Creating Space for Clarity

I realize that it has been a long time since I have written on this blog.  I am one who likes to be in a good place within myself to write.  And to be honest it has been a difficult month.     

From my last post, I was heading back to New Jersey to visit my family. I haven’t seen my family in 2 years. It was particularly important to see my parents who are both in their late 80’s and having health concerns. My mother is suffering from debilitating dementia and for about a month or so my father’s doctor thought he may have pancreatic cancer. It was distressing to see my mom’s deterioration and be with my father as he experienced his anxiety about the disease. With all the various testing and doctors appointments it was enough to make anyone anxious. I tried to stay cautiously optimistic. The good news is that he does not have pancreatic cancer.   

It has been increasingly important to me to be with my family these days. My husband is dealing with some health issues as well and I feel the need to be fluid in my schedule right now to assist them in their health journeys. This is one of the major reasons I am not able to get back to teaching this fall. I may need to go back to be with my parents every few weeks or so to give them much needed support. My siblings are all taking turns to help.    

I miss seeing all the staff, students and community of Desert Song. My sabbatical has allowed me time to slow down and reflect on all the ways I have been a part of the collective of Desert Song. Something I did not allow myself the pleasure to do when I was involved in working, planning and supporting the center. I have enjoyed the spaciousness of my days where my responsibilities have lessened and my clarity has expanded. I have been doing a few massages to keep myself in touch with my craft and doing yoga to my own recorded classes which I am enjoying very much.  

I am considering holding a gathering some time in the latter part of the fall, outside somewhere, to bring the community together. I will keep you informed if it manifests. I truly hope that each of you reading this are doing well, keeping up with your practices and allowing the best of life to find you and keep you healthy and happy.   ❤️  

The picture with this post is of the full moon on the east coast over the Atlantic Ocean in Cape May, New Jersey, where my youngest brother Chris and I spent a beautiful evening together reflecting on the love of our family and how the essence of life unfolds for each of us in such spectacular way.

Best, Mary Beth