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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Journey Introduction:

Once again I have taken some time…and once again I feel drawn to a “project!” A couple of months ago, I ended up “tripping” to Sacramento everyday to experience the essence of the State Capitol. My experience was incredible and my passion for expressing myself through writing was definitely piqued. This morning, I feel drawn to the labyrinth - an ancient entity used for meditation, contemplation, prayer and focus. Admittedly, I am a labyrinth “baby” and though I have walked labyrinths on many an occasion, the only real history I can share is mostly my own experience. Upon doing a little research (www.labyrinthlocator.com), I was pleasantly surprised to find there are numerous labyrinths in the area.

Part of the reason for an increase in my interest in the labyrinth is an upcoming journey to France which includes an excursion to the famous labyrinth at Chartres. I found a picture of this powerful labyrinth on-line a few days ago….wow!... anyone who is sensitive to energy may be divinely blown away just by looking at the picture! My interest in Chartres was preceded by a labyrinth walk a few weeks ago inside Grace Cathedral (San Francisco) where an exact replica of the Chartres labyrinth can be found. I hope to make this area-famous labyrinth a part of my experience this week.

Once again, I invite you to share my experience. I am excited to partake in another creative and experiential journey - one that keeps me focused and gets me out of the house! I never know what’s going to “call” me - this time it’s the labyrinth. So….this week, it is my intent to visit a few labyrinths and write about my experiences. I am also including a focus on Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. I’m curious to see if the two will somehow “synergize.” Stay tuned…it may be interesting!

Much love,

Karrie

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Labyrinth #1: Episcopal Church of St. Martin – Davis, CA

It’s Sunday. I arrived at the church about 15 minutes before the 10:00 service and about 30 minutes later than I had planned! I have to admit, this provoked a bit of anxiousness. (Sometimes I question my timing!) While I waited for the parishioners to enter the church – including my relatives the “come-late-leave-even-earlier’s” - I took some photos of a squirrel which was clinging effortlessly and worry-free to a very skinny branch! I was so focused on watching the little creature that I didn’t notice how close it had gotten! It finally occurred to me that it might decide to jump! As I turned and scrambled toward the car, I noticed it was “high-tailing-it” toward the bushes! Evidently, great minds do think alike!

At about 10:05, I walked over to the labyrinth gate and entered. The labyrinth is situated amongst several redwoods in a park-like corner on the church acreage. It radiates warm, pleasant, loving energy. I sat for a moment on one of the benches and gathered my thoughts….then walked toward the labyrinth’s opening. I don’t know if there are any specific rules for walking a labyrinth – except to follow the path inward toward the center then reverse as you walk back toward the exit. I usually begin my process by circling the labyrinth once to “unzip” it (that’s what it feels like to me) before pausing at the entry to set my intent, open my heart and mind then starting to walk the path. Today, I set my intent on any insights regarding the unalienable trio of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

This particular labyrinth has 11 circuits and is about 42 feet in diameter. (This is the same as the labyrinth at Chartres.) Though I’m no numerology expert, I do know that 11 and 22 (11 in and 11 out) are master numbers which carry a little extra “umph!” and 6 (the sum of the digits 4 and 2) is a number of harmony, love and balance. These little numerical tidbits seemed to provide an additional depth of meaning to an experience that was already beginning to feel “mysterious.”

Everyone has a different experience in a labyrinth, but for me, the labyrinth comes alive. It’s golden and feels very sacred. My feet seem to “glide” along the path and my arms swing in unison. My mind generally calms about halfway to the middle and I begin preparation to enter the 6-petaled center. Six petals…Faith… Surrender… Service… Abundance…Forgiveness …Overcoming…and the center, Love… (I don’t know if these are the original meanings for the petals but they are what I have chosen to use this week.) As I stepped into the first petal, I consciously thought and felt, “Faith”…immediately a question popped into my mind, “What would happen if we all dropped the false façade?” There was an instantaneous sense of this “façade” that disappeared as quickly as it had come. It felt like each and every one of us knows of this “façade” but we choose to keep it alive by supporting it – regardless of what we know. I stepped into each of the other petals and said a brief prayer but the focus of the day was definitely meant to be on “Faith” including the question that had dropped-in.

