Happy New Year ~ 2015! Cozality~Transition

2014 brings to an end, many simple yet extraordinary events of the 21^st Century; one of which being, December 13, 2014 (12/13/14).  This was the last numeric sequence date of this century.  It all began as the 20^th Century came to an end, with January 1/2001 (01/01/01).  Many entered the 21^st Century full of fear; fear of the new year, the new millennium; fear of the future over all; but specifically for one’s self.  Fear was introduced and planted by those whose primary concern was based on their own fears for “their” money, “their” value and “their” positions in society and how these changes would impact “them”.  I don’t mean “just” the individuals, but also the institutions “they” represent and what “they” valued....$$$$ and power.

It began with Y2K and continued through to 2012.  Fear, FEAR, FEAR!  The fear of what tangible things we ‘might’ lose specifically, money, possessions and position.  During these last 15 years, we’ve all been forced to look at ourselves; and asking those questions.  Who am I?  Where am I?  Is this all there is? What IS important to me; family, wealth, how I look, what others think....?  At the core of who I am....WHO AM I?

And when the world didn’t collapse at midnight of December 31, 1999 on eve of 2000; or by midnight of December 21, 2012; and when we, here in North America, didn’t collapse after the great black out in 2003 or after the tragedy of on September 11/01, many began to realize fear is often used to control and weaken people.  Healthy fear has great value for us as a race, but unhealthy fear will destroy us.   At first I was going to say, these events made very little impact at all and for others....the impact has been truly life altering.   But the truth is...each of these ~and many more~ have made a great impact on each and everyone of us, whether we realize it or not.

I dare say, the greatest impact each of these events has had on each of us is how we view the world we live in; not only on larger scale but in our day-to-day living.  If we didn’t reassess our lives, someone in our lives did; and their choices greatly impacted us. 

How many people lived days, weeks, months and years in fear of the world coming to an end on these dates?  How many people killed them self based on these fears?  How many people made huge life changing decisions, based on the fears planted by others, they may not otherwise have made?  How many people are happier for the changes they made based on fears; rather than on facts?  Misery loves company! 

I’ve always been a supporter of choice, and likely always will be.  However, in a discussion I recently had with a person who believes them self to be very ‘powerful’, he echoed a quote I’ve heard many times.... “Choice is an illusion between those who have power and those who don’t.”  I guess the point is...there is always choice.  The question may be...what’s your perspective of power?

The fact is, there has been a shift in paradigm, from the 20^th to the 21^st Century; and it has been great.  Each of us, on a variety of levels has been forced to re-evaluate our lives....our purpose.  For some, we’ve made our choices by first, being still and looking within to find our purpose. For others, we’ve continued to rely on the images and influences outside of ourselves.  Both have a great impact, not only in our own lives but in the lives of many.   What we will NEVER realize is how many people and in what ways, our choices have impacted others; and the world we live in.  Our choices not only become our legacy; but they also becomes part of how are societies are developed and maintained; what we accept; and what we reject.  Our choices establish guidelines by which we judge and punish; as well as live and love by.

While, for the most part, Christmas in my home was peaceful; it wasn’t without the drama, which seems to now plague our holidays and special occasions; since 2012, though.  Because this Christmas brought with it, the additional drama of wanting to visit with a loved one, my children and I decided the four of us would spend New Year’s Eve together.  We did invite one special person to share our evening though; and together....we said farewell to 2014 and in a quiet and calm manner, we welcomed with positive anticipation, 2015! 

At 2:00am....New Years Day....grief came.  My eldest learned a cherished friend of hers (and single mom) had just passed away.  She and I spent hours reflecting not only on the loss of a friend, but of the hopes shared and dreams now lost.  We reflected on how this death would impact the very young child left behind.  Mother (parent) and child....alone together....an amazing bond that existed, cherished and shared.

Before the weekend had ended, we learned of another loved one’s passing; and that two more loved ones had been diagnosed with terminal illnesses.  The quietness of New Years eve clearly wasn’t only needed to recover from the drama at Christmas, but also to prepare us for this news.  Within the next few days, we’d learn of yet another death and the terminal illness.   

