness with the experience of life.

There is such an innocence and pureness when we are young. Happiness, confidence and self-worth are etched into our core. We are fearless, speak our mind and have no concern to what others think about us. There is a sense of resilience and creativity is what makes the soul blossom. We see at a young age how children are painters, chefs, writers and teachers. As one develops from being a toddler to adolescence and finally an adult there are many twists and turns. We sometimes forget who we once were and what truly made us content.

Let us liberate ourselves from any form of control. Let us focus at the inner drum, where the rhythm aligns with that of our heart. The measure of responsibility, equals to the need for evolution. Just listen, the inner child, let it whisper in your ear.
—Grigoris Deoudis

Are we born happy or do we have to work at it? Is it a conscious choice we make? These are the questions that have been pondering over the past few months. I believe happiness is an internal process and there are times we have to work towards creating it. There are numerous times when I would mask emotions of fear, anger or envy in order to keep that happy momentum. I was not being authentic whatsoever, and felt like I was avoiding parts of myself. I do believe happiness comes naturally when we are in alignment and we follow our hearts desires. When those moments happen, I bask in them and remind myself of the simple pleasures of life.

Our we a product of our environment and does epigenetics play a role in our development? I’m in no way a physician, however believe we absorb characteristics from our family relationships that determine some of our innate behaviours. Becoming an emotionally intelligent adult is clearing those blockages and experiences we endured as children. We are cleansing our spirits as we gain self awareness and personal power. We may blame our parents however there will be a time that you will see them as your teachers who gave you unconditional love. As they say the spiritual journey is coming home to yourself.

As we get older finish our education and follow a certain path, we live a certain way even though internally we have a deeper longing. We get caught up in the routine, work-life balance and forget about the importance of connecting to others. Is happiness in a job, car, relationship, or material status? Is that what makes life meaningful or is there something more?

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
—Albert Camus

There is something more! I attended a Buddhist Monk Meditation in February and it gave me the direction I have been seeking, along with inspiration for the remainder of this article. What I learned from that significant meditation is that INNER PEACE = HAPPINESS! Meditation brings you back to your core of who you are and that stillness is the key to your happiness. I’m in the process of applying the principle of non-attachment to situations and outcomes . By just being still is the source to happiness.

Here is insight from the meditation session that has ignited clarity into my life:

We all have attachments, fears unfilled desires and this creates inner turmoil. Breathe into your discomfort and surrender. Inhale white light and exhale black particles that do not serve you

When you are wavering into anxiety or stress learn to get touch with your feelings

You have all the wisdom and knowledge within, when you meditate answers appear

Stop going outside yourself and trust your divinity

Stay close to the centre of your heart, the mind is like a diamond, nurture it, feed it and water it with love

Let go of expectations to the way you think life should be and be so engrossed in the presence

Appreciate silence, it is connected to your soul

Love and self-love is the antidote you are seeking

I leave you with the story of Gautama Buddha. He was born into a wealthy upper class family in India surrounded by prestige and influence. Buddha was inquisitive spirit and knew there was a deeper meaning to life and would ultimately forge his own path. One day, he decided to leave and became a humble man who lived the life of ascetic. As Buddha detached from everything, is when he felt truly rich. Meditation, prayer and living a simple life is what transformed his soul. Remember its your internal happiness that makes your soul light up just like the stars in the galaxy.

Is there a simple remedy for happiness? Why are we always searching? The concept of searching finally made sense – I had an epiphany! Happiness is not a destination, its a choice we make daily. It truly is the little things which add up to making us smile. Come back to your inner child, remember who you once were at that young age. Embrace that care-free, radiant soul who lived in pure joy. Make time and space for mediation, the more you practice you will settle into peace.

The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

–Atisa