When I left the labyrinth, I did a lap in the reverse direction to “close” it then walked back to the car. I sat for a few moments and wrote what I was feeling in regard to the question…“What would happen if we all dropped the false façade?”…Trusted the “unknown?”...Followed our “inner guidance?”…Let go of the routines, patterns and structures we know are absolutely ridiculous?...Released our fears of being authentic...of saying what we mean....of honoring our feelings...of using our gifts?...What would the world look like then?........wow…incredible… (smile)…(tears)… So what would it take for me to drop the false façade? The answer came quickly - Faith.

At this point I asked myself what Faith meant to me…what exactly is Faith? The following summarizes my insights:

•Faith allows me to feel the fear and move forward anyway.

•Faith allows me to know that All is Well – no matter the outcome or the circumstances.

•Faith seems to be the 1^st step and a necessary foundation for allowing myself to truly experience life.

•Without Faith, my fear is too great and I become rooted, cemented and trapped – unable to follow that which “calls” me.

•Faith seems essential to living the unalienable trio of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

I have to share that this “call to consciousness” is having an incredible affect on me. I can’t quite put my finger on the exact “what” but I can feel some major recognition and collapsing of out-dated beliefs! This is P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L stuff! I feel somewhat stunned! Another question has just popped into my mind, “Do I really have Faith in what I say I believe and espouse to be true?” If so, why am I still allowing myself to live some incredibly ugly, untruthful scenarios each day? Good God! This week is going to be a life-changer! I feel a little “rear-end-kicking” coming on! Stay tuned…this could be better than the newest adventure movie!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Labyrinth #2: First United Methodist Church – Napa, CA

It took me awhile to find the labyrinth this morning. I circled the church (which pretty much covers the block) twice - first one way and then the other – before I saw a woman exiting the building on the backside. Once inside, another woman showed me the way to the labyrinth. (Of course, I found out that the labyrinth could be accessed via an exterior gate that I had seen earlier in my wanderings!) The labyrinth is in a small courtyard surrounded by a few trees, bushes and a bed of jasmine. The walls of the courtyard are formed by two walls of the building and a fence along the other two sides. Benches run along and parallel to the fence.

Before I entered the labyrinth, I sat down and centered myself by focusing on what I had internalized from my walk yesterday in regard to Faith. Faith is necessary if I am to “drop the façade.” Faith is required in order for me to believe that what I “sense” to be true is true – despite the fact that what I see around me screams to the contrary. Faith is essential for me to move beyond the fear of humiliation and call on the courage to take one step….and then another…and another…and another…until the “truth” becomes the reality around me. Faith is the foundation requisite for experiencing life to the fullest.

When I felt ready, I circled the labyrinth and set my intent - which included a deeper understanding of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. As I began the path inward, I noticed something very different from my walk yesterday – or any walk I have done before. The labyrinth had the feel and appearance of amethyst - deep purple and unblemished amethyst. It’s difficult for me to describe but the words that come to mind are royal, deep, power and wisdom. In my mind’s eye, the labyrinth was made of amethyst and the pathways were lined in gold. It was an incredible walk to the center in this type of energy.

Another unexpected “occurrence” also took me by surprise. It was a “visual” of Jesus carrying the cross along the path on his way to Golgotha and the crucifixion. I felt like I was following him…observing from “now.” I could sense the immense burden and weight of the cross he was carrying.

Finally, I entered the center of the labyrinth and began the process of visiting each petal. Today, it was the second petal that seemed to be the focus - Surrender. I took a moment to sense what Surrender felt like to me. “Giving up,” “allowing” and “letting go” came to mind. I then heard a question, “What’s the worst that can happen?” I felt myself smile. Just for a second, part of me had seen the humor. Why would I fight so hard to hold on to unhappiness, frustration and even anger? [the cross] Why wouldn’t I “surrender” this façade when I recognize the part it plays in keeping me trapped where I am?

