It's been a while and I've been so blessed to sit in over a dozen Circles since my last sharing. Life has just continued all around me and I have risen every morning in gratitude for the beautiful hearts that surround me on this path of life. What about you?
And in less than one day, seven of us will travel to the annual gathering of Queen. We are a diverse group professionally; a lawyer, marketing specialist, high school counselor, government manager, psychologist, retired affirmative action officer and me. And we have one thing in common, we are women of African descent. Each year I wait for spirit to speak to me about our next location, and when Salvador, Bahia showed up in my consciousness, a deep YES rose up and bellowed from my mouth.
Queen is a time when we appreciate all the external things that we have experienced or received, and even more, it is a time to appreciate who we are from the inside out. It is a time of introspection, noticing, nourishment, relaxation, deep breath, laughter and being present for each other, that is extraordinary. It is extraordinary because, we have nothing between us pulling us from the day to day doing. What we do have is each other and the being with, listening and reflecting together in one shared community.
I am especially excited because this is my first trip to Brazil. Having traveled to almost every continent, I have never been to this part of the world. And I've learned that this is the place where millions of slaves were deported over 300 years ago. And, over the years they have influenced the culture in such a way that our African heritage is alive and present through the music, dance, brilliant colors, food and the spirit of this land. It is said that the welcome that one receives, penetrates our very soul! So, we are ready to receive!
One of the highlights will be a day visit with the Sisters of the Good Death, which is a 285 year old circle of wise women. And so yes, we will be in CIRCLE anointed and blessed by the presence of each other up close and personal. We will celebrate our majesty through daily ritual that replenishes and leaves us refreshed.
Some of our journey is planned because that's how we do retreats, and so much of it is waiting for us, welcoming us to just be present. And this is what I most wish for every one of us - for you; that we be present every moment to this wonderful life that is ours to experience one breath at a time.
The Seven Queens will embrace each other with grace and beauty and return on July 1, remembering what it feels like to truly walk this path sensing who we are from the inside out. We will return with a certain knowing that true beauty comes when we SLOW down and care for self and each other. True beauty comes when we touch into the invisible and rekindle the flame that is ours, when we are witnessed and held with loving-kindness and compassion in the arms of beautiful women.
Thanks for summing up my feelings for both Queen Circle in Brazil and Majestic Light (ML). The latter was the most recent and most dynamic experience I've had yet. I felt so exhilarated and safe being held in spirit by the souls of sisters of color (all shades including hispanic).
The annual Queen Circles are wonderful, but ML takes Circle to a new level for me. I especially appreciate the chance to be witnessed, affirmed and connected to these unique women at a core level. In just a matter of days, I feel like I've known my ML Sisters for years. I now share a bond of admiration and appreciation for them all!
Thanks Ronita and Diane for this unique opportunity to be supported and coached in pursuit of my lifelong dreams!
Love,
Susan
Posted by: Susan Parker-Thomas | October 23, 2007 at 01:59 PM