Coming Home. The words raise a deep longing for me. Each year, since I moved to Phoenix, I have managed to return to my home in Chicago for the annual MSIA retreat, seminar, weekend workshop. This year it was the “Coming Home” workshop. ‘How apropos,’ I joked before I set out. My basic self was tickled. Little did I know.
This was the most awesome, blessed, gift I could give myself. I loved seeing old friends with whom I participated in Insight. Gary Goldman with his serious, thoughtful explorations into self; his smiles belying the depth within. Kevin Kane with his sharp insight, and wicked, playful wit. Pat Beal’s gentle wisdom and welcoming friendship. Leslie Sann and Michael Livesay, supportive partners throughout the workshop. Dearest friend Elaine Lampert. And then the opportunity to renew friendships with people from Kalamazoo: Sue Bibik, Laraine Andrew, and others from Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin which were staple parts of the community I left.
The workshop was truly about coming home. As I’ve frequently experienced, every aspect of the weekend, from the flight and landing at the airport, seeing old friends, appreciating the beautiful countryside, to participating in the workshop, was about coming home. Based on the parable of the prodigal son, we were lead with loving guidance by Angel Gibson, a special angel, and Cleora Daily, who represents truth and integrity, through a series of explorations of consciousness relating to separation, our heart’s longing, and coming home.
From this experience many found their way back home to their heart and Soul. For me, I realized where I had separated myself from those I love, and who love me. I found that the parable of the prodigal son is so much my story of the past nine years, and I discovered how, as in the story, things had gotten more and more symbolic of that separation from my spiritual home. I felt that I had lost my heart. Out of this experience, I found my way back to the things that have meaning to me, and made a commitment to creating home for myself in Phoenix, where I’ve felt very much an outsider without the family I love. It was a very healing and blessed workshop and I continue to be grateful for having been able to attend. The experience was so strong, I am able to return to the experience in my heart, when challenges present themselves. And the miracles, since, have been many.
The workshop was followed by a Q&A with John Morton. Icing on the cake. This brought many others: Dan Fedeli and Loretta Conmey, each with their sons, Callie Coburn, Ed and Denise Conmey from Florida, and Marisa Carter. Clara Beatriz Jaramillo entertained beautifully with a song she had written. The Q&A was a beautiful capstone. For me, John always shows up when I’ve had these profound experiences!
Chicago was truly blessed that weekend. I returned home with renewed peace and commitment to my Soul’s journey home. Thank you, Travelers for bringing us the teachings in such a practical way. Thank you for reminding me that home has always been in my heart.