As I was sharing this “joke” with myself, Jesus popped into my consciousness again. In my mind’s eye, the center of the labyrinth was the color of a deep red garnet. (I read on-line that red garnet is a symbol of love, compassion, purity and truth.) I sensed a freeing…a letting go…a resurrection! I sat in the center for a few minutes just to take it all in…. As I left the center and began the walk out of the labyrinth, I felt a little stunned - but “lighter.”

Later, it occurred to me that this labyrinth was embedded with a healing story. On some level, I had experienced a form of the crucifixion/resurrection, and in the process was gifted an understanding of the tremendous part Surrender plays in resurrection – the freeing or rebirth of who I really am.

I still feel “shell-shocked” and I’m not even sure as to why. I will say I am awed by the “psyche-rumbling” initiated by the “drop-in questions” as well as the synergy I felt between the questions and the petals. The “real-time” visual today was a new experience. The power of the impact is increasing as I speak. Today’s journey into the labyrinth was an experience in which I know a lot has happened in a very short period of time. I also recognize that I probably won’t understand the depths of it for quite some time – if ever.

In closing, I just want to say I am grateful for each and every one of you that has chosen to come along on this journey. Facing the “lions and tigers and bears” with a team is soooo much easier than by myself! I am indeed grateful.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Labyrinth #3: Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms – Montague, CA

I woke up this morning still deeply affected by the “amethyst” labyrinth I experienced yesterday in Napa. Deep purple was still “up front and center” in my awareness. As synchronicity would have it, I received an e-mail from a friend last night asking if I knew of the labyrinth made of lavender near Mt. Shasta. I didn’t think too much about it in the moment (After all, Mt. Shasta is over 3 hours away from my house!) but today, I felt “called” to go.

As I left Vacaville, I happened to be listening to music from Karen Drucker (CD: Songs of the Spirit 4 © TayToones Music BMI and www.karendrucker.com). The first song is “Morning Prayer: I Will Surrender.” (How perfect is that!) Though I have listened to this CD a couple of times, I’m not consciously familiar with the words of the songs. So when I heard,

“I will surrender to my greatest highest good...I will release any fear that blocks my way…For every step I take…is taken in pure faith… and I am stronger every moment everyday….My mind is willing and my heart is open wide…I trust my instincts and let Spirit be my guide...I vow to live the life that’s real and pure and free…as I continue walking in this mystery,”

the tears - in absolute recognition of the synchronicity and the signs of support I was receiving - were streaming down my face.

As Nature would have it, it sprinkled, showered and poured all the way to Mt. Shasta City! I giggled several times as I questioned my sanity! I smiled in recognition when I recalled the previous 2 days and the focus words – Faith and Surrender. (Aha - a little pop quiz!) So…instead of turning around, I turned up the volume on the Karen Drucker CD!

As I said, it rained all the way to Mt. Shasta City. However, Mt. Shasta Lavender Farms is on the backside of Mt. Shasta – it wasn’t raining there! You have to drive up (it’s a climb) a reddish gravel road which meanders through the pines, rocks and boulders in order to get to the farm. You finally emerge onto a little plateau overlooking a beautiful valley…and Mt. Shasta. The Mountain was shrouded but I could feel it anyway! Wow! There is nothing like Mt. Shasta!

I walked into the little shop and was greeted by a beautiful hostess. She gave suggestions about where to look and pointed out the labyrinth. (The shop itself is like a lavender spa! The scent of lavender sent me into a state of bliss – my [internal] hedonist was in heaven!) I walked toward the labyrinth and was immediately drawn to its grace and beauty. I ended up walking the path twice. I had brought two crystals with me – an exquisite amethyst slightly larger than a Sony Walkman and a white crystal of similar length. Initially, I felt that I should walk the path holding the crystals but ignored this feeling because of the people around. After the first “round,” I went back to the car, retrieved the crystals and walked the path. The difference for me was extremely noticeable. The labyrinth “lit up.”

