In 5 weeks, I will Step Off on the Walk for PEACE.
I want to take a moment to share some snippets of what it’s like to be preparing for this Walk.
A week ago, I took my motorcycle to be spruced up for sale. As I drove with it in the trailer behind me, I was aware of the feeling of freedom I felt when I used to ride. I remembered time I rode with my friend to a neighboring town where we laughed our way through lunch together before riding back home, and I could feel the warm, soothing sun on my back just as I did the day we took the trip.
In this moment, I feel the sun and hear the laughter of my friend.
A few days ago, as I washed the Italian pottery that belonged to my parents, I stood looking at the pattern and enjoying the intricate details in the design, and my heart filled with happiness. I thought about the people who painted the green rooster design on the pieces – and I felt happy about the very idea of a green rooster. I remembered the times my family used the pieces to hold the delicious food we prepared each year at holiday time, and I felt happy to think of all the people we had the chance to spend those moments with.
In this moment, I feel happy and sated.
As I pack away a few keepsakes, I take a moment to think of who gave them to me or where I got them and I feel lots of different emotions. You see, these things have traveled with me because they hold a special spot in my heart that is warmed when I hold them in my hand and look at them. The memories they evoke make me smile and cry. Knowing I will have a chance to hold them again, unwrapping each item and seeing it again for the first time makes me smile and breathe deeply as I place them gently in the box for safekeeping.
In this moment, I smile and cry.
People have lots of questions about the Walk. How will you stay safe? Where will you sleep? Do you have a first aid kit? What will you eat? How long will you walk? Will people walk with you? Is Chandler going with you? Are you going to have a phone?
As I am asked the questions, I answer to the best of my knowledge and ability. I don’t have all the answers, because I cannot see the future. And I haven’t done this before, so I have no memory to go on.
I’m up and down, happy and sad, excited and calm, confused and clearer than I’ve ever been…
For me, this is what presence is – this moment.
And… in this moment, I am at PEACE.
Such a journey it already is…. in this space and moment with you. Holding space Knowing it’s all going to work out, you are protected, and much kindness, connection, love, compassion, and generosity will be shown to you.
Beautiful capture of the way you are attending to each moment. Thanks for that, Alexis. Onward and up up up. xo
Forward, then, into the unknown. This is the journey of faith — to go forward not knowing what the future will hold, but trusting that, somehow, it will hold you.
A beautiful description of the walk before The Walk.
Holding you close in thought and prayer.
You, my dear, are indeed a spark of the Divine.
Letting go of the fear of the unknown will allow you to live in the moment and to just “not know” will bring you peace. When I walk in my garden, and see the blooms burst forth in the approaching spring ….. my thoughts go to you and I smile. And always my love is with you.
Maggie xo
You will have the answer to a question in the very moment when you really need it. Thats how living in the moment works – at the very moment ! Some questions will stay without answer as it is not needed at any time. I know you know and I know you trust. Enjoy living with only light weight – one day we all will notice that about 90% of what we have is not needed – I admire you for your braveness and trust in yourself! Love you dearly!
Alexis – I like Tatjana have nothing but for admiration for you – actually not true: love too. Your ability to face your uncertainty head on, feel the fear and step into the unknown anyway and shed your possessions is such a self less act. You are my inspiration.
As I look at your blog, I am bowled over by the symbolism of a Passion flower. To me, it suggests regal/proud (purple), female (as its the female version of the plant in this picture), and unashamedly passion-ate! Clever you. Lets chat …….
I can’t wait to walk alongside you sister xx
The walk has already begun! You are creating peace with these deeply beautiful, supremely vulnerable words. Bless you, Alexis!