For a number of years, I attended the Living in Grace Retreat at Asilomar, in Pacific Grove California in mid-December. I then attended online every year it was offered, including times it was held in South America. This year, as the weather began to cool slightly here in Miami, I found myself reminiscing and even preparing inside for Living in Grace once again. Given our pandemic circumstances and realizing the Living in Grace Retreat would not be happening this year, I looked within to where Living in Grace continues to be alive for me, now more than ever, and how I bring it forward in joy, comfort, and gratitude:
When I venture to the grocery store early in the morning in the “Safe Hours,” I look into someone’s eyes I’ve never met and might never see again and love them as my family because we really are.
I walk around my neighborhood daily in silence, feeling close to people whose names I often don’t know, nodding and waving in recognition of our oneness.
When my voice sounds too muffled from my mask, or I can’t hear someone because their voice is too muffled for me to hear, I smile with my eyes in the tenderness and strength of precious silence I learned from Living in Grace.
When I am free from my mask and at a safe distance, I offer a heartfelt “Good Morning” as I did when Silent Breaks ended and we shared aloud in relief and joy.
As I remember following in the sand footprints of my fellow Living in Grace participants, I take small pieces of coral rock and inscribe hearts in the wet cement of newly poured sidewalks in my community.
I spread my arms wide, feeling the tropical breeze against my skin, and envision myself strolling by the sand dunes, the Pacific Ocean’s cold, misty wind awakening me as I listen to the voice of the Traveler through my headphones, then and now.
I recall the physical closeness of over two hundred participants in a warmly lit retreat room, and I hug myself inside with the loving embraces we share so freely and confidently within.
As I remember the uproars of joy and laughter over shared meals and delightful stories, I find myself smiling, even giggling as I prepare another meal in the safety and isolation of my shelter at home.
When I hear the Sit-Down Music come over store speakers while standing in line to buy yet another Paint-by-Number for my self-care time, I smile inside, knowing I am tuning in to that divine presence that is always here, and I sway a bit, allowing my gratitude and joy to shine out into the world.
When I am feeling sad and lonely, which can happen so easily these days, I recall Grace massages and cuddles, spontaneous hugs and dancing, and extended arms of compassion coming from seemingly nowhere right when I needed them most, and I am happy and grateful.
Thanks for being on this grace-filled journey with me.
From my heart to yours,
Teri
The way in which you expressed your loving for others opened my heart and made me smile.
Thank you from my .
Teri, Thank you for these loving, heartfelt reminders. I’ve only done the retreat online, and I feel like I’m there now walking on the beach :o)
Dearest Teri! What a wonderful message from you! God bless you!
Beautiful, lovely, you guided me to walk with you and I had a grace filled moment as I read you and embraced you. Thank you Teri, and receive a hug from Alicia; we met at Prana a few years ago.