When I entered the center of the labyrinth, I spent a little time in each petal (though not outlined in this labyrinth) but focused on the 3^rd petal – Service. Faith…Surrender….Service. Have Faith to take the step; Surrender the “weapons,” the “protections,” the façade…stand “naked” without cover/armor before “God” and in this world; Be in Service… It took me several moments to get beyond my “head” which was stuck on “servant” and what “servant” looks like in this world – not appealing. I asked myself again, “What does it mean to be in Service?” Suddenly, there was recognition that the “nakedness” of Surrender was equivalent with the revealing of my core Essence – the true authentic divine being that is “me.” By surrendering to this Essence, I am naturally in Service to the Divine because there is nothing left but the divine me! When I am in alignment with my core Essence, I am in Service! In that moment, I made a vow to the Essence of who I am to align to the best of my abilities in each moment – hearing, sensing, feeling and recognizing the façade - but remaining true to my divine Essence which is of God.

Interestingly enough, I felt sprinkles of rain when I entered the labyrinth but when I stood in the center the sun broke through directly above me. I felt divine love and acceptance. As I walked back toward the entry, I experienced the lush beauty and grace of this lavender-lined, divine pathway. I wrote “Beauty…Grace…Lavender…Service” and felt myself “light-up.” Recognition birthed at some level…

I am now home integrating these energies and getting a deeper understanding of what these insights truly mean. I sense the truth in the statement, “Ignorance is bliss.” Once you experience something at a higher level and your awareness is piqued, you can’t go back to the “bliss of ignorance.” It’s impossible. Though the vow I made wasn’t really necessary, it seems to have created a “non-resistant” bond between myself and my divine Essence. This is something I truly desire.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Labyrinth #4: United Methodist Church – Davis, CA

This morning I visited the labyrinth located on the grounds of the UMC in Davis. It was an interesting experience to say the least. There were 4 to 6 “volunteers” moving materials into one of the church buildings. One came up to me and asked if she could be of assistance. I shared what I was doing and she inquired whether I knew of the other labyrinths in Davis – like the labyrinth at St. Martin’s? (Interestingly enough, she is a member of the congregation at St. Martin’s and was just helping out at the UMC.) I shared about the lavender labyrinth outside of Mt. Shasta and she told me about a new labyrinth in Auburn on the grounds of The Mercy Center. (I will be going there sometime this week!) She then left me alone to have my experience.

As soon as I began my “ritual” to enter the labyrinth, a couple of other volunteers decided to pull up chairs and have a conversation. I found it “attention-grabbing” that the topic of the conversation was gay marriage and gays/lesbians in general. “Resembling” the topic, I found it difficult not to listen. Evidently, the brand new minister (This Sunday is her introduction!) “resembles” the topic as well. It was apparent that one of the conversation’s participants was working hard to make a connection between the “ungodliness” of lesbianism and God. His belief systems were being challenged. He even mentioned that as far as he knew, there was nowhere in the Bible that states that this type of relationship is ok. By now, I had reached the center of the labyrinth and was gifted with the following “drop-in:” God is Love….Love the Lord God with all Thy Might…Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. These are the things to remember. The rest is “story.”

As I made my rounds through the petals, I refocused myself and took notice that the labyrinth was bright blue today with gold trimming. It was shimmering in the sunlight. Clarity seemed to be its foundation. I spent some extra time in the 4^th petal – Abundance. What does Abundance mean to me? I know many believe Abundance is all about money but this doesn’t seem to be the “core” meaning. For me, Abundance includes: bliss, happiness, giggles, joy. It means that I have everything I need in that moment (which would include money!). As I explored it more deeply, it became clear that Abundance occurs spontaneously when I am in alignment with the true me – my divine Essence. In fact, the only time I feel completely in balance and without worry is when I am in alignment. It is in these moments, I have everything I need. When I feel safe and allow myself to align with the truth of who I am, it’s like a channel opens and I’m walking in a surreal reality. I come “alive” in those moments in a way that isn’t normal for me and I know that something “special” is occurring…I am in alignment.

By now, the conversation near the labyrinth had subsided and I knew the gift the new pastor for the UMC - Davis was bringing the congregation. The blessing of an expanded understanding of God and Love had arrived. I wished them all the best on their journey together.

