Sunday was a brilliant day as I found myself immersed within a day long practice of “Light Bathing.”
This wasn’t my plan nor did that term pop into my mind until I was already deep within the process. With my morning shake in hand, my plans rearranged themselves when I was called to engage my Soul in meditation.
Sitting in my pajamas on my back deck, journal nearby, I closed my eyes and dropped into the moment.
The birds sang. My neighbor swept his patio. Planes occasionally flew above me. The breeze rustled my hair. I wandered through a visually rich inner landscape. My Soul Conversation was enlightening. Amidst all of this movement, Stillness emerged.
Opening my eyes, I noticed my dog resting nearby. He looked regal as he soaked in the sun – totally at rest and seemingly content. I realized that he often sought the light patches in the house or spent time resting in the sun on the back deck. Totally at rest and seemingly content.
Moving inside, my plans rearranged themselves again when I felt the desire to attend to my plants.
This again was unexpected. After all, I had a Dead Plant Sale when I lived as a resident advisor in the undergraduate dorms during grad school. I was clearly missing the ‘green thumb’ gene, yet here I was with a desire to tend to my plants. I have only one type of plant in my home and office given my seeming inability to keep them alive. Whatever type of plant I have, it is very forgiving and truly resilient.
I discovered that my plants were thirsty, the leaves wilted, and the vines long overdue for trim.
So I watered them. Trimmed them. Talked to them. Promised them more care. Finally I moved them all into the light.
When my husband came home, I informed him that our plants were “Light Bathing” until tomorrow.
I was struck by that term. I actually felt a warm pleasure throughout my body when it was said aloud. I noticed that I had turned on the lights that day in all of the rooms around me – using light as an accent of the beauty and tranquility of my surroundings.
Later in the day, while hiking in the woods, I noticed the presence of light everywhere.
I walked through ribbons of light in the denser forest and in bright sunshine through the field. When I prepared and ate my dinner, I blessed the food and those who brought it to me with Light.
I recognized that Light Bathing was not a new thing – it was a normal part of life. My dog already knew this, as did my plants.
Creating a new art piece that evening, I felt the lightness of enthusiasm and enjoyment while translating an inner vision into physical form. I chanted while I worked and consciously poured light into every layer of the mixed media painting.
My day ended with a practice to Steady the Light.
I resourced my energy field – physical body with the vital life force arising from the Earth and descending from the Heavens. Grateful for the day, it was no surprise to discover that it ended much as it had begun …
I was light soaked.
Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.
Learn the one essential skill that allows you to face any challenge with confidence, sturdiness, and inner calm.
More than a technique. It’s a game changer.
I walked out of the gym one morning into a cold, dreary New Jersey rain.
After my challenging workout, I gingerly lowered myself into the driver’s seat. Taking stock, I felt cold, damp, and hungry. My butt muscles hurt and I didn’t think my packed lunch was sufficient to fuel my entire work day.
I was driving home with my daughter when we noticed a large snapping turtle crossing the roadway. It was a tiny back street lined with a small pond.
I recently found myself thinking about activism. About the many ways we show up for what matters to us.
As I considered this, three memories arrived. Rapidly, as if they were part of my contemplation.
The first was a conversation I had with a woman in my town. She was giving me an update on her recent gathering with other mothers protesting against gun violence. I was interested as we had explored what mattered to her as she approached retirement. Protecting children in schools and on street corners mattered, so she joined with other moms who cared about the same.
Three months ago, I unexpectedly entered into a relationship with a horse.
I met Zor during a visit to Liberty Stables in Florida, where I had gone to spend time with a friend’s horses. I had no particular expectations. I have no background with horses, no training, and no experience in equine-assisted therapy. I simply met this magnificent Friesian, and something quietly familiar unfolded between us.
I fell in love.
Eight years ago, I traveled to Costa Rica for a week-long retreat centered around ayahuasca, breathwork, yoga, and deep inner exploration.
Like many people who are drawn to these experiences, I went seeking something. You might call it a Divine encounter. You might call it awakening. You might call it healing.
I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for. I only knew there seemed to be a place people spoke about. That place beyond ordinary life.
The women who arrive in my classes, retreats, and therapy sessions are sincerely looking for healing, expansion, clarity, or sometimes just a little room to breathe.
They are thoughtful women, deeply engaged with the people and work they love. Rarely do they arrive because they want another spiritual philosophy. Most are carrying something much more ordinary.
A life that has become full. Beautiful in many ways, but crowded.
