I found such a beautiful spot today riding south on A1A. Small two room cottages, nearly hidden by the mangroves, leave the ocean visible from the road. I sit under a coconut palm on a sloped grassy yard, looking out at the sea. It makes me feel like I’m on an island in the Caribbean with water such a stunning shade of turquoise.
Whoever owns these few rare plots must be an interesting person, to keep these little cottages and lush landscapes in preference to the large double story mansions all around them. Here I sit in this piece of paradise, wondering.
Wondering how best to shine light during my time here. Not my time today in this beautiful place where looking out at the sea breaking on the shore, listening to the rustle of the palm fronds and feeling the salty breeze on my skin, is gracious plenty. I mean my time here in Florida in this home away from home where I find myself.
Speaking with some friends earlier, we discussed the inner conflict between our desire to do rather than to accept – simply by being who we are – could be what the occasion calls for. Being me, in the past, has mostly meant interacting with others in person, in workshops and in public speaking. I am grateful for the technology which offers us so many opportunities to connect and speak and listen and learn – especially now when connecting physically is challenging. But it’s not my preference.
We spoke about the video I posted last week where the shaman called us to be a lighthouse wherever we are in this momentous time, shining our light, shifting heavy energy in the world, trusting that’s enough.
In my meditation sitting under this palm tree, I imagined being a lighthouse without any need to know who – if anyone – was seeing my light or how many ships I saved from near disaster. That knowing wouldn’t make me a better lighthouse, would it? I also thought a lighthouse has a flashing light, not a constant shine. I smiled at the idea of not always being ‘on’. Some days, like yesterday, I could pause from riding, writing and reflecting. I don’t always have to be inspiring (to myself or others). Flashing my light by being me in whatever way I am, can be enough.
I imagine in my heart’s desire there is more but today it is enough.
May 1, 2020