Let’s build a world where love and belonging are normal and fear and isolation are abnormal.
This weekend I took a road trip down to West Cork. It’s only about 80 miles away but, the winding rural roads feel like a different world in a different time.
Clonakilty (a village in West Cork) is where our Irish Retreat will be next month. I was inspired to connect with the landscape, listen to good music, and eat delicious farm-to-table food.
I think of West Cork as being the California of western Ireland. Good food, lots of amazing coastlines, friendly conscious people, and sheep (OK, sheep aren’t very California-y but they are adorably sweet and gentle).
The drive south rekindled my sense of adventure and restored my soul.
I’ve been in West Kerry for over a month, with my family. Road trips (big and small) rekindle my gratitude. And the solitude is a restorative and healing reminder.
First stop, Domberg, the neolithic stone circle.
After a challenging drive, I climb out of my car and scramble up the hillside to the sacred stone circle.
I walk the perimeter of the standing stones. Spiraling out. I find myself far from the stones near a holy well. In a lush, low-walled circle garden, overflowing with spring-green flowers, and plants. I feel welcome. At home. I belong here.
As I settle in. A group of tourists arrives. Disturbing my peace, they ask me to move. This particular spot is perfect for their photo.
Offended, I walk up the hill.
Uncharacteristically, this irritation dissolves instantly.
A new location calls me. A place of blessings. As if the frequency has been turned up, this spot magnifies the sacredness of all landscapes.
Silently, I thank the tourists.
Perched on a rock, high on the hillside, I melt into the afternoon. The buzz of a bee, the crash of far-off ocean waves, and the warmth of the sunlight dissolve me.
My eyes close. The sea, the rolling green hills, the bee, the stones, the water, the tourists — all merge into the sweetness of Oneness.
I’m not exactly falling asleep. I’m falling into deep peace. Swept away on an earthy flow of love, safety, and belonging.
The sun sinks into the ocean. The temperature drops. Blissfully in the sacred Oneness of nature, with teary-eyed gratitude, I move towards the car park.
This weekend’s adventure restored my feelings of trust and belonging. The landscape opened my heart and gave me permission to give and receive Big Love. With trust restored, fear dissolved, and Big de-romanticized Universal Love swept ‘me’ away.
The landscapes of Ireland inspire heartwarming awe and wonder. Miraculously, there is still one spot left in our Irish retreat. Click the link and explore. Is this your time to Awaken Your Wonder?