When I left the labyrinth, I found a quiet spot on the backside of the church and wrote a few notes on my experience. Though part of me found the rather loud conversation while I was walking the labyrinth a little disconcerting, I recognized the gift in the conversation. I contemplated different levels of Service – all well and good. There is the Service of volunteers assisting the church and there is the Service of a divine Essence(s) holding space in honor and recognition of the journey of another Essence. I could sense the Essences of the conversationalists holding space for me while I walked the labyrinth. Though the humans didn’t seem to notice, their Essences did. I could feel it. This is always true. If we take the time to pay attention….and still ourselves…we can sense the divine Essence of another in each and every moment – no matter the circumstances. This is where the truthful “conversation” takes place – in the wordless connection within the circle of sacred life.

There is peace today. Up to this point, I have been somewhat anxious or uncomfortable as the truthful energy of personally powerful insights rumbled though me. I look forward to tomorrow but will enjoy this day. It has been a blessing.

The Divinity in me bows to the Divinity in you…

Friday, July 01, 2011

Labyrinth #5: Grace Cathedral – San Francisco, CA

I just have to say, I AM POOPED! Though this has been an incredible journey, my body can’t take much more of this rumbling, rippling and rocking! Today, I drove over the Bay Bridge and into San Francisco to visit the super-fantastic Grace Cathedral. If you ever have the opportunity, it’s a must-see and a must-experience. The Cathedral has two Chartres-sized labyrinths – one inside the main entrance of the church and one outside in a front “patio” area.

The Cathedral is gargantuan with several vestibules. I could hear “ministers” leading prayers at different times in various parts of the church. The stained glass windows are incredibly beautiful and engraved with messages and stories. My favorite is a clandestine meeting between St. Francis and Claire. I decided to walk the labyrinth inside the Cathedral. My timing was excellent as I was able to experience the walk without much interruption.

As per most of my walks, I opened the labyrinth, set my intent and began the path. I could hear the Lord’s Prayer being recited by a small group in one of the vestibules. In my mind, Forgiveness was already beginning to percolate. “Doubt” and “Trust” were coming up big as I moved along the path. I heard myself asking for Forgiveness for all my anger, doubt and lack of trust in what I know to be true. I concentrated on what I felt regarding the labyrinth itself. Immediately, I saw and felt “gold.” The pathway turned to a deep plush crimson carpet lined with gold. In my mind’s eye, I kept seeing a crown and the path felt like the walkway to a coronation.

When I reached the center, I spent time in each petal as per my ritualistic routine. Faith… Surrender…Service…Abundance…Forgiveness… I spent quite awhile in the fifth petal before moving on. I heard, “Are you ready to forgive yourself, Karrie?” I could feel the depth at which the question entered me. (The tears are coming now as I’m writing.) I now realize that part of me was “shocked” by the question. The question was like an arrow from the Universe which upon impact instantaneously planted a more truthful perspective which woke part of me up like a bucket of ice water! At some deeper level I caught the true meaning underlying the question. I was the one that held the key to freedom. I was the one who held the key to the dungeon door – the dungeon of punishment, wrath and merciless judgment. And I was the one who held the gift of Forgiveness. Though I understood this concept at a “head” level, it was evident that I hadn’t truly known it in the core of my being until this moment. I recognized a part of “me” had been harboring some outdated dogma and had essentially brainwashed “me” into believing I was unworthy and undeserving - like I had “missed the mark” and was a disgrace. But in this one infinitesimal moment, I felt this “data” disintegrate…..“Are you ready to forgive yourself, Karrie?” Wow… I knew this experience had affected me deeply and I probably wouldn’t understand the full ramifications until later.

