Making Progress


Thursday morning. In a little while, Glena and I go up to Denver to take her to the VA for an appointment with a podiatrist. Additionally, we're also going to stop by and meet the folks I have been doing transcription for for the last several months. We are also taking loads of fresh produce to them!
Here is today's card: 4 of Water, Tuning In. I like this card a lot. I like the colors, and the "mood" of it. To me it feels very calm, and calm is what I am going to need a lot of over the next few weeks. Here is the card's message: "To develop the knack of taking a distance from the mind is one of the greatest blessings. It is what meditation is all about, really--not chanting a mantra, or repeating an affirmation, but just watching, as if the mind belongs to somebody else. You are ready to take this distance now, and to watch the show without getting caught up in the drama. Indulge yourself in the simple freedom of Tuning In whenever you can, and the knack of meditation will grow and deepen in you.
This is so very true, especially the part about being caught up in the drama. G. and I have often talked about how we do NOT want to allow ourselves to be "sucked into" the various dramas of our families or friends, which seem to be many. This does not mean we won't be available to help or offer comfort, but from a detached and loving point of view, not as an active participant. It is such a relief to have come to that place. I hope that I will be able to remember the above words as I travel to different countries, encounter foreign languages and customs, and move through the world at a slower pace.
I also started packing my backpack last night, beginning with....drum roll....76, count 'em, 76 maxi pads of various sizes! Yikes! But I look at it this way. As I use them (and I will), I'll have more room, and somewhat less weight, in my pack. So that's a positive. I also found some great shirts at WalMart that have replaced the other ones I was going to take. I have four of them--dark red, navy, white, and lavender. They are short sleeved, V-neck (which I love), and made of some wicking, quick drying material that will help me stay drier and cooler on the Way. I am very happy to have found them! Four is probably more than many people would take, but it seems right for me. I also have to have a cotton shirt to sleep in.
I've been checking the weather at various places along the Way, and it looks like I will be packing appropriately. I guess my only real concern in that regard is rain, but my pants are all very quick drying, and I will take a poncho to go over my pack, so I should be all right. And of course, my very special hat!
I will be giving this blogsite out to a number of friends/family, and will try to chart my progress here as much as possible, given the frequency of Internet cafes. Since I am not taking a camera, I won't be posting pictures, but will try my best to paint verbal pictures for everyone back home who has supported me so wondefully.
It's time for another cup of coffee, then to pick produce!
Blessings,
Crone


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