Birthday Post

Today is my birthday and I’m turning 27.

The last time I placed great significance into this day, I was turning 24. In the Chinese calendar, the 24^th year is second time that one cycles back to their zodiac animal (in my case, the dragon). I chose to infuse this birthday with meaning because 24 was a very significant year for me. My birthday coincided with my first training as a coach in the Pravada Sound Healing tradition. At that point in my life, I was beginning my yearlong journey out to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Oakland, California and later Brattleboro, Vermont. It was a year that fueled my creativity. I learned how to play the harp, do letterpress printing and watercolor paint!

Now, I am turning 27. I’m cycling back to a conviction I found somewhere along the desert highway in between New Mexico and California.

(me at 24 making the trek from Santa Fe to Oakland)

During that year, I discovered the aliveness that comes from exploring one's passions and listening to one's heart. I experienced a kind of peace that emerges from taking clear action and trusting in the process. Now, having finished graduate school and a first stint of 9-5 work in Boston, I once again find myself in moment of exploration and creativity - one that requires a high degree of trust - but this time, in Mexico!

Perhaps this will be the year of embracing my ability to contribute! Maybe it will be the year of expansive courage and openness, or of sharing of myself more frequently and in more settings. I hope this will be the year that I learn that happiness comes from within, and not from without, and that I can create it anywhere I go.

My wish for the year is that I may continue to share my enthusiasm and love of life with others and be a part of creating spaces where healing can happen. 

This evening, I experienced nature’s power in a new way. It rained with such intensity that the bridge ("el vado") crossing the stream to my home was completely submerged. I barely made it home! Safely on my land, the continuing raindrops make a noise on the clay tile roof that is soothing to me and that brings all the fragrances to life. The flowers (seen here in the daytime) fill the air tonight with a beautiful aroma. 

Part of me felt lonely, turning 27 without loved ones nearby. Still, something felt right about it. Thank you to my family and friends for reaching out and making my day special.

As I begin this new year of life, I am surrounded by the elements - the movement of water, the warmth of fire, the groundedness of the earth and the wafting smells of exotic flowers in the air.

I’m ready to see what this journey in Mexico has to teach me.