Would 2015 be the year we have been awaiting, hoping for and anticipating great change in?  Would it be the year, we’ve been hoping to close an unresolved matter so we could finally feel ‘safe’ and ‘free’ to start to move forward; or will it be plagued with more heart ache, uncertainty, and caution?

I wanted this year to be the year I could finally start to move forward again; on my terms.  I wanted this year to be a year where I can FIANLLY be the one to ignite the changes in my life rather than being forced to continuously respond to changes forced upon me; and my children.  I wanted my children to learn what it felt like to experience the magic in life and not just the consequences of life; particularly because of another’s actions.  I wanted this for 2015 so much, that in December, just before Christmas, I gave myself a bitter sweet gift.  It will co$t me greatly, but this prison has  come to cost me so much more than 'just' money.  So, I signed an offer to settle; and had it presented to the “other side”.   It’s been the better part of a month and still....I’m held in bondage.  I’ve conceded to and sacrificed so much; and still....I wait; and my children wait. 

Instead of allowing my brain to swim with all the questions and worries uncertainty contaminates one’s mind with, I’ve chose to (for the most part) let go...let God.  I’ve given myself an amazing gift.  I’ve invited myself to come back to the present.  Rather than focusing on the future, I am embracing and cherishing – right now.

It’s strangely interesting where mediation will take you, if you allow yourself to be still; to be truly quiet and open at the same time.  An essence of serenity often comes over you.  The message you receive becomes simplex (simply complex), comforting and yet inspiring.  And on such occasion, for me; during a very deep meditation these words were being whispered to me as if the sun and a gentle breeze were massaging them into every part of my existence....  “Cozality” “Transition”  

Now, I’ve tried to find a “definition” for the word “Cozality” but the only one I can find that seems to make any sense to me is the reference from the Matrix movie.  Cozality ~action/reaction; cause and effect.  ....Hmmmm, Newton’s third law of relativity and Lorenz’s Chaos Theory.  Grade 10 physics class with an amazing teacher; Mr Grant!!!!!

As I reflected on the word – Cozality-, the events that ended 2014 and greeted 2015; my word for this year would seem to be “transition”.  I remain very hopeful, that in the next few days or weeks, at least my separation will be final enough that I will have more direct influence over what happens in my life.  It will then be my choices that will have greater impact on my life; rather than me being forced to react to impact of the choices of others. 

I have had to say “until we meet again” so some amazing souls who have been great comfort and strength to me these past couple of years.  And, undoubtedly, I will have to do so again before 2015 ends.  And....that’s all a part of life.  But so too is choosing to be open to accept new souls; new challenges and all the gifts God and the Universe has to offer and give me; give you!  We may not have a lot of “security” in our lives, but we still have the security in knowing....the sun will come up tomorrow.  And just as things end...so too do other things begin.  If you hold on to your past, how do you ever expect to enjoy what you have now or be excited for the future?   We may not always have control over how, when or what sort of transitions we will have in our lives, but we always have control over how we’ll accept it; when we’ll accept it and what we’ll accept about it.

2015, will be a pivotal point in my transition.   As I look back, on December 31, 2011 I made a paramount decision in my life.  I made it in consultation and with the support of my then, dearest friend.  We contemplated my leaving  a 'secure' career over several years and made our choice, not on a whim, but based on much thought and research.  As I did then, I still believe my choice was right for me.   “Cozality” ~ action/reaction; cause and effect. 

What I couldn’t have seen then, nor did I ever imagine, was that the one I trusted the most....the one I relied on the most....would bail on me; and on our children - our family.  Not only did he walk out on me, but in the months and years that have past...he would temporarily rob me of hopes and dreams; shatter my security and open the door for me to question me; who I am. 

I have NO idea how I will move through this, or what lies ahead, but...I do know....I feel it in the core of who I am....I am ok!  I still cherish and hold on to the same values and morals I’ve come to trust.  I find courage, comfort and strength these ethics and....I believe even at this pivotal time in my life, they will guide me through this transition as graciously and compassionately as they've always done.  I am excited to see what transition(s) await me for 2015.

