Musings

If you searched for the definition of “alchemy” you would find it’s often associated with certain mysterious methods and scientific practices of the Middle Ages. Well, I am not medieval, and I struggled through calculus and chemistry, but I have a knack for the energetic workings of the invisible world. More specifically, following the current and resonance of light and the intricate web it weaves through all. I delight in allowing its radiance to dance in me and through me, the way sunlight amuses itself on water.

I have a memory of being a tween and spending a magical day at Gough’s Caye in Belize with my family. My sisters and I went snorkeling and then came back for a bite to eat (chips…my favorite!). We then laid on the sun-warmed sand to dry off. I remember seeing the sunlight through my eyelashes, creating a rainbow kaleidoscope that changed as I squinted. As I laid there, playing with light, I felt so free, so innocent and so full of wonder (and chips!).

Last fall my hubby and I ran a half-marathon in the heart of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This sacred red earth is considered one of the wonders of the world with its bounty of beautiful views that are almost as enchanting as its starry night skies. Being surrounded by this rugged beauty certainly helped ease the challenge of running in sand and heat and finishing on a steep hill.

I was told by one of my healers that the spider is my spirit totem and guide. I was not surprised since I’ve always been fascinated by this delicate insect and the intricate designs it creates. Perhaps that’s why I’ve never been afraid of spiders and there’s an empty container in our cupboard for taking them out of the house. Now, if I could only make the cobwebs magically disappear!

I still remember one of my favorite routines with my 97-year-old grandmother in the year before she died. We had a regular ritual for greeting the new day. First—for dignity—I would bring my gram her freshly polished teeth. Second—so I didn’t have to yell—I would hand over the hearing aids. Then, I would give her glasses to her so she could see how she lit up my eyes. Once she was put back together it was time to get out of bed. Such a precious routine!