I Wasn't Always Like This

Stories from the infamous Grand Canyon rafting trip adventure! Deeply spiritual, profoundly heart-breaking, epically terrifying, The River did not disappoint in its Power and Magnificence. Also, in this episode, the discovery that moving is sometimes the best thing we can do when things get rough. And then, sometimes, moving again is necessary! From San Francisco to Boise, Idaho and onward to Anchorage, this episode is packed! [Disclaimer - when I share about my spiritual life, please know that my approach to spiritually is an all-inclusive one. It's not about any one "belief" (or ANY belief, for that matter!). It is about connection. And a sense of Knowing. We can talk about it anytime, if you've got questions!]

In this episode, we learn what it feels like to find that perfect employment, and to leave it. To go from a 24/7 packed schedule, to hours of vast nothingness. Leaving the familiar to step into the unknown is an opportunity to grow and learn. It's also an opportunity for depression to dig in. Discovering what was my most reliable Source for help was powerful. And enlightening. And, getting knocked down by a dog helped me to learn - once again - that Gratitude is the key to survival! From Anchorage to San Francisco, the adventure continues!

Welcome to Season 5! 2009 was a pretty epic year: the entrance of Shannon, the welcoming of Maddie into my life, Ordination and Graduation as an InterFaith/InterSpiritual minister, and - after 40+ years of waiting for the moment - my pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. All of it reminding me to be Grateful that I stayed alive to experience it. 

AND the announcement of my book! "From There to Here: an insider's guide to navigating the darkness" is now available for pre-order (through 20 March) at my website. Just go to: https://givebutter.com/from_there_to_here 

Thank you SO much!!

Beginnings, endings, travels, planning for more travels. This episode takes us to New York for Seminary, to the heart of the matter of Love, to the future of what could be, and to yet another door opening on yet another learning opportunity! As Michael Devon wrote in his song, "Here": "So we live and we learn but we only learn if we live." The learning continues. 

This is a very full episode! Looking at my inner and outer journeys of finding courage in music, in therapy, in Love, and in metaphorical knife-fighting! Guided by creative musicians, wonderful healers, sweet friends, and the amazing Dan Millman, this moment in my story reminds me that - as long as I agreed to stay - the adventures would never run out! And the episode closes with some tunes that feature the guitar and vocal skills of Mark Pearson and the magnificent bass stylings of Dolores Catherino. The journey continues! 

It's important to me to listen when The Universe tells me something. And, this week, it told me to put a hold on my story and talk about what is very real for me. And for many others. That each day, we face this darkness called depression and, sometimes, some days, it is just plain really hard. The Universe reminded me of Ram Dass' beautiful words: "We are all just walking each other home." That is what I needed to do today. Walk, with all of you. Remember to hydrate. peace.

Life is unfolding in Alaska! Discoveries of healing, of music, of friendship, of my self. And, of course, the wonderful moments of The Universe doing It's "magical thing" in my life. What is happening is a new way of learning, living, and Being in my own self. While also continuing to navigate my way through living with depression. The negotiations with the worst roommate ever continue. And the gifts of sticking around just keep coming!

Life a flower planted in a new garden, I had planted myself in Anchorage, Alaska. Exploring my new life there, meeting friends - both human and 4-legged - learning new skills, learning about myself, learning about Love (yes, again!). And making life-long connections with people who entered my life like gifts from The Universe. Welcome to Season 4!

(Happy Birthday, Azel!)

Just wanted to say hello during these potentially tricky days between Christmas and New Years. Please, if you are needing support, check in with someone. Anyone. And, if you are doing well, consider reaching out to someone who might be struggling right now.

As Ram Dass taught us: We are all just walking each other home.

peace

In this bonus episode, we finally get to hear about my spiritual journey, my relationship with That Thing That is Larger Than Me, and my continuously evolving understanding of the difference between the Big-L-Love and little-l-love (including one more mention of pudding!). And how all of this comes together to help keep me going as I continue to live with depression. The most important take away from this episode is how it is very clear that I wasn't always like this. So very Grateful for my then and my now.