This past year conditions came about that quite simply overwhelmed me and impacted multiple dimensions of our life but out of the chaos came opportunities to ask for help and all who were asked or who became aware stepped up to provide for some need. On the level of “lil bob” that part of me representing what is pure and innocent in all of us, there is no doubt that when asked from a place of vulnerability, others will respond in kind and I have known this on an intellectual level some time. What has been different is that this time I have been present and open to receive and the love of others has filled me many times.

I will have to wait for results to trickle in but I am excited to walk through these next days and events with the heart/mind/eyes of a pilgrim.. I do like the image it conjures up and the practice of wishing others to be at ease. Yes, I think this is a very interesting practice to play with.

What if you viewed your whole life as a pilgrimage? Would it change or influence the next steps you take on this pilgrim’s path?

I come alive when I engage with others listening to their stories, finding our common grounds and our shared woundedness; and I come alive when I watch the light dance across the grass. I come alive when my curiousity is aroused and mostly it seems my curiousity is aroused by other people, beauty, nature, what lies over that next rise… and the everyday surprising expressions from my partner of 35 yrs. I come alive when I play percussion sharing energy with others while creating something bigger than me and when I photograph and when I teach photography I come alive…..and then I fall asleep again and I forget what makes me come alive and live wholeheartedly.