That first “wandering” experience and my newfound knowledge of Scottish guidelines (thanks to the rancher’s explanation) freed my mental and emotional state to engage my feet (and soul) to wander with the spirit of a child.  The gift of true experience – a type of surround sound that captures and embraces – was greatly enhanced.  Magical moments were actually recognizable – a bit of reinforcement or affirmation that I might just be a “spirit having an amazing human experience.”

For the remainder of my stay on Iona, I would be gifted with experiences that were not easily explainable or conveyable to other travelers…but, continue to remain within me to access during times of need.

For example, one day while sitting on a crag, a scattering of strange looking, slightly colored particles appeared on the horizon in the distance.  What could it be, I wondered?  Could it be some type of mirage?  If so, didn’t mirages usually take some type of form so they could be recognized and/or identified?  As I continued to watch, the particles began to join together – aligning like a school band.  As they joined together, separate columns began to form – side-by-side – each with its own distinct color – reaching skyward.  As the particles came together and the columns grew…the appearnce of a rainbow became evident.  While I’d seen many rainbows during my lifetime, I’d never actually seen one take form – from the ground up – from scratch!  As I continued to watch, the rainbow began to quickly dismantle and dissolve into itself – eventually disintegrating and becoming a shadow.  At dinner, I explained this experience/phenomena to other travelers who had been out walking that same day.  They were amazed to hear my story…as they had not seen a rainbow during their entire walk around Iona that day.

During my stay, many other travelers had shared their interest and intrigue with the Isle’s bird population.  Not being much of a bird admirer…and not having seen any birds during my wanderings except for the occasional beach-loitering seagull, I passed on the opportunity to delve deeper into their area of interest.  I did, however, embrace my early morning walks and quiet time spent on the crags.  As I sat quietly one early morning staring out into the vast abyss where sky meets water and fills one’s visual span, I felt a slight shift in the air around me and heard a rustling noise.  To me this seemed odd…as few to no trees take up life on Iona.  As I looked directly above me – heaven bound – I observed “something” 3 feet above me in isolated suspension.  A tiny bird – about the size of the palm of my hand – made itself known as it bellowed out a song down upon me.  As soon as the tune ended, the bird disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.  There was no sign where the bird had come from…nor where it had gone.  Could this be an example of what locals refer to when they describe Iona as “a tiny place filled with much history and many ‘secret’ places.”  No other birds were around – either on or around that crag nor that made themselves known to me during my wanderings on Iona(except for those loitering a ways off on the beach).    What I did experience – hear, see, and feel – was an amazing gift – one I continue to hold within me to this very day.  Interestingly, as I shared my story with other travelers later that day…I learned that others had not seen or heard anything in my direction – despite having been out walking and resting 2-3 crags beyond me at that same time.  They clearly spotted me on the crag – but saw nothing else.  In their words I “was alone – the entire time”!!

Gratefully, magical moments and encounters on Iona did not end here for me.  The legend and history of Iona brought much more…as I will continue to share…

Til next time…wander, surround yourself, and believe…there is much to be truly experienced – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually…

The raw beauty of shifting landscapes and settings overwhelms.  Multi-colored pebbles and shells (of all shapes and sizes) speckle the mostly white sand beaches that allow crystal clear turquoise waters to encroach.  The dance between land, sky, sea and earth constantly beckon spirit to join in.

As I wandered off each day, new nuggets of knowledge and experience incessantly intercepted my path.  A newfound “freedom to roam” plus explore introduced themselves.  Occasionally, gates to private land threatened to obstruct my wanderings.  But as my eyes (and mind) opened wider, I observed signs welcoming entry and respectful wandering.  Initially, my mind (which restricted my feet) was unable to grasp that concept – opening a closed gate to access and wander on what appeared to be private property just did not seem ‘right.’  My head, filled with rules, regulations and limitations, caused me pause – actually restricted and impeded my movement.  Eventually, I gave myself permission to follow the signs’ guidance – open, enter and begin wandering respectfully.

