Starting over in Austin, TX
After 2 years in Joshua Tree, and 10 years living on the west coast, we have followed our hearts to Austin, Texas.
It seems that in the same way a sea turtle hatchling finds its way through the open ocean, a honeybee navigates through a field of flowers, or a migrating bird travels thousands of miles to the same locations each year, we too are guided by the compass of our hearts.
It’s always bittersweet leaving a town you love so dear, and so important to honor what that place gifted you. Giselle and I spent much of our time living in Joshua Tree in solitude, connecting to mother earth and resetting to the natural cycles of the sun. I’d be lying to you if I said these past 2 years haven’t been trying at times. The barren desert landscape offers the perfect canvas for contemplation. I spent countless hours reassessing my path, and examining my loftiest dreams and goals there. In the process I got pretty darn honest with myself!
What did I unearth in the process? Well firstly, I realized that sometimes when you’re searching for a giant, tectonic shift, perhaps all you really need is a pivot. To take all that momentum roaring toward a particular destiny, and ever so gently turn the wheel a few notches to the left. Secondly, I’ve remembered how much I love helping others to heal and transform their lives. And in truth, when I’m not being of service to others and fulfilling my dharma, I can get a little stir crazy. It is that same drive to help others which guided us here to Austin.
I believe that we were born with all the tools we needed already buried inside of us, and when we don’t use them, our life can get chaotic. These resources initially germinate in our hearts as seeds of longing, desire and passion; like a violinists desire to share sweet music, a healers desire to help others, a poets desire to write, or a painters desire to splatter paint on a canvas. As we grow older, it’s all too easy for these passions to take a backseat to our more practical needs. If we’re not careful we can end up depleted, going through the motions of life without that spark we once knew. In these moments I can hear great spirit chime-in loudly “I gave you all the tools you needed to be happy, why won’t you use them! Help someone, paint something, write that story.”
I say all this as a reminder, while I myself come back into alignment with my purpose. Check in with your heart and those longing desires of the heart. Nurture those seeds of passion that might have gotten neglected. Start with one, small, manageable step. Write one line of poetry, play one chord, call one friend.
With love and blessings,
Rami
