What happened…

Amanda writes: During our two months in Vilcabamba I enjoyed spending considerable time focusing on spiritual enlightenment. I have been reading and studying the psychology of the chakras. As part of my readings I’ve learned that some suggest there are seven stages in the human development of chakras. The final stage is the completion of the great cycle and begins at age forty-three. Well wouldn’t you know it, I just turned 43 and I know that my time is now to focus on my spiritual well being. Over the course of our two month relaxation in the Andes of Southern Ecuador I have been able to read about spiritual practice for health, harmony and inner peace. I’ve learned so much about myself and about … well so much.

With my research and focus I feel like I’ve opened the door to so many possibilities. I’m discovering how I can recharge my self with new energy and feel more vital and refreshed with each passing day. I’ve been unleashing my creative potential and perfecting my communication with others. I’ve enjoyed practicing music, focusing on learning Spanish more diligently and learning so much about myself. This focus combined with my yoga has placed me in such a grounded and connected place. Life just seems so much more alive; things sound richer, they’re more textured and life is simply more melodious.

As I continue to learn I’m struck by how things resonate with me. I’m also learning that no journey is perfect and that is okay; no judgment. So many of my friends and family know me as a passionate and often times angry person with certain situations. Those tendencies are part of my make-up and I embrace them and learn from them and move forward. I trust that I am now enlightened and going forward will make better choices with the knowledge that when such intense anger and hatred arises, it obliterates the best part of your brain, which is the ability to judge between right and wrong, and the long-term and short-term consequences of your actions. Your power of judgment becomes totally inoperable; it can no longer function. It is almost like you have become insane. So, this anger and hatred tends to throw you into a state of confusion, which just serves to make your problems and difficulties so much worse. I’m very fortunate that the angry part of me rarely shows itself anymore, but I don’t forget it. No more my friends as I have now learned if I analyze the situation, I’ll realize that the past is past, so there is no use continuing to feel anger and hatred, which do not change the situation but just cause a disturbance within your mind and cause your continued unhappiness. Of course, I may still remember the events. Forgetting and forgiving are two different things. There’s nothing wrong with simply remembering those negative events. As the Dalai Lama says if you have a sharp mind, you’ll always remember, I think the Buddha remembered everything. But with the development of patience and tolerance, it’s possible to let go of the negative feelings associated with the events. I will continue to work toward maintaining this knowledge, balance and use it daily.

I’m grateful that Andrew has been supportive and non-judgmental in my journey. I also look forward to the challenge of maintaining this focus as we hop back on our bikes.