The Wisdom of Whidbey

As I sit here sipping coffee, I contemplate the nature of just how powerful a change of scenery is for me in my healing and growth process--my spiritual journey and otherwise.  It should not come as a big surprise to me as Kripalu provided a similar experience last year, albeit very different in many ways. And when I say scenery, I'm realizing that I actually mean people, places and things.   Within hours, and maybe even minutes of arriving on Whidbey Island, my body and mind began to go through a series of visceral changes; heart rate and respiration rate slowed down, racing thoughts decreased and clarity of mind increased and my zygomaticus muscles (my cheeks) began to rise and the smiles and joy have only continued. Imagine my delight over the next few days when I find the perfect bench for meditation, attend a local yoga class with just four people, attend a Kirtan (sacred call and response chanting from India) in that same studio last night with 25 people and am reminded daily that the trio I haven't seen in many years provide their own unique wisdom that could fill the state of Washington.  I truly feel like I am on Fantasy Island or maybe even Wisdom Island.

Then I sit for my morning meditation.  What arises for me are the following thoughts:

•I am a creature of habit.  I now realize that has been code for "doesn't like change."

•I am now becoming a creature of change.

•My mind has created a way of thinking from years of habitual patterning that is very similar to the way my muscle memory has patterned my body as an athlete.  This is extremely helpful information especially since I have learned we can retrain our mind, like our body.  "Neurons that fire together, wire together."  Tara Brach.

•If I am fully present/practicing mindfulness, shouldn't I find that happiness regardless of where I am?

And much, much more.  But the call of the island or to the best mussels in Washington State awaits me.

One day wiser.