Whatever 2015 holds in store for you....remember...take time to be still.  Listen to that inner voice.  Have the courage to believe in yourself; and the conviction to live your passion.  Cozality and chaos may follow, but so too will their gifts and benefits.  The heart never lies!

In love, light and kindness; cozality and chaos....Carleana

Are you surviving or thriving?

As I look back on 2014, it's funny how life goes.  I refuse to give in and believe the world is a dark and sinister place.  If it were as some would like me to believe it is, I wonder...why anyone would want to live in such an evil place; why would anyone wish to spend their time being cruel to another rather than living their own life. 

I was going through some papers I found with notes and wanted to compare them to my blog....clearly I didn’t get those notes into my blog; yet it would seem my word for 2014 might have been “surviving”.  Let me be totally honest here.  I am so sick of “surviving”. 

 

I remember speaking with a group of ‘administrators’ about the impacts of bullying, who regularly used the phrase, “...they’ll survive....” in reference to children who were being bullied.  Finally I tossed down my pen ~ more dramatically than I intended ~ but, I seized that moment.  As I was being visually assessed, I shook my head and glanced back around the table at the educators, medical practitioners, political people,  and parents who were there and I said, “Children survived the holocaust, but would any one of you deliberately put a child, or anyone for that matter, in that type of living condition?”  Aghast that I would make such a comparison, and with their judgemental eyes focused on me, they initiated what became a very interesting discussion. 

 

The point being, why would any one person deliberately treat another person poorly and if, they weren’t aware what they were doing was hurtful, why once it was brought to their attention, why would they continue ~ especially if the person(s) being treated horrifically wasn’t doing anything to them or that would impact their life. 

Since August 1, 2012 most each day of my life has been living in ‘survivor’ mode.  I’ve not only been directly threaten but I have had to live with many “implied” threats including writing on my blog.  I was beginning to feel like the caged in bird again or worse, a trapped animal.  I understand this in not uncommon when going through a divorce; especially where there is a real or perceived imbalance of power.  Ahhhh, one of the identifiers of bullying.

I am one of the first people to say, every experience has a lesson to be learned; and that we're right where we're meant to be when we're meant to be there.  And my children’s favourite, 'we’ll get through this' and 'it will all be ok'; ~ forever and for always.  These are all true and....I do believe in these reassurances, here’s where I’m having some trouble though...it’s easy to be put at ease by these words when you’re dealing with a onetime occurrence.  It becomes daunting and overwhelming when the actions are reoccurring and deliberate acts of cruelty.  Another, identifier of bullying. 

It isn’t just myself whose been forced to suffer such vindictiveness this past year (+), but my three children as well.  As Christmas winds down, my estranged husband and his family gave my children yet another ‘memorable’ holiday.  For people who claim to love and care for my children, one might think they’d choose not to behave so maliciously; especially during the holidays.  And over the past three years since my husband walked out, one might even think, they would have reached out to these amazing people with compassion; at least once.  Alas, lies that have been told are starting to step into the light.  And rather than showing kindness to my children, their kin, my children are forced to endure even more brutality and denigration.    

This is what I’m talking about when I ask, “Children survived the holocaust, but would any one of you deliberately put a child, or anyone, in that type of living condition?”   The reality is....the answer to that question is YES!  There are people, who would do that; who DO, do that!  I was once part of a family who believes it is better to hurt another before they can hurt you ~ even if there is no real evidence that person would ever hurt them.  They also would deliberately hurt someone and speak ill of them for no other reason than to try to build them self up.  Some refer to this behaviour as bullying while others might call it arrogance and intolerance.  Then, there are those who’d refer to it as narcissism or schizophrenia; or maybe even signs of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

So where does that leave the ones being hurt?  Shy of years of therapy and tons of medications?????  “Don’t take it personally” ~ one of the four agreements.  This is their issue not yours.  You must continue to find the courage and strength to distance yourself from these sorts of people so you don’t end up believing their lies or worse, become trapped by their toxicity.  The challenge...most often these people are our friends, our loved ones, maybe even a spouse, parent or child.  Maintaining, if necessary, a relationship with these people can be done but...it is imperative that you create and maintain firm boundaries for yourself and that you be willing to forgive yourself when you stumble.  Make sure you have supports you can rely on, anytime of day and...that you trust.  These people are smooth and used to doing anything to get their needs met.  Often they are well respected, by those who don’t or won’t see them for who they are; and worse they usually “attack” when you are your most loving, or vulnerable. 

