22 March 2013
I am
currently on a journey of epic proportions, both physically and emotionally, as
I travel with my heretofore estranged father to the funeral of my grandmother,
his mother. Having lost my own mother nearly exactly a year ago, I strongly
empathise with him, and I am blessed that I have this opportunity to form a
relationship with him and aid him as I may at this time.
So far
my journey has taken me over a thousand kilometers, from the south of the
country in my current home of Dunedin, through the southern city of
Christchurch, and to my childhood home of Tauranga. And now as I write we are
travelling by car to Gisborne for the funeral today.
There is
so much healing going on within me, and without, and reconciliation with my family
and with my own spirit. This is the third funeral I have attended in my 23
years, and though it isn't the hardest - I haven't seen my grandmother in a
decade because of my estrangement with my father and because she had Alzeimers
disease and therefore I am somewhat less attached - it is certainly still
having its effect.
The
synchronistic timing of this event however is very uncanny - I had arranged to
come to Tauranga on holiday over a month ago before I learned of my
grandmothers passing. Furthermore, as I mentioned, the one year anniversary of
my mother's death is rapidly approaching. And finally, the day before I
embarked from Dunedin the Sun moved from Pisces into Aires, astrologically
marking the New Year and therefore new beginnings.
They say
that when the student is ready, the teacher arrives. I agree to this with the
supplication that Life is the greatest teacher, and that through life one can
teach oneself, as long as one wills to learn rather than succumbing to the
illusory ills of this transient life.
The
atrocities that mankind has committed, against itself and the planet we are
part of, certainly deserves contemplation and action by those of us with the
capacity. Indeed, each of us in our way has great capacity to change this
status quo, through our perception and expression of our true Voice.
The lie
of this world is that much of humanity's woes are out of our control. In truth,
we are vehicles of our own manifestation, we literally create our reality.
Focus and meditation on life's beauty, and faith in ones own ability and
divinity are the key ingredients to this healthier perception and therefore
manifestation.
*
* * *
The
journey today has so far been really pleasant. The weather the whole way has
been exquisite - certainly a good portent - and the travel has been swift and
safe. We started by picking up my cousin and smoking a joint, then hit the
road. We have just stopped in Opotiki for a coffee, a smoke, and a stretch of
the legs, in a beautiful wooded spot on the edge of town. Now we are travelling
through the beautiful Waioeka gorge, the last stretch before our destination.
24 March
2013
What a
wonderful experience yesterday was. A funeral of a matriarch is always such an
event of mixed emotions. Fare welling such a beautiful, caring and compassionate
woman, and hearing how much she loved and was loved was both sad and yet
inspiring. And to meet members of my extended family whom I haven't seen for
many years was a thrilling and heartening experience.
At the
funeral I had the honour and privilege of acting as pallbearer. She is the
third person in my life who.as departed from me, and the third person I have
carried to be committed to fhe flames and return to whence they.came. Ashes to
ashes, dust to dust.
It is with these
thoughts and perceptions that I write now, travelling on the road back to
Tauranga to conclude my holiday, and to spend time with my last living
grandparent - my mothers mother.
Despite
the sad circumstances under which my holiday ended up taking place, I feel much
more elated and reassured in life than I have in a long while. Providence has
seen fit that as I approach the milestone of my mothers first anniversary of
passing, I am reunited with the entire other side of my family. For this
opportunity I am truly grateful. I give thanks to the Gods for my continue
health an prosperity, and for the fact that I have found the strength in life
to carry on and I have conquered the adversaries I have had to face.
A
thankful attitude and a compassionate heart - these are the legacy I have
inherited from my beloved departed. And it is these qualities which have
strengthened my faith and given me wings that my soul may soar. We can and do
save ourselves. We have the power and the potential for both great harm and ever
greater love. Where you find faith is up to you, your choice. Yet we all need
faith to carry on and break trough the veil of life's illusion.
On the
drive we skirted along the coast at Orope. From this nestled town we could see
the erupting White Island billowing white smoke in the azure sky line, to float
over the deep blue Pacific. Majestic is this country, a place I will forever be
proud to call Home.
27 March 2013
As I
journey homeward through the Waikato plains, the Sun is bursting forth beside
us above the Kaimai Mountains. As I am writing, the mist clings low to the
hills, but is light so as to be an opaque veil over the landscape. Eerily beautiful.
Then suddenly, in one passionate and
graceful moment, the Sun is born again by the Grace of the All, piercing
through the harrowed wisp of clouds to shine again.
I am blessed because I couldn't imagine a
more perfect morning to end an any more perfect holiday.
* * * * *
I am now at home all safe and sound. Happily and content I contemplate the extraordinary week I have had, and I give thanks. Now to get some rest and recuperate from all that travel.
Blessings,
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