Early one morning, I mustered up the courage to open one of the gates to begin my traverse across the unexplored spans of land.  In the distance, a rancher tending his cows came into view.  Panic overtook me.  I abruptly stopped.  Feelings (and the appearance) that I’d been “caught with the goods” revealed themselves.   At this point, I was too far along to simply turn back.  So, ever so slowly I proceeded.  As I approached the rancher, I began to profusely apologize for “trespassing.”  As I attempted to share what I’d seen and read – the note on the sign at the gate – the rancher gently and kindly proceeded to explain Scottish Law. 

In Scotland the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 comprehensively codified into Scots law the ancient tradition of the right to universal access to the land in Scotland. The act specifically establishes a right to be on land for recreational, educational and certain other purposes and a right to cross land. The rights exist only if they are exercised responsibly, as specified in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Access rights apply to any non-motorised activities, including walking, cycling, horse-riding and wild camping. They also allow access on inland water for canoeing, rowing, sailing and swimming. The rights confirmed in the Scottish legislation are greater than the limited rights of access created inEnglandandWales.

As the rancher spoke, my heart and life took on a feeling of expansion – freedom to roam legitimized.  I felt my body grant me permission to release those “don’ts” and “shouldn’ts” that constantly consumed (and restricted) me.  Out of some unknown place, I found myself lingering to assist the rancher in feeding his cows (actually quite a huge shift for a professed NJ city girl)!!

As the days progressed, I noticed that the shift within in me experienced on that particular day continued.  The shift did not simply grant me permission to walk through gates.  It was so much more.  I felt inspired to observe and slowly release other restrictive rules, regulations and guidelines that permeated my head and body, and controlled me over the years.   This release allowed me to see things in a new and different way.  My heart and eyes seemed more open – less judgmental.  Much that has not previously been available to me or within my power to see and feel suddenly started appearing and becoming possible.

From that day on before venturing out (even today), I sat and wondered (is this what’s called meditation?)…was all I was experiencing ME or was this Isle filled with spirit-driven environmental magic?  How many truly unexplained magical encounters could one undergo before recognizing, acknowledging and accepting life’s spiritual element on this magnificent and amazing planet?

As I read Faith Columnist Megan Quinn’s piece several weeks ago, her words and the story she shared caused me to reflect on those past feelings of hesitation – and reluctance – to move forward experienced that day on the Iona ferry.  Megan conveyed the story of Peter Munson, a priest at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Boulder, CO (http://saintambrosechurch.net/clergy.html) . Apparently, Rev. Munson recently completed a 250 mile trek along the Colorado Trail.  During his journey, he spent contemplative time – reflecting on his faith and his life’s crossroads.  In her column, Megan shares the concept of “trail magic” experienced by hikers.  This concept suggests that “those things most needed by the hiker – unexpected blessings that appear when one is open and paying attention – will come their way along the trail.”  Stepping off that ferry onto the Isle of Iona was actually my first introduction into “trail magic.”  Throughout my journey, the feeling of a gentle hand and voice guiding and coaching me to be open and pay attention to those magical twists and turns that were about to be revealed was constant.  Those “magical” experiences would turn out to be profound, powerful encounters and events that would change not only my understanding, but my life approach as well.

While a small village with a few gift shops and a museum is within eyeshot of Iona’s ferry dock, and many independent artisans scatter the Isle, Iona (and the surrounding area) is clearly not a travel destination for general sight seeing or fancy shopping indulgences. As one also quickly learns through exposure to and contact with the locals, respect and appreciation are key fundamental words while experiencing Iona.  Once on the Isle, settling into island life is encouraged…as travel to other locations is not routine and would require planning and coordination (ferry and bus schedules, storm and tidal wave planning, etc.).    The logistics of Iona leaves little room for escape – from others or from oneself!

The St. Columba Hotel (http://www.stcolumba-hotel.co.uk/) became home to me for my entire Iona stay.  I ate (home grown, scrumptious, and adaptive), slept (tiny room…with a great water views) and relaxed (sun-drenched rooms) while in good hands.