I still can’t get my head around people who do this or why they do it, but I can say....this year has been one where discovery, not only of these personality types has been a huge learning curve for me; but also learning how to recognize it!  There is value for these types in our society but, in what roles?  They lack compassion and empathy so, when they hold positions of power/authority; or worse they think they have control, those around them are more likely to live in a constant state of surviving, rather than thriving.  And in these scenarios, there is not likely going to be any alli rescue missions.

If as Einstein said, ‘you’re doing the same thing but expecting a different outcome’ and you're not getting it, you might simply be existing in a state of insanity.  If you feel trapped or as if you’re not living your life...change something; even if it’s one little thing.  Have the courage to look deep within yourself; and believe in yourself as you take the step you wish to take.

 

Recently, I have taken steps that I believe will release me from my bondage and....even allow me an opportunity to move beyond surviving.  Hopefully, my captor is getting bored with his subject (my children and I) and is truly willing to release all his perceived control over us; me.  And, here's hoping the lessons learned on this journey will not soon be forgotten or implemented unjustly in the future.

 

Even if a door closes, remember it's on hinges which means, it can be re-opened.  One only needs to knock; then decide to wait for an answer.  Just don't ever put someone first, who puts your second.

Camino 2014 ~Day 7

Day 5 of Air Week: Clutter – Energy Up/Energy Down:

Today’s affirmation: “Fresh, invigorating energy fills my life”

Three Levels:

#1 Energy Up/Energy Down – get in touch with items in your surroundings; do they life your energy up or do they pull your energy down

#2 Clutter Questionnaire and clearing one area – The questionnaire lists a number of items in your home, workplace, car, etc and asks you to answer yes or no to questions like, is this in need of repair, do you use this, do you love this, etc

#3 Employ the power of Metaphor – This activity takes level two to the next step...if you said ‘yes’ to something that was important to you...ask yourself why? What does it represent for you?  It may even mean looking at projects you’re struggling with and break them down.  Often things are not as overwhelming as the initially appear; if....we can look at the situation in sections.

 

With all that I’m going through right now...I didn’t really do #1...partly because, a lot of my stuff is already ‘sorted’ out and when the time is right and when I feel less sensitive, frustrated and wounded....I will allow myself to do this with less contaminated emotion.  I did look at #2 and used it to look at the projects I feel more overwhelmed by, a loss of control over and in essence...a little afraid of.  Without getting into personal details, I will use a ‘metaphor’ to explain how I looked each of these areas in my life.

Imagine that closet or worse...the “messy bedroom”; when we first open the door and we see the mess, we look at it and think “OMG...this is going to take forever!  I’ll never get this done.”  And with that approach, that’s right.  Because, we’ll say...”I’ll do this when....”, then close the door and forget about it. 

Rome wasn’t built in a day.  You move a mountain one shovel load at a time. Each journey begins with one step.  Choose your analogy. 

Stop...turn around and let’s open that door again.  Don’t look at the whole room/mess.  For now, this moment...let’s pick one thing.  Dirty dishes. 

The focus is dirty dishes.  Are there any dirty dishes in that room? If so, collect all of them up, take them to the kitchen and...either set them on the counter, load them in the dishwasher or wash, dry and put them away.  Take a break and reward yourself.  Great job ‘self’!  Or maybe you’d like to read a chapter of your book or, sitting and sipping on a cup of tea; or enjoy a small piece of chocolate.  Now...back to the room and the focus is on something else ~ garbage.  Anything that looks like garbage, pick it up and put it in the bag.  When that is done...ask yourself, can I try another task before I take a break and celebrate or....shall I reward myself now.  Maybe that’s a 5 minute break, lunch time or...maybe that’s all for that project today and you close the door.  The reality is, tomorrow when you open that door....you’ve already completed a portion of the task.  Now you feel less overwhelmed and your energy is up. You feel inspired and empowered to move forward.

