BRB

I have been on the wrong page this past year, so excuse me while I find my way back.

I have been referring to this as a retreat because that's how I would describe what my body is doing since my last day of full-time work: “withdraw[ing] to a quiet or secluded place.” 

And where better to retreat—and come home to myself—but in the province?

Grateful for the alignment of things and all that had to happen (including the "wrong page" feeling) that brought me here: A moment of focused introspection.

Suffering is the universal hum that makes anything natural feel sticky or murky. Without the awareness of our shared suffering (AKA self-awareness), we are stuck and held back from all that is natural: To change, and evolve, and act according to our true natures.

With greater self-awareness, we are able to respond more peacefully and calmly to situations and actions of those who poke (whether intentionally or unintentionally) at our healing wounds. These moments reveal to us that without a daily and mindful practice and an alertness to our collective suffering, our worst impulses can take over and take us away from the simple and sacred.

"The first change that takes place is in your mind. You have to change your mind before you change the way you live and the way you move…It will just be something you see and you'll think—Oh I'm on the wrong page" —Gil Scoott-Heron

See you on the next page then, friend.