Practice of Presence

This picture was taken last July 2019 along the Kortum Trail off of Shell Beach where there is a magical Labyrinth. I discovered this sacred circle on an exploratory hike four years ago. I had just moved here. Over the months I would regularly return to this place for walking meditation and renewal and prayer.

The labyrinth and the beauty of the rugged Pacific coast inspired my creativity, healed my loneliness, my fears and my confusion and humbled my heart. The smell of the salt air and majesty of nature was always breathtaking at every arrival. I even created an Airbnb experience to share this secret spot with others and offered a walking tour to the labyrinth along with a sweet ceremony and history of labyrinth walking. I included a short yoga practice on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. All of this seems like lifetimes ago.

The Northern California Coast and most public parks are now monitored and closed for visitation in light of our current circumstances. I’m trying to remember when, or if, there was ever a time in American history where our liberties were controlled In this way. Does anyone have a reference point for me? I’m curious.

It’s said that Time has a way of putting perspective on our life experiences. My heart is breaking in an entirely unchartered way. I’m leaning into it and feeling the yearning and longing and I’m grateful.

I’m grateful for time and for deliberately slowing down with Purpose. 
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I’m grateful for the consistent practices that honor Presence.

As Ram Dass taught : Be Here Now. There is no other moment.

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