London, England
Trainer apartment, More To Life Centre, London, England
The first time I came to London to co-lead a More To Life Weekend was in 1985. Rebecca (daughter), then 10 years old, came with me. Also on part of this journey with us was Roy Whitten, co-founder and co-lead on the weekend training, and his son, Josh (8 years old).
There were 3 reasons for bringing Rebecca with me. First was to enjoy a holiday in territories unknown by either of us – a mutual exploration – London tourist sites; Edinburgh, Scotland (honoring my Scottish ancestry); and France (Meaux and Cap Antibes, visiting friends).
The second was to have her experience a sense of global citizenship – not solely a Texan or even an American – to experience different nationalities, accents, languages, money, transportation … and that it all worked.
The third reason was to surround her with More To Life people – people who were open to exploring their lives, actively working to become more real, more creative, more consciously impactful in their personal and corporate lives.
What I hadn’t imagined was the extent this trip would impact me. It took about 3 years to pay it off, but some investments are worth ten times the cost.
London makes an impact on me every time. My connection to my heart expands by at least 20%, as does my usage of the English language. Each place on the globe has a different imprint.
Where on the planet do You feel at home? Or unsettled? Or laid back? Or energized?
I feel at home in Atawhai, atop the South Island of New Zealand. It’s a village with an Austin vibe. Quite laid back, with so much to do that it’s energizing, too. I felt unsettled in the US for years, and certainly would now, if I were there.
Interesting that you’ve managed to situate yourself in a location that serves your higher spirit …. not surprising at all, at all.
Interesting questions to ponder …
Most at home: out in nature with lush greens, high up in the mountains, and also in old central European towns sitting outside in one of the many small intimate spaces created and refined over time.
Most laid back: does not matter where on the globe, best after a good physical workout and having enjoyed a Nordic sauna.
Unsettled: LAX – no doubt
Energised: with a good group of people sharing and collaborating on an idea, this can be anywhere on the globe.
I can see of those things for you …. LOL
Your comments elicited a smile …. I can so see everything you say!
I feel at home or as we say in NZ in my Turangawaewae, (standing place) in Tapu (meaning sacred) which is a tiny little settlement on the shores of the Firth of Thames on the Coromandel peninsular. I offered my holiday home (Bach) to Brad and Ann Brown when they visited NZ some many years ago. This place makes me feel alive and relaxed and connected to the earth the sea and the sky. I really let my breath in and out when I go there. Very special spot for me.
I hope you go there often …. sounds wondrous!
I feel at home on my allotment – my place for growing things; and I feel at home in my training room with a bunch of students exploring the most challenging and significant areas of our lives. I feel at home walking by the River Tees, or any time I sit with an open vista and the sun or wind or rain playing with my body – warming me up, buffeting me or refreshing me. I also feel at home walking in mountains and woods; but one special home coming is the peninsular of Cronulla, South Sydney – a walk that embraces the wide wild ocean, and sandstone coves through to the quiet waters of the bay. One seat of many calls to me and I sit there and soak in the beauty, grateful for the diversity and privilege of my life.
Lots of special places on your map of the world ….
I feel at home in Cape Town as the climate is glorious. My home looks out on a high mountain range and early morning the mountain is bathed in golden light and is utterly breathtaking. I can hear the cries of the Fish Eagles over the Lakes on the other side. Then late evening the scenario changes to pink and mauve’s and the mountains reflect those shades. I water my vegetable patch and enjoy the bird song and I breath in the peace and let out the working day’s stresses. Yes, that is home in more ways than one.
I feel at home in Cape Town too …. I remember a time at the top of Lion’s Head – a setting sun on one hand, a full moon rising on the other …. at home on our planet …a moment I will remember forever.
I’m sitting on the porch of my home in TX, where it has finally begun to cool off a bit, watching the sun rise and thinking about your question. I’ve only been to a few places outside the U.S. — England, Scotland, Mexico, Costa Rico, Bahamas, Dominican Republic. What pops into my reflection, though, is where I learned to be “at home”. — when I teamed WOW I after taking WOW II. I was standing at the back of the room when I heard Brad Brown say, pointing at me, “there is someone who is well-grounded and at home, with both feet planted firmly on the grounded and every sense alive in the moment.” Since then, I’ve been able to feel at home no matter where I am…….and oh, SO grateful!
Beautiful …. at home no matter where I am …. perfect!
HI felt T home in Ireland. Such a beautiful place Ina quiet and subtle way warm and friendly people. I I felt unsettled in the Ukraine the only country of the 63 I’ve visited that I would not happily go back to. Also Cambodia because of its disturbing Khmer Rouge history. Excited by almost any European city, London,Paris etc
Big grin! There’s so much to experience in this world … thank you.
I am having difficulty finding a ‘Yes” after the USA election this past Tuesday. My temporary ‘at home’ place was the Audubon birding trip the day after the election where 15 Roseate Spoonbills (on my life bird list) were found along with hundreds of other large shorebirds. I guess the truth is that as president Obama said change in America is very slow to develop. He compared change to being on the Titanic and tipping it to go one way and seeing how slow the ship changes course. I am feeling compassion for the government workers who do their jobs for very small salaries to serve our country, for the men, women, children and families who might be affected by the ideas of the ‘mastermind’. But my friend reminded me that if one goes away from the fray then you are still looking at you. Ann – I come back to your words so often even after trainings years ago. A big ‘hello’ to Izzy and Ulrich. What a happy ‘at home’ moment to see you too on the blog!
None of us know the future. We will either have faith that whatever happens, we will stand in the face of what is given and do our very best – with an open heart, a flexible backbone and a nimble mind. How we choose to BE with what IS makes a difference – either adding to at-one-ment (spirit) or to separateness (ego). Always our choice.