I moved through the final petal quickly and sat down in the center of the labyrinth (LOVE). I took a couple of deep breaths just to enjoy where I was sitting. It was then that I heard, “Golden Starlight of the Heavens [a metaphorical name given to me], are you ready to take back your heart and your crown?” I “saw” a huge diamond representing my heart and a golden crown with rubies and diamonds which I knew represented my crown chakra. Once again, I was shocked and deeply moved. The feeling in the moment was like the “prodigal son returning home” – not to wrath and punishment but to love and celebration. Again at a much deeper level, I realized that I was the one who pushed these deep feeling and sensing parts of me aside. I had closed them off due to doubt, lack of trust and the fear of being wrong as well as hurt. These aspects had been “kept” for me until I was ready to take them back – until I could Forgive myself. Amazing.

I walked out of the labyrinth in a state of awe. (I think my mouth may have been hanging open!) I felt a familiar pang of doubt and “this is ridiculous” but I quickly shut it down. I will no longer entertain such nonsense. I have been incredibly unhappy because I refused to take a stand in what I know to be true. I refused to trust my own knowings because what I knew wasn’t reflected in my everyday life. The façade was too strong and firmly embedded. Those days are done.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Labyrinth #6: The Mercy Center – Auburn, CA

As of yesterday, I decided I would visit the labyrinth at The Mercy Center in Auburn. However, I awoke this morning in great resistance. It was already hot at 7:30, I felt physically tired and I wasn’t even sure the retreat would be open to visitors today. (Whine, Whine, Whine) I tried calling the center but no one answered…did I really want to drive all that way and not be able to get in?! I then remembered that today was petal number 6 – Overcoming - and decided I had better get my behind in the car! As I stated already, I had enormous resistance! (Intensity-wise, the feeling was equivalent to the resistance I feel when I think about going back to work on Tuesday!) I checked-in with myself one more time about driving the 55 miles to Auburn and felt a “yes,” so off I went! I am practicing T-R-U-S-T! (I can spell it so that’s a start!)

The drive to Auburn was smooth and uneventful. When I reached the retreat center and entered the grounds, I almost broke into tears. The feeling of the Mother’s love was so tangible. I felt like I wanted to just sit and soak it in. In moments and places like this, time stops and you experience wholly the love that is Source-Consciousness-God.

I gathered my things and walked to the Center’s main office seeing only a couple of people. The sign on the door stated that a “silent” retreat was in progress. I couldn’t find anyone to ask about the labyrinth or to ask permission, so I decided to go ahead and see if I could find it. The grounds are spotted with various statues which depict the Divine Feminine. As I walked, the feeling of love was all around me, saturating my being. I finally saw the labyrinth on the other side of a little bridge surrounded by trees.

Upon reaching the labyrinth, I sat on one of the benches, gathered my thoughts and set my intent. As I circled the labyrinth, I began to cry (This had already happened spontaneously several times since entering the grounds.). The love was so palpable….and the Mother was indeed present. This was an incredible feeling and experience of divine love and grace. I remember saying to myself, “This is what I want to come home to each and every day.

Upon entering the labyrinth, I immediately “saw” the Mother’s blue – outlined in gold. The center was bordered by a blue circle which contained a symbol like the trinity symbol (related to the vesica piscis) and gold clouds on a blue background – very powerful. The petals were not outlined but I “connected” with each one anyway and focused on number 6 – Overcoming. I knew I had been experiencing the meaning of this petal all day! The temptation to “ignore the call” is too easy and too natural for most of us. We have to be vigilant in fulfilling our desire to remain in alignment and to follow the guidance of our Higher Consciousness. We have to “Overcome” the distractions which are all based in fear. We have to know that facing uncomfortable situations is many times part of our pathway to freedom. In Overcoming these possible destiny blockers, we transcend the façade and find ourselves in LOVE.

As I made my way out of the labyrinth, I continued to bask in the Mother’s love. I would catch myself “thinking” and quickly remind myself that I don’t need to think – I just needed to TRUST. I don’t need to understand or plan every move. Whatever I need to know, will “drop-in” to my consciousness when it’s needed.

