Open your heart & be a loving witness to yourself in 2016

The Native Americans say that we can live a life of ecstasy everyday as long as we focus on the spiritual world and honor our place in it. From my perspective, this translates into the process of creativity and enjoying the endless possibilities of the natural world without succumbing to the limitations our fellow humans so often impose on us. Whilst it’s true that we will face challenges every-day, we can choose to accept this as part of life, face them with all we’ve got and continue the journey with the embodiment of an awakened heart that is attuned to all the beauty and blessings that abound around us. Writing, traveling and amateur photography are central paths on my journey to a life of ecstasy. These are activities that inspire, nurture, and transform me continuously. I know too that they won’t take place in happenstance; that I have to plan for them and in fact nurture the process as much as I expect to be nurtured. Picasso stated this so clearly many years ago: If I don’t show up at the canvas, there is no muse that is going to come get me.

This past year I worked intentionally to show up at the canvas and participated in events that were powerfully evocative and transforming. A visit to Cuba was an experience that reminded me of the tenacity of the human spirit as well as the serenity and power of the land. Notwithstanding the fact that I developed intense gastro-intestinal illness and had to be taken to the doctor, (Yes, I swallowed the water although I was told not to), I was moved by the simple pleasures of the land and the vibrancy of the people. The magnificent architecture and the brilliance of the landscape provided me with exciting photo opportunities which I must tell you my friend, was pure ecstasy.

Later that summer, a meditation retreat in the Colorado Mountains heightened my awareness of the need to work intentionally to bring balance to my life. My wandering mind hasn’t quite gotten the hang of quiet meditation just yet, however, I consider myself a work of art in progress. With that said, I must say, I garnered new friendships which I hope will last a lifetime and yes…I marveled at the photo opportunities.

In October, after a few years of planning, my large, dysfunctional, eclectic and magnificent family from all corners of the globe came together in celebration of our Dressekie heritage hailing back to 1845 when my/our great grandfather settled in Jamaica from Scotland, bought land and married and had seven children with my great grandmother Elizabeth after whom my lovely mother is named.

Truth be told, it was no easy journey getting here, however, the experience was transformative!!! As the convoy of nine cars journeyed through winding unpaved roads to the town of Dressekie founded by Great Grandfather, I experienced what the Native Americans know only too well as ecstasy.

In search of ecstasy my friend, I advise you to open your heart and be a loving witness to yourself in 2016. Dr. Marvalous