Often, I find when I do this, I end up putting on some fun music, may be burn a scented candle or incense to maintain my motivation.  Before long, my ‘reward’ includes throwing in a load of laundry or taking out that trash or dusting.  In no time, I’ve not only finished that initial project, but a few others as well; that’s when I “Play Full Out” and really reward myself.  Maybe I soak in the bath or dinner at a favourite restaurant or a new book, perfume....  The point is....the reward becomes two fold...the task is complete and...I’ve recognized and honoured myself.

 

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED; if you live with even one other person!!!!!!!  I soooo get it ~ I no sooner get that one room cleaned, move on to the next and....you’d never know I cleaned the first room.  OMG....how frustrating can that be.  Even though you’ll likely be the one to clean it again....that is OK!  As I said...the point is....you set an intention, you achieved it, and the task was complete.  You MUST honour yourself for that!  The rest....it doesn’t matter; at least for now!  We can discuss how to deal with the “others” another time, but today...it’s about “me” and the moment.

I pulled a card from my deck “Messages From the Wee Folk”; Wee Folk meaning the Faeries, Gnomes, Sprites....the sacred energies and guides we have in nature.  The card I pulled was “Balance”.  It reminds us that we are multifaceted; each part of us is a very integral part of who we are as a whole person.  I am not “just” Carleana.... I’m a woman, I’m a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friends, a mentor, an active participant and leader in my community, I’m an estranged spouse, I’m a spiritual guide, I’m a healer, I’m victim, an advocate, a visionary, an explorer....and so much more, but bottom line...I am who I am.  And each of my parts makes me Who I Am!

I am proud of who I am; each and every part of me.  They give me opportunities to be thankful, resourceful, assertive, strong, gracious, loving, humble, protective... alive.   In order to be all that and so much more...it is important to remember to check in and maintain balance it all of my life...in all that I am and can be.

 

Two years ago to....speaking of being gracious and strong...and balance; I began day 4 of my Camino de Compostella.  I didn’t sleep as well as I had hoped.  My feet, while they feel much better, are still sore particularly a couple of the blisters.  The shoes were a gift from the heavens and all my guides; my reward!  Even today, as I allow my soul to go back to that moment....I feel the ease of pain from my feet.  The soft spongy soles of these shoes and...the freedom my feet felt; ahhhhh.  The socks provided added protection and...the bandages, extra cushion. 

Some of the things I remember about this day was the foggy, chilly and dewy morning.  As I walked, I felt the dew drops; my fingers were numbed by the morning’s chilled air; but it was fresh and clear.

The beautiful little “Ant Cafe” and how I spent too much time, just sitting and enjoying how I felt there. 

Walking around a bend, into a ‘town’, and there before me....a herd of cattle, drinking from a town water reservoir.

And then...learning that scent I had been enjoying....eucalyptus trees; forests of them. 

The Camino can be done in a variety of ways...I chose to arrange to have predetermined stops set, meaning I booked my hotels, with breakfast and supper included and my luggage transferred from point A to point B daily. Some people rely on hostiles. Today, one of the stops required for the passports was a hostile.  OMG....Americans – English as a first language!  There was a group of mission workers who were there working to help maintain this hostile for pilgrims on their Camino.  I can’t compare this hostile to any others....but I can say I was very impressed.  Nothing like any accommodations I’ve ever see anywhere else either; but I dare say...the place really felt like it hadn’t changed is the 1800’s when it was first built ~ the real 1800’s; not Hollywood’s version of that time period. 

 The scenery was beautiful...the sun warmed up the air and...I made it through another day.

