The Inward Journey: Time For Practice
I have been on a pilgrimage with 12 amazing people. For several months, we met on zoom to prepare, set intentions, and connect as a community of heart. We met in Cairo and an extraordinary adventure began. None of us had been to Egypt and were all excited for various reasons. I love taking people on spiritual “inner” journeys because it is a way to take a deeper dive into our dreams, desires, and goals. I always partner with powerful teachers, healers, or shamans around the world. Together we create experiences that allow the participants to reflect and open to new possibilities.
Let me say here, it is not just for them. I am the leader, but I am having my own inner exploration and revelations. I learn as much as I teach. On this trip, an expert Egyptian scholar and guide joined us. So, we had the honor of hearing the traditional informational history and then our spiritual teacher guide, Crotalo, would share esoteric knowledge.
We started each day with me leading a spiritual practice that supported grounding to be in the extraordinary energy of the temples and an invitation to amplify gratitude on every level. This month, I want to share some of the experiences that allowed me to have personal powerful learning and contemplations.
Judge Not By Appearances
I was at a pool in Egypt on our first day. A day of rest. A Muslim couple came in and sat close to us. Her hair and body were covered in black. She was beautiful. They got in the pool and seemed to enjoy each other. Then, he left for a while. She sat alone for some time. We had no interaction. I wondered if she was uncomfortable being so covered up. There was also a part of me that questioned if she was trapped in an old paradigm for women. I even wondered how I would connect with women from such a different culture.
When I get in pools, I like to work out to music playing. Most luxury hotels have lively music playing in their pool areas. So, I do a combination of swim, dance, and exercise my body for 20-30 minutes. It really supports me feeling refreshed and energized.
The next morning, we were at breakfast. The couple came in and I was compelled to tell the woman how beautiful she was. I asked the man, respectfully, if they spoke English. He said yes. I then turned to her and said, “you are so beautiful.” She smiled and then something incredible occurred. She said, “I loved you the moment I saw you. You move as if no one is watching. It is very powerful. I want to be like that.” I was stunned and in silence. She then reached out and put her arms around me. We had one of those sister recognition moments. In an instant, I felt so close to her. I then thanked them and walked away.
It was such a humbling moment. It moved me into the remembrance that we are all interconnected. There is no culture, religion, or gender that separates us. Love, beauty, honor, and respect exist across all lines.
This is such an interesting time. People feel divided and cannot seem to find common ground. I believe that is because we are attached to our belief systems so deeply that we do not even look for our similarities. Cultures and backgrounds instill in us a need a to be right and important. That leaves no room for curiosity or reaching out to people that don’t look or think like us.
I often hear people say they want a world that works for everyone. From my perspective, that would mean that every person would move into a space of reflection, curiosity, reaching out to connect, acceptance and authentic loving interaction.
When you see someone not like you become still and reflect.
- What are my thoughts about that person, their religion or political stance.
- Have I made decisions about them before I even acknowledge that we might be connected?
- Am I willing to honor that person in thought, words, or deed?
- Is my bias entering the space before I even interact with that person?
The important thing about what I have just shared is that we are not asking anything of other people. No one must change their ideology, religion, preferences, political affiliation or beliefs. What I am suggesting is if we are not trying to get anything, often the gift is loving interaction.
Soul Recognition
As I said I have never been to Egypt and yet there were numerous times I silently connected with Egyptians through looks or smiles. I couldn’t articulate what was happening, but it felt warm and inviting. This happened in many scenarios where we are not interacting on any level.
Our group got to go to many places. Temples, restaurants, shops, sacred sites, and 6 days on a boat that moved down the Nile.
One day, we were introduced to a beautiful jewelry store. Amazing gold and silver pieces. I knew I was not going to buy anything here because Carl and I had purchased an amazing rug for our home.
I was having a great time supporting my group in shopping and getting pieces that lit them up. Even the men found fabulous jewelry that they prized.
As I was standing by myself, one of the salesmen left his counter and looked at me. He said, “you’ve been here before!” I smiled and said, “No, it is my first time.” He smiled and said, “I recognized you when you came in. Then he paused. Maybe I recognized your soul.” He then bowed and walked away. He was not trying to sell me anything. This was a soul-to-soul connection. He wanted me to know he saw me.
That moment invited me to revisit those moments with other Egyptians. We were seeing each other. I think about how often I “see” another person’s essence. It also reminded me how important it is to share with people that they are being seen. It does not have to be spoken. It can be shared silently as a glance, a smile, or even an internal blessing.
An Invitation for you.
- Are you willing to pay attention when you see a person that looks familiar, or you like their energy?
- Are you willing to share the energy of appreciation with others in the silence?
- Are you willing to move in the direction of another person to connect if they feel open?
- Are you willing to connect without expecting anything in return?
- Are you willing to open and invite in a miraculous moment?
Practice is a key for transformation. You can have a deep understanding of a principle, but embodiment takes consistency and commitment.You are here to experience total expression and freedom.
I invite you to go in, deepen your spiritual practice or take a pilgrimage. I would love to have you come and play with me.
Much love and light,
Cynthia