As I left the labyrinth area, I saw a sign for the “Way of the Cross” (Stations of the Cross). I hesitated for a moment and then decided to take the path which disappeared into the trees and foliage. I stopped at each depiction and wrote a sentence or two regarding what the “scene” felt like. When I arrived at station V, I heard a rather loud rustling in the bushes. When I turned around, I saw a several pointed buck about 20 yards away! I checked-in with myself as to which direction to go and found myself heading back toward the entry! When I was outside the area, I asked myself again if perhaps I should have kept going…I got a definite “No.” - which was followed by “No need to repeat.” [in regard to the Stations of the Cross] I laughed out loud! Isn’t that the truth!

I went back to the main office but still saw no one to chat with. All I could do was leave a donation and a heart-felt “thank you!” This had been an incredible experience – one I might have missed if I had given-in to the “trio of distracters” I heard from this morning!

Monday, July 04, 2011

Labyrinth #7 – Episcopal Church of St. Martin – Davis, CA

WOW! An incredible day and an incredible journey! I had a feeling when I started this process, it was going to be quite an experience. As you may recall, I said at the end of Day 1 that I felt a good “rear-end-kicking” coming on. (No offense to those with more “tender” ears!) I was definitely correct! Sometimes you have to “boot” your rear end out of the way so you can see and experience Truth. I give thanks to those “unseen’s” assisting me with the “booting” - though the “kick” was firm, the toe of the boot felt rounded!

Today, I returned “home” to the labyrinth in which I started. It was an emotional return as I am so very grateful for the life-transforming experiences I have had. Adding to the emotional intensity is the fact that today is Independence Day. Those close to me know that the Declaration of Independence is practically “hardwired” into my Soul. It is Truth. As Ayn Rand said, “If it is ever proper for men to kneel, we should kneel when we read the Declaration of Independence… the greatest document in human history…” (Los Angeles Times - July 3, 2011). I am in complete agreement. When we are in the presence of Truth, it is almost impossible not to “take a knee.” This being said, the fact that it is Independence Day is the perfect ending and commentary for my journey.

Before entering the labyrinth at the Church of St. Martin, I sat beneath the redwoods and listened to Karen Drucker’s (CD: Songs of the Spirit 4© TayToones Music BMI and www.karendrucker.com) “Morning Prayer: I Will Surrender” followed by “I’m So Grateful.” In recognition of the “miraculous” nature of my experience, my emotions did indeed manifest in tearful sobs…

I began by “opening” the labyrinth stating my gratitude for what I had received as well as for my return “home.” I entered the pathway in absolute joy. The labyrinth “twinkled” with the colors of the rainbow – the bright colors constantly moving and popping. There was nothing steadfast; it was alive with excitement and joy. I heard myself repeating over and over as I held my heart, “I am so grateful…I am so grateful…” I am so grateful for what I have received this week. I have renewed my connection with Trust - now aware that Trust means following my inner guidance no matter the ramifications and Overcoming the fears that may block my way. I now recognize the opportunity that lies before me which requires me to bring this Truth into manifestation each and every day.

When I reached the center, I spent just enough time in each petal to remember its particular significance to my journey. Faith – the courage to take the first step….then another….and another; Surrender – to let go of the “false façade” and stand “naked;” Service – to be in Service by allowing my “naked” Self to merge and become my core Essence, listening and following its Higher Guidance; Abundance – the knowledge that everything I need is provided when I am in alignment; Forgiveness – I forgive myself and reclaim all that I chose to leave behind; Overcoming – “defeating” the “distracters” by recognizing them (Aha! I see you!) then moving forward anyway; and LOVE, the unconditional Love and Grace experienced when we transcend the false façade into Truth.

Whew! What an enlightening process! For me, this is indeed the beginning of truly “Declaring Independence!” Though I am incredibly appreciative for this “knowledge,” I recognize the “fun part” is before me. The fun part is bringing this knowledge into manifestation by taking truthful action each and every day within the collective façade. On one level, I am scared to death! On another, I am excited because I know the collective façade can change as I change. I ask that every one of you hold space for me as I take a deep breath and head down this path, and I will do the same for you. I am indeed beyond grateful for the support and “presence” of each and every one of you.

The Divinity in me bows to the Divinity in you…

Much love,

Karrie