My day begins at 76.5km marker

 Chilly and foggy

 

 Dew drops from the pines,

 feet over head are dripping down upon the early morning pilgrims

  This cow is protecting her calf

  Nature’s artwork

  The time committed to creating these works of art

The village ahead

Leaving the village

These were all over the place; what are they?

They store harvested corn for live stock!

 

Arriving at a hamlet

And OMG...this building is NOT just a barn...it is the famers home.

This farmer and his family live in one half, and

the cattle and chickens share the other side.

An amazing and perfect spider’s web

Serene scenery

Have I gone back in time?

The farmer takes his cattle into the village for water

New shoes and...my groove is on!

Eucalyptus forest 

Eucalyptus leaves

Beautiful chickens

The next seven photos were taken at the Ant Café

On the road again...notice the bright sun, blue sky and clouds....ahhhh

These flowers and

this foliage became additional daily sights

Still heading in the right direction...next stop Brea

My favourite scenery on the Camino!   Nature’s tunnels.

Speak limit

Almost there

Tonight’s resting place

Took a walk into the Palas de Rei to

enjoy some sights, shopping and lunch

Remember...what you’re looking at between the buildings;

these are used by bike, vehicle, pedestrians;

including delivery trucks, tour buses etc.

 

Another beautiful day comes to an end as 66km are completed.

 

                                                                                                ~Buen Camino

 

Camino 2014 ~Day 6 Camino Day 3 ~ Blisters

And day 4 of Air Week.  The message today “I love and accept who I am...and who I am is enough.” 

With the focus on accepting self and loving self for exactly who I am, the key to doing so is to look at how we treat ourselves.  The word is far more powerful than we give it credit for.  Try using phrases like “I’m recharging” instead of “I’m exhausted” or “I’m open for love” rather than “I’m lonely”, or...how about this one... instead of “I’m so busy” try saying “I’m seeing what I’m capable of”.  The heavier the statement the more negative the intent...the lighter the statement the more positive the energy.  I know it will be weird at first, so dare yourself to speak (or at least think) in a more positive way.  Think of it as a game and challenge yourself to find a way of expressing your frustration in a ‘fun’ way.

The title of each of the three levels today are:

1~Be the sacred observer: observe yourself...how do you feel, how do you respond, what do you do, take note of your feelings and your perception as to how you behave.

2~Your faults can be your virtues: instead of looking at your ‘fault’ as ‘bad’, consider what it is and look at from a different perspective.  Make a list of those you feel are faults; now think of them positively...from cheap to thrifty; stubborn to determined; flighty to spontaneous; resentment to sense of justice....Try it yourself and see what you come up with.

3~Observing your core beliefs: a core belief is notion that has become entrenched in your sub-consciousness after having held on to or repeated it for a long period of time.  Naturally, there are positive and not so positive core values we have.  Some positive ones might be....the more I give – the more I get; no matter what challenges find me, I always find a way to overcome them.  Less positive might be...people in my life always treat me badly; or....No pain – no gain ~ this is tricky one for me.

 

So, two years ago today, was Day 3 of my Camino de Santiago; heading to Ventas de Naron.  I’d been away from my family more than with them since mid June and I was missing them dearly.  I wasn’t feeling well.  I was physically ill and worse...I was losing my blister battle.  I didn’t like the saying “No pain; nor glory” because I’ve never bought into the “No pain; no gain” even as an aerobic “instructor” in the ‘80s.  To me...if it hurts or doesn’t feel right....that’s a good sign to stop what you’re doing a listen to yourself....I think that’s why I love Nia so much....

I have been known to change my mind when needed, but I am not a quitter; I am survivor.  I say what I mean and mean what I say.  I will admit, as I reflect on this day, I remember it was incredibly hard for me and facing the possibility that I may have to quit.  Even looking back on my blog....I spoke about how challenging this day was.  And while I wouldn’t say it out loud then....I was scared I was going to have to quit my Camino because of my feet.  I couldn’t have that.  I suffered through one more day.  All my guides, angels, spirit friends, God, Jesus, Mary, Isis...my grandmothers....all I’ve ever call on....carried me through that day from the moment I awoke because I needed to vomit, while I struggled to put my shoes on, from the first painful step to the last....they were there.  Those I cherish most in my life...have a nature spirit that is special to me and EACH and EVERY ONE of them appeared that day!  The butterfly, bubble bee, lady bug, robin, sun, breeze, streams, all of them!  The walk that day was long, hot and excruciatingly painful.  For a variety of reasons I had to take breaks and getting started again....was more painful than the last time I had to start walking, but....I did it.  I made it!!!!