Early each day, I awoke with the sun, showered and dressed quickly to begin my wanderings – avoiding encounters or chatter with others.  Upon first learning the actual size of the island – 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide – skepticism permeated my being.  Given my style, the Isle would be completely explored in 1-2 days – leaving little for me to do for the remainder of my stay.  As days passed and my wanderings continued, I realized it wouldn’t be long before that air of skepticism vanished.  As I quickly learned, one can wander for hours each day – everyday – rarely encounter another soul, and even get lost (in space and time) on this tiny island.  During those early morning meanderings, I could feel and sense the air around me filling with sounds – water slapping land, unrecognizable animal beckonings, and my own breathing…brrrr… the month of May on Iona is chilly.   During silent moments, I noticed I could even hear the sun expanding and cracking through the horizon – stretching it’s tentacles – to make itself seen, heard and felt…which was reassuring – my hands would soon thaw.

Now where did we leave off? 

Oh yeah… I had just finalized my reservation to “escape” to the Isle of Iona in Scotland http://www.isle-of-iona.com/ http://www.sacredconnections.co.uk/holyland/iona.htm .  The hope was that this trip would offer the precise meditative elixir that would control and manage the anger and frustration that seemed to keep cropping up in me…and that seemed to be driving my daily decisions and actions.  Hmmm….that anger and frustration is exactly what drove me to this trip??  Wonder what that’s all about??

Anyway…once the “go” decision was made, my head turned into a super highway of incessant chatter.  Why was I taking this journey?  What would it be like?  Did I really have the ability (skills) to actually find my way to Iona – after all, past trips over the years had allowed me to go from point A to point B with little to no connections.  The Iona trip, though, required 5-6 connections just to arrive on the Isle.  I also wondered:  What would the experience be like once I arrived?  Would all the trouble I’d gone through to get there really be worthwhile?  And, what about The Whidbey Institute – a group I knew little about; possibly people with different needs who viewed the world in a very different way from me – all pushed together for so long a period of time?  What had all my anger and frustration driven me to do?  I guess I should have tried harder to integrate those words (principles) I’d learned while in that sacred space for all those years (Blending words with reality – 8.12.11)?

The day finally came.  There was no turning back!  Even inside me I could hear and feel those words being shouted at my soul – physical me singing to spiritual me – change was clearly on the horizon for the both of us…and, again, there was no turning back…and no guarantees.  

Despite initial incessant questioning of my journeying skills, traversing and trekking to my final destination – Iona– was relatively smooth – likely made easier by so many helpful encounters with fellow travelers.  Initially, the final ferry ride to the Isle also seemed uneventful…until the Isle finally came into full view.  The sheer isolated beauty of the Isle overtook me. My mind raced to thoughts about what a pivotal role Iona played in spiritual history.  The crumbling remains of the nunnery, new restorative work on the Abbey, the burial site for so many kings – the current and the past converging – all converging on this tiny little island.  I felt lightheaded.  Knowing what an impact this little island had on the lives of so many – changing their lives for eternity right on that very soil – caused me hesitancy.  If my feet hit that soil, would my life (and attitude) also be profoundly changed?  Once again, my path was laid…there was no escape for me.  I had to be coaxed to move forward…to place one foot in front of the other…to take the risk and move in the direction of that off ramp onto that soil.  Could I do it?  At this point, did I really have a choice!!??  There was a LOT of water – very cold water at that – between me and the mainland!!

More soon…until then remember place one foot in front of the other…and travel gently with a light heart!

It took a little longer than anticipated, but Spirit Sleaves™ new web site went live today!  So, be sure to check us out:  www.spiritsleaves.com

Til next time!!

So, the next 5 years became filled with all activities that supported the initial experience.  Every opportunity to hear and learn more about what seemed to offer and support a common sense approach to life and living was unearthed.  Weekly participation – attendance, ushering, reading, meditation, and much more – absorbed hours in this sacred space I’d found.  The ultimate goal seemed obvious – more deeply imbed or integrate the words that filled this sacred space into actions and daily life.  Great concept…but, how was I to do this?  Where was would I start? 

