As I sit on a balcony in New Westminster BC, I reflect on the past few days of my life. Taking the train across Canada was one of the greatest adventures thus far. I feel blessed, honoured, inspired, and an overwhelming sense of appreciation and positivity. An epic and extraordinary journey. Three wonderful people entered my life - they know who they are. Love you all.
I settled into the beginning of my journey with few expectations - rather - a sense of openness. Allowing life to happen, letting go of past notions of "result production" - there was no stress to achieve anything - and the outcome - I have been able to welcome in all the opportunities and experiences that were meant to be.
When we meet new people - we learn from them or hope to. We also facilitate an experience for others to learn and grow through us. Conversing about life about everything; we see ourselves. If we are lucky some of our filters are removed and we are presented with a new lens or frame in which to view ourselves and how we fit into the world. Parts of us are awakened. It is amazing that when happiness is truly present within us life is just so sweet. And as that happiness is lived out and an even greater sense of openness is produced - more and more joy and contentment is received.
Travel enables awakening - even when you think you are awake. So much is learned. Uncovered. Brought to life.
I have so much in me that wants out. As my words jump onto the page and I tell my story.
Crossing our great country from my Toronto to Van was a colourful voyage of beauty. The landscape of Canada is full of life. Ontario was comforting and familiar. Rivers, lakes, trees and sky. The curvy lakes that are nestled between groves of trees and diverse cottage designs fit perfectly.
Saskatchewan surprised me with its perfection. Vast yellow fields that softly evoke the assiduous farmers and remind me of how we are lucky to have everything we need in our own land.
...and then there are the rockies - no elaborate introduction required- only admiration for how they touch my heart. Being able to sit in the skycar with nothing more to do than observe their majesty - does life get any better than that?
The landscape, the endless bottles of red wine, great conversation, open hearts and minds... made this piece of my life a ravishing story that I am enthused and honoured to share.
Travel. Be free. Live. Love. Laugh.
Much love and gratitude from all that I am,
Ashley
POEMS from a voyage:
- Sitting still and stirring -
A Beautiful life of important surprises, finding me here.
Moments unplanned, continue to flow in depth; no need to understand.
Briefly questioned but never judged.
Follow the path of unconditional love.
Sinister some would say. Not fazed by outside inspection
The unknown beauty rests deep and breaths slow. We sink into belief
Always moving but sitting still.
You stir me up at our will.
- Glisten by day -
Clouds of white break up the sky and nestled above the earth they float
Mirrored back down below in the cloud of thoughts that construct my day
This experience of life is transformed by thought clouds and cushioned by love
The river flows, the lake ripples and sun glistens in movement
The stillness appears and silence enters first eyes then mind and here I am.
- A sea of green -
A sea of green, a golden dream
Quiet mind, lead to places never been.
The soft Rain falls, along rock wall
Slide down; I am coming after it all.
Ride along, a whispered song
Its easy; what is done is not wrong.