At the end of the day, I broke down and bought new shoes...not no crazy expensive “perfect” hiking footwear again for this girl....but ugly, simple, inexpensive sandals....my “Jesus” shoes as they’ve affectionately come known as.  My children think they are horrid but...they are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever had; at least for long term wearing while walking!  And they were like clouds to walk on after having suffered through those shoes.  I am BARE FOOT girl and love to let me feet caress the earth.  Those $160.00 sneakers (and that was at 50% off) devoured my feet; even the expensive blister proof socks didn’t help.  Don’t buy into this...”you have to have hiking boots if you’re going to walk” crap.  Walk in what you’re comfortable walking in...if it’s hiking boots...fine;  if it’s sneakers – wear sneakers; I would also recommend – and I think it saved my feet from worse destruction – have extra shoes to switch into.

As soon as I got to my room....I rested my feet.  I popped my blisters after taking some Advil.   When I felt strong enough to do so, I took a shower then went to have some supper.  I soaked my feet in epsom salts and massaged them with arnica cream.  My plan for the next few days would be to monitor my feet closely but not dwell on them.  A metaphor of life I guess. 

When things are out of sorts...it’s important to monitor everything but...not to dwell on it.  You can’t ignore the problems...or challenges on your path – that is never good.  That’s when you make poor choices, or worse, no choice at all.  When you acknowledge the challenges and keep an eye on them....you’re able to consider your options and you make choices that are in your best interest.  But don’t dwell on them.  It’s the equal and opposite reaction to ignoring them.  Often when we dwell on challenges, we tend to make poor choices because we’ve distorted the situation.  Phrases like “always” and “never” are good sign we’ve succumbed to our frustrations or distorted a situation.  Pause to observe before reacting ~ don’t take it personally.  Remember, “I love and accept who I am...and who I am, is enough.” 

 

As the day begins, so does my Camino continue....

 I may feel horrible, my feet may ache but

the day is beautiful, life is good and journey....

worth while!

  These flowers and a couple other types,

will be constant companions along my way.

  The roots of trees cling to hillsides and provide not only breath taking images,

but refuge for many species.

 Whoa....

 share the road..remember?

  Walking along the highway.

This is a four lane highway, notice though, ALL the lines are white!

Clay tile factory

 More Camino pilgrim signs...not just for us

 

 but for drivers to mean mindful of us too.

  Introduction to beautiful gardens to come

  The two other species of flowers that will accompany me

and decorate my path in the days ahead

  The horizon from a different perspective

  Horton hears a Who!

  Fiddle ferns waking and growing

 Not sure what this is....

some thought it was the vine that strangled the life out of this area

  Notice the traffic/road sign??? 

No passing.  LOL  Not a whole lot of space for "two lanes" either.

  This was apparently, a vineyard after a fire?!

  Coming into a hamlet

Which way do I go?! 

I’m on the Camino and I will be going to Albergue  

Remember the rule?

FOLLOW THE ARROWS/SHELLS

  Lady working...

she was gathering all the crumbled stone and dust and putting into tubs.

  Me holding one of the many ‘spirit’ friends who helped me today

The next few pictures are of my blisters;

some may consider these graphic and/or gross

 

Blisters before the bath...

Six in all.

Blisters after the bath...

So....all things considered....

after a good epsom salt soak and arnica cream massage...

they don’t look too bad...do they?! J

 

After this day...and in a nice bed...I'm ready for a good night sleep!

 

“I love and accept who I am...and who I am is enough.” 

 

                                                                                               ~Buen Camino