Then…without warning…the reality of life and living hit hard – graduation, new job, divorce, death, job loss, financial strife…every possible facet of turmoil, frustration and confusion became the daily diet.  Basic life principles (through words) that appeared to have resonated and that seemed to have deeply saturated and integrated daily life and my state of being – and which I thought had stuck – were suddenly being put to the test – and even became lost to me.  Those words (principles) no longer seemed useful or capable of withstanding the scrutiny of daily, intense living.  Events happened around me (including entering my soul mate’s path – more on that soon)…that I could not sense, see, explain or even get a grasp on.  Daily drifting, floating, bouncing became the norm.  Clarity was missing…the way back to that peaceful place those initial words ooffered/provided was out of reach - no matter how hard I reached or how deeply I dug!

Despite the many unrecognized (and unacknowledged) blessings filling my life, anger and frustration took charge – those attitudes became the drivers controlling daily decisions and actions – both personal and professional. 

Then one day after having devoted several years to one employer, employees were asked (read: “forced”) to take time off – using their own accumulated vacation time – during the first week in July.  This mandate seemed deplorable at the time (now it seems more the norm).  Also, being asked to take vacation in July – when one already resided in one of the most beautiful summer (and winter) places on earth – seemed ridiculous!!  So, again, in a fit of anger the search for a place to travel began.  The next day, a brochure “randomly” arrived in snail mail announcing an upcoming nature workshop on the Isle of Iona (http://www.southernhebrides.com/iona.html) sponsored by The Whidbey Institute (http://www.whidbeyinstitute.org/ ).  Without scrutinizing the brochure details, I convinced a fellow traveler to join me…and signed up.  Within several days, the trip package of information arrived by mail.  I carefully reviewed it…and quickly learned that this “vacation” was not going to be a simple “get from point A to point B and relax.”  Instead, this trip was predicted to be a journey – one that required coordination and the use of planes, trains, buses, ferries, etc. to simply find one’s way to the Isle.  Once there, settling into Isle life was highly encouraged…as access to other locations was not going to be routine and would actually require more planning and coordination (tidal waves, schedules, etc.).  It also became clear rather quickly that the Isle (and surrounding area) was not going to be a place where one would journey to indulge in fancy shopping or general sight seeing.  Occupying 1.5 by 3 miles – and completely surrounded by water - the Isle offered few convenient methodes of escape – either from others or from oneself!!

Lordie…what had I gotten into…???

As told by a gentle former co-worker, the Maori of New Zealand have a traditional form of greeting. Two people shake their right hands and at the same time place their left hand on the other person’s shoulder. The head is bent, eyes closed and their foreheads touch as their noses are pressed together twice. The two people thus are said to share the breath of life with one another.

Although most may not greet people in the traditional Maori way…perhaps warm, friendly spoken words and kind, gentle actions toward one another might allow some life to be breathe into the life of another.  Definitely creates positive, comforting movement through my day!!

May gentle thoughts and calm meditations fill you!

Til next time…

As the years progressed and growth imposed its impact, distancing myself from a structured church space surfaced in an endless litany of questions that were no longer addressed or answered in a rational, satisfying way.  For example, from a very child-like, simplistic perspective…if “in the beginning,” Adam and Eve were the original people who then gave birth to Cain and Able – and Cain slew Able…it caused wonder:  ‘where did all those other people come from’??  A classic teenage reaction cropped up…hmmm, something funny (maybe even naughty) must have been going on between Cain and his Mom, Eve.  Yuk!!  Thank goodness, wisdom and maturity revealed that without answers my imagination was running wild…and that truly wasn’t the case…there was much more to that particular story – and possibly more to all the other stories I’d read or heard?!!

As maturity continued to cause twisting and turning in all directions…wandering around and through Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and many other faith-based options offered some guidance and insight.  Still, there did not appear to be enough ‘practical’ evidence or details to allow for alignment with any type of faith or religious system or structure…so distancing continued.  Intriguing how children and young adults often find it undesirable to be caught pursuing a parent’s choices?!

Anyway…early one Sunday morning (while living in a co-housing situation in downtown and attending the local university), angelic sounds filtered through the rear entry to the house.  Curious and seduced to follow the sounds, I ventured outside.    Those sounds drew me to the corner adjacent to the house where a building rich in church-like features sat.  I entered through the large ornate wooden doors, introduced myself to the greeter, and planted myself on the aisle in the rear (a natural safe zone in case escape became necessary).  For the next hour, my skeptical self sat quietly and listened patiently.  What filled the air space were words and phrases that aligned with and weaved stories very similar to my life story.   Growing up immersed in and supported by a large family created a world view that somehow everyone and everything on the shared planet was intricately connected (or related).  Frustratingly, I was unable to grasp exactly how that worked nor could I effectively articulate those feelings or observations… until that day when those words were spoken:  “Christ” within each of us is the light that we each carry as ‘children of God’.  Tears flooded my eyes as I continued to listen.  That day, so many powerful messages captured and penetrated my being including phrases like:

• All people are created with sacred worth.  Greater understanding among people is essential;
• Live in the infinite flow of God’s good – wisely drawing from and using our rich spirit resources to serve the world;
• Individual freedom of religious belief is honored and respected – allowing each individual to choose a spiritual path;
• An open mind allows truth and inspiration to be heard from every possible source;
• Giving one’s best is achieved through living the truth one knows.  It is possible to make a difference;
• Thoughts and actions are spirit-led and help co-create a world that works for all;
• Experiences are created by what one chooses to think, feel, and believe;
• Act from a place of wholeness and be ethical in all action including keeping your word;
• Universal spiritual principals change lives;
• Love each individual simply to love them as opposed to trying to fit them into any particular believe or practice;
• Spiritual understanding can be enhanced through reflective prayer and meditation;
• Through affirmative prayer and meditation, connecting with God and bringing out the good in life is possible; and
• Individuals grow spiritually when they are part of a supportive community of like-minded believers.

At that point, all I wanted to do was get up and shout – YEAH!!  Fortunately, puffy eyes, a spinning head, and a red and splotchy feeling face restricted me.  In disbelief of what I’d just heard…and that there might possibly be others out there who viewed the world in the same way I did…I exited stage left…not stopping to talk with anyone.  For the entire day, I sat in wonder…and pondered:  Was it really possible that ideas and concepts I’d innately held my entire life could be encapsulated and presented in this way?  Were these ideas and concepts actually accepted and held by others?  Was it really possible to live a life based on what was being expressed?  Or was what I just heard another example of words that “read well on paper” (i.e. the Ten Commandments)…but impossible to truly live by or from such a “simple” base/foundation.

I was about to find out!!

The first thing that comes to mind is how important it is for each of us to hear, appreciate, honor and respond to those little whisperings and feelings experienced throughout life.  The messages that try to make their way to us are critical to how we live our lives…and what we do in and with our life.

From a very early age – I’m guessing it was about 9 or 10 – I learned and loved the art (and magic) of sewing.  Turning a flat piece of inanimate fabric into something that literally enraptured a person or item was captivating for me.  From the feel of thread gliding through my fingers, to the matching of thread color to fabric color, to watching wrinkles and laundry folds magically disappear from each piece of fabric caused my spirit to dance.  Little did I know at that early age that many years later, that feeling would lead me to crafting and creating everything from commercial rodeo shirts to men’s and women’s clothing (vests, blouses, and so much more)…and now to Spirit Sleaves™ - a venture of spirit that brings the lives and dreams of two people together (more on that later)!!

For now…watch for the new Spirit Sleaves™ (www.spiritsleaves.com) to launch by August 1st…

Til then…thanks for visiting my blog and sharing your thoughts about sewing, meditation, prayer…and the good stuff that makes us who we are